Water Tops EPA's Hurricane Supply List

As much of the East Coast prepares for the potential emergencies of Hurricane Isabel’s landfall, the Environmental Protection Agency would like to remind everyone of steps you can take to provide your family with a clean, fresh supply of drinking water available during emergencies.

You should have at least a three-gallon supply of water per person. Typically, this would be enough water for three days. Water should be stored in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Soft drink bottles, for instance, work very well. The containers should be tightly sealed, labeled, and stored in a cool, dark place.

If you do not have stored water and there is an emergency, you can use the water in your pipes and hot-water tank, and you can use melted ice cubes. The water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl) can also be used as a last resort. For more information, please contact EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or 703-285-1093. You can also contact the Hotline via email at [email protected].

Source: EPA