In the case of an emergency, water will become your new best friend. Water is invaluable no matter what type of emergency you are dealing with. It is the basis of life and without it you are dead in a matter of days.
Because of this, water should not only be a primary piece to your emergency preparedness plan but you should also have a plan of distribution when the emergency water is needed. Rationing your water will be difficult if unplanned for and unpracticed.
According to the EPA, the average American family of four will use 400 gallons of water per day. Although a lot of this comes from our dependency on modern conveniences like toilets, washing machines, dishwashers etc., you still need to consider the necessity of planning to reserve your life saving water as much as possible.
So check out these 8 quick-start tips to help you save your water in an emergency:
1. Dry Wash Your Hair
Although frequent bathing is still a necessity in an emergency, your hair can go much longer in between washes. Only wash your hair every three or four visits to bath. For the time in-between, dry wash it with cornstarch to keep it from getting greasy and uncomfortable.
2. Store Paper Eating Supplies
Instead of planning on using your current household dishes, store a variety of paper plates, bowls, cups and utensils. By using these disposable versions, you will save your water for more important things than washing dishes.
3. Bathe Multiple Children at the Same Time
If you have kids, throw them all in a bath together. Stretch out the use of the water by scrubbing them down all at once instead of refilling it with warm water for each child.
4. Line Pots and Pans
This one goes along the same lines as paper eating supplies. If you line your cookware with either aluminum foil or parchment paper, you minimize your need to clean up. Most of the time you’ll be able to simply toss the lining with no water clean up at all.
5. Recycle Cooking Water
Many recipes require water that will be discarded (reconstituting freeze dried foods, cooking pasta, etc.) For these recipes, keep a separate 5 gallon bucket to keep this water in. Once you have a reasonable amount of water stored up, filter it and use it again.
6. Recycle Urine
This one isn’t for the faint in heart but every trip to the bathroom begins to add up. You can add this to your “dirty water” supply from the previous tip and just filter it with the rest of your water. If you have a good water filter it will come out on the other side clean and pure.
7. Recycle Bathing Water
Recycling – same as the last two. Sponge bathe in a basin that will catch your excess water. Add it to your dirty water supply and filter it.
8. Bathe with Water Infrequently
There are other ways of “bathing” without using water (or as much). Things like body wipes, sanitizer and sponge bathes will significantly cut down on your water usage and help bridge the gap between baths.
How else does your family intend to keep your water lasting? Leave your ideas and comments below.
Cook (or boil) using ziplok bags?