Although there is an abundant supply of water in nature, it takes specific processes for the natural reserve of water to be tapped, purified, and made available for use in different outlets such as homes, industries, etc. There can be emergencies where the water supply flow can be hindered, making you stranded. For example, natural disasters such as floods, winter storms, tornadoes, or hurricanes can sometimes cause displacements in settlements or destroy water supply systems.

Milder situations due to plumbing issues such as water pipe breakage can also cause a water outage. What would you do if such emergencies occurred and affected your access to water for some days?

Here are some helpful tips that can help you afloat in any water outage.

• Draw a preparedness plan for yourself and the entire family and ensure that everyone gets familiar with it. This plan should contain the steps you will take if the water outage extends for a longer time.
• Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit and inspect its contents from time to time to ensure they are in good shape.
• Prioritize storing some drinking water in giant jugs. This will keep drinking water available over a few days. Also, practice storing water in buckets. This will make water available for toilet use during water outages.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers within reach and ensure that everyone in the family can have access to it.

If you suspect your water was turned off, here are specific steps to take while you await your supply to be restored.

• Call the water emergencies line to confirm if the water supply interruption is widespread or limited to your property.
• Do not keep any hot and cold water faucets on. All household appliances which need water to run (e.g., bath, shower, dishwasher, built-in icemaker, etc.) should be put off. That will help you save some water before your supply is restored.
• For safety, you should also put off any equipment that may be damaged due to lack of water supply, for example, water-cooled computers, boilers for heating, and air conditioners).

Here are some additional tips to help you through water outage moments.

1. Prioritize hygiene

Once you begin to hear of predictions of natural disasters, endeavor to fill your bathtub with water. Acquire water storage containers, ensure they are clean, and fill them with water. Also, ensure that the water in your bathtub is clean and that there’s a means to transfer water from there to another location within the house. For instance, buckets will be useful here.

2. Deal wisely with wastes

Most toilets can continue to flush wastes if you fill the bowl with water. In situations of temporary water outages, you can keep pouring water manually into the tank, reaching just below the overflow pipe so that you can flush. However, remember to flush only human waste and limit toilet paper use. Dealing with a clogged toilet is the last thing you want to get into in an emergency like a water outage.

3. Minimize water usage

Avoid wasteful use of water during emergencies. One way to reduce water consumption is to avoid washing dishes by using more disposable paper and plastic. In preparing for a water outage, ensure that you have as many clean clothes as possible as you might be unable to do laundry as often as you want it.

With the tips shared in this guide, you’ll be able to deal with most of the inconveniences that water outages can bring.