Do I have enough water?

My heart goes out to the people of Japan and their many problems. I am frustrated because I see the terrible situation and as a person I don’t know what I can do to help their suffering. I may not be able to help the Japanese but I can do something to help my family prepare for a similar emergency or natural disaster.

I can’t help feel that there is one aspect of Japan’s troubles that could affect us here in the US. Radiation. I hope with all my heart that officials in Japan can contain the nuclear radiation, but what if? What if the worst happens? U. S. authorities have not publicly addressed the worst case scenario and how it could affect us in Hawaii or the mainland. I guess it depends on many things, especially the jet stream.

As I look at possible scenarios I consider that a worst case situation would include the real possibility that radiation makes it to the mainland. If this happens will the authorities declare marshall law and tell us that we have to be sealed in our houses for a week or more? I hope not, but what if?

As I review my own preparedness I am reminded of “The principle of Threes”

Life is threatened when a person goes;

Three minutes without oxygen
Three hours without shelter or warmth
Three days without water
Three weeks without food.

I can’t imagine being locked up in my home for several weeks, but if it happened, would my family be able to do it? Though I have made efforts to store some emergency water, do I have enough to survive for an extended period of time? If we don’t use any water for cooking or cleaning, then it is said that the minimum water required to sustain life is ½ gallon per day per person. In the desert, hot or high altitude areas then it the need goes up to a gallon per day per person.

Do I have enough water? Does my extended family, friends and employees have enough water? If an emergency is declared will the store shelves be emptied within hours? What can I do to avoid the mad rush to get food, supplies and water?

So, I am telling myself, my family and associates to get water bottles, while it is on sale at the grocery store. Of course if I prepare and it is not needed, I can always rotate the water so I am further along in case another type of disaster or emergency happens in my area.

Getting a little extra water is just a good insurance policy that doesn’t cost very much.

Have a good day.