Aug. 30, 2004 – According to Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett, the following steps should be taken to be assured of adequate and safe drinking water in the aftermath of a hurricane.
Since the information was faxed to the news media on Monday evening, this might be something to think about as the next hurricane approaches.
– Downspouts leading to cisterns should be disconnected or blocked.
– A two-week supply of water for drinking, cooking and bathing should be kept in a weatherproof place, preferably indoors. Figure on 20 gallons of water per person per day, multiplied by 14 days. For a family of four that would be 1,120 gallons.
– Disinfecting agents such as liquid chlorine bleach (containing 5.25 percent sodium hypochorite), powered chlorine (active ingredient calcium hypochloride) or iodine should be stored in a safe place.
– A supply of sterile potable water bottles or other suitable containers should be on hand to store water.
– A list of emergency water supplies should be obtained from the DPNR Environmental Protection Division – on St. Thomas on the second floor of the Cyril E. King Terminal, and on St. Croix at 45 Mars Hill in Frederiksted.
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