Provisioning water
After a disaster hits, having safe water for drinking, cleaning and cooking will be a priority.
Basic preparations
We recommend a minimum of 1 gallon per person and animal per day. Store more if you can. Because we are an island and hence more vulnerable, we recommend a goal of 30 days’ supply. That’s a LOT of water, so be creative with multiple sources (ponds, cisterns, rain barrels, etc.) to complement the bottled water you store.
Store extra water if you’ll need it to rehydrate dried food.
Treat and seal the water in BPA-free containers and store in a cool, dark, dry place where it won’t freeze.
Create and store a portable toilet system. Pay particular attention to location and ensure you can wash with soap after use. Several YouTube videos will show you how to build one with a 5-gallon bucket. Here is just one: Portable toilet for emergency preparedness. King County suggests several solutions: How to create an emergency toilet.
Keep toilet paper, disposable wipes, rags, hand sanitizer, and liquid soap on hand.
Advanced preparations
Purchase water filtering and purification tools so you can use additional water sources if needed. We recommend—but you are certainly not limited to—LifeStraw personal water filter and Aquamira Tablets. Other options are easy to find on the web.
Know how to turn off your water at the pipe.
Connect rain barrels to downspouts for additional storage—OR—install a cistern.
Know how to check your well for damage and get water from it when the power is out: How to inspect your private well and Cheap and easy, emergency well pump requires no electricity.
Know how to check your septic system for damage: Do-it-yourself septic system inspection video.
Heroic preparations (preparing to help others)
Work with neighbors to store supplies and identify locations for outdoor showers and latrines.
Store extra water for your neighborhood and visitors who might be stranded here.