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Buffalo
County, Nebraska >
County Offices
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Emergency Manager
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Emergency Food & Water
Supply
If
a tornado, ice storm, winter storm or other disaster ever
strikes your community, you might not have access to food,
water and electricity for days. By taking a little time now
to store emergency food and water supplies, you can provide
for your entire family.
WATER:
THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY
Stocking water reserves should be among your
top priorities in preparing for an emergency. You should store
at least a three-day supply of water for each member of your
family. Everyone's needs will differ, depending upon age,
physical condition, activity, diet and time of year. A normally
active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water
each day, but the heat of summer can cause a person to need
double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people
will also need more. You will need additional water for food
preparation and hygiene, so it is recommended that you store
a total of at least one gallon per person, per day.
How
To Store Emergency Water Supplies
You
can store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass,
fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container
that has held toxic substances, because tiny amounts may remain
in the container's pores. Sound plastic containers, such as
soft drink bottles, are best.
Before
storing your water, treat it with a preservative, such as
chlorine bleach, to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Use liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite
and no soap. Add four drops of bleach per quart of water (or
two scant teaspoons per 10 gallons), and stir. Seal your
water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool,
dark place.
Another
method to store water is to simply purchase bottled water
and leave the seals intact, but remember to rotate your water
every six months or as date stamped on the bottles.
Hidden
Water Sources in Your Home
If
a disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water,
you can use water in your hot-water tank, in your plumbing
and in ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the
reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl), but purify it
first (described later).
Water
beds hold up to 400 gallons, but some water beds contain toxic
chemicals that are not fully removed by many purifiers. If
you designate a water bed in your home as an emergency resource,
drain it yearly and refill it with fresh water containing
two ounces of bleach per 120 gallons.
To
use the water in your pipes, let air into the plumbing by
turning on the highest faucet in your house and draining the
water from the lowest one.
To
use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity
or gas is off, and open the drain at the bottom of the tank.
Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve
and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas
or electricity when the tank is empty.
Do
you know the location of your incoming water valve? You'll
need to shut if off to stop contaminated water from entering
your home if you hear reports of broken water or sewage lines.
Family
Disaster Supply Kit
It's
2:00 a.m. and a railroad derailment has caused officials to
order an evacuation of half of the community. There's no time
to gather food from the kitchen, fill bottles with water,
grab a first-aid kit from the closet and snatch a flashlight
and a portable radio from the bedroom. You need to have these
items packed and ready in one place before disaster hits.
Pack
at least a three-day supply of food and water, and store it
in a handy place. Choose foods that are easy to carry, nutritious
and ready-to-eat. In addition, pack these emergency items:
- Medical
supplies and first aid manual
- Hygiene
supplies
- Portable
radio, flashlights and extra batteries
- Shovel
and other useful tools
- Money
and matches in a waterproof container
- Fire
extinguisher
- Blanket
and extra clothing
- Infant
and small children's needs (if appropriate)
FOOD:
PREPARING AN EMERGENCY STOCKPILE
If activity is reduced, healthy people can
survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period
and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may
be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.
If
your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are
high in fat and protein, and don't stock salty foods, since
they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers,
whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.
You
don't need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an
emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes
and other staples on your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar
foods are important. They can lift morale and give a feeling
of security in time of stress. Also, canned foods won't require
cooking, water or special preparation. The following are
recommended short-term and long-term food storage plans.
Storage
Tips
- Keep
food in the driest and coolest spot in the house, a dark
area if possible.
- Keep
food covered at all times.
- Open
food boxes or cans carefully so that you can close them
tightly after each use.
- Wrap
cookies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight
containers.
- Empty
opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top
jars or air-tight cans to protect them from pests.
- Inspect
all food containers for signs of spoilage before use.
Short-Term
Food Supplies
Even
though it is unlikely that an emergency would cut off your
food supply for a week, you should prepare a supply that will
last that long. A supply that will last for a week can relieve
a great deal of inconvenience and uncertainty until services
are restored.
The
easiest way to develop a stockpile is to increase the amount
of basic foods you normally keep on your shelves. Remember
to compensate for the amount you eat from other sources (such
as restaurants) during an average week.
You
may already have a supply of food on hand that will last for
a week. Keeping it fresh is simple. Just rotate your supply
once or twice a year.
Special
Considerations to Keep in Mind
As
you stock food, take into account your family's unique needs
and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and
that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require
no refrigeration, preparation or cooking are best.
Individuals
with special diets and allergies will need particular attention,
as will babies, toddlers and the elderly. Nursing mothers
may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse.
Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for
the ill or elderly.
Make
sure you have a can opener and disposable utensils. And don't
forget nonperishable foods for your pets.
How
to Store Your Short-Term Stockpile
Keep
canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly
cool--not above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and not below freezing.
Rotate
your food supply. Use foods before they go bad, and replace
them with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker. Place
new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in
front.
How to Cook if the Power Goes
Out
For emergency cooking you can use your propane
or charcoal grill or camp stove outdoors only. Canned food
can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat it in the can,
be sure to open the can and remove the label first.
Nutrition Tips
In a crisis, it will be vital that you maintain
your strength. So remember:
- Eat
at least one well-balanced meal each day.
- Drink
enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (two
quarts a day).
- Take
in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work.
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