Survival Tip: Utilities

Gas:

Learn where you can turn off the gas in your home or work. Turn gas off when you smell gar, hear gas leaking, have a fire, or have significant structural damage.

Water:

Heating water three to five minutes at a rolling boil should kill most bacteria and is the safest purifying method.

Do not drink flood water!

Let water rest so suspended particles settle to the bottom of your container then filter.

Learn where the water valve is in your home or work. Shut off the water to prevent contaminated water from entering the house.

When there is a dire need for water, water from the water tank, water pipes,ice cubes, or toilet tank, NOT BOWL, can be used.  This water can also be used to flush toilets or heated for washing.

Sewage:

If sewer lines are disrupted, what can you do?

Dig a 2-or3-foot latrine trench and sprinkle a thin layer of powdered lime over the waste each time it is used.  Cover trench with a thin layer of dirt.

Extra strong storage bags can be double bagged and placed in a 5-gallon water tight plastic or metal container for a latrine.  House hold bleach can be used to control the odor.  As the bag fills, it can be buried after securing the bag for leakage.  I have also seen toilet seats for sale that fit on a bucket.

Camping toilets, RV toilets, portable toilets and other portable temporary latrines can be used. 

Relevant Articles:

Survival Tip: Food Storage

Survival Tip: Earthquake

Surgeon General and Healthy Homes

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