Yes. Emergency water was as scarce as toilet paper. At a speed no one could imagine, our lives changed. Change was forced on us, at a national level, in ways not seen in almost four family generations.
In the end, perhaps we will be better for it. Perhaps we will recognize that preparation is important and that planning ahead can save a great deal of heartache and pain. We can hope.
Hope is not a Strategy—Action is
But, hope is not a strategy during a national emergency. The nationwide shortage of something as simple as toilet paper (who would have thought) was accompanied by shortages in disinfectants and bottled water. Both arguably more important during a disaster event, but equally limited as people prepare for the worst.
We recognized early that during a crisis, supply and demand limit the availability of emergency water. Our supply chains aren’t structured to meet a sudden and massive demand for almost anything. They’re particularly ill-structured for critical items that remain dependent on centralized warehousing and distribution systems. Supply chains are also staffed by people who may be impacted by the disaster or simply told to stay home, as we’re seeing now, to reduce the spread of disease. But, supply chains don’t need to be restructured. Our approach to personal preparedness does.
Our Lives Have Changed—So Should Our Approach to Preparedness
We can help ourselves individually, and as a nation, by making changes going forward. We can better prepare, and we should use the current events as a model for how we prepare.
While toilet paper has been the most widely publicized shortage, it is not the most critical shortage. Emergency water is. Cloth diapers were used long before disposable diapers. Fabrics (Clean and green, just wash in between.), plants, and plain old water was used long before toilet paper became the standard. But, there has never been a suitable substitute for potable water, and for as far as we can see, there will not be one.
Will this current event impact those most at risk of being without water? Will future events, event localized ones, leave the rural, low income, elderly, or those with pressing medical needs limited in their ability to obtain emergency water?
Make an Emergency Water supply Part of Your Life
The Center for Disease Control recommends a 30-day supply of water in your home during the coronavirus crisis. They also recommend that bottled water be replaced every 6 months. While bottled water is our national “go-to” approach, a permanent whole-house emergency system might make a better approach. If you need to replace your emergency water supply when there’s a run on bottled water, you may come up short.
Constant Water systems are a permanently installed, continuously recycled, whole-house/business systems that assure a potable emergency water supply during a crisis. Don’t hope water will be available at the store. Have it in place—always.
Whatever approach you choose for your emergency water, make it part of your life now. Purchase it, monitor it for safety, and recycle it to keep it fresh. We can help.
Constant Water—Always Full, Always Fresh, Always Ready.
