Let’s talk about preparing for storms this year. Our customers had water during last year’s storms. They will have water during this year’s storms. They have made water security a priority for themselves, their families, and their loved ones.
The nature of storms appears to be changing, so preparing for storms is more important that ever. Storm struck early in 2023 hitting many communities hard in the south and central U.S. where families were without water for over a week and some for two or more weeks.
Emergency water preparation isn’t new, but the methods of preparing are changing–and for good reason. In the past, we filled sinks and tubs, found and purchased bottled water, and filled sinks and tubs as the storms approached.
However, times are changing and the climate is too! It may be time you thought about how you prepare for storms and severe weather. Will you have adequate emergency water during the upcoming hurricane season, or during droughts, or wildfires, or earthquakes, or tornadoes?
Are you at risk of severe weather?
Every part of the U.S. is at risk of a natural disaster–Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, mud slides, wildfires, droughts, etc. Storms appears to be more frequent and of greater intensity. This makes more people at risk of water out scenarios.
The climate is changing, and it may be a long-term change that we simply cannot redirect anytime soon.
But our families are changing as well:
- We are aging as a society–simply getting older.
- We remain in our homes longer–we like where we live and want to stay there.
- We are living alone longer–it’s more common for our elderly loved ones to stay in their homes even after a spouse passes.
All of these changes simply mean have to better prepare than we may have in the past. With Constant Water you can prepare for storms easier and better, and also be environmentally friendly.
80 percent of falls happen in the bathroom, according to National Institute on Aging.
30%–50% of falls are due to environmental causes (eg, slippery floors, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces)
Storm Impact is More Severe and Longer Lasting
More severe storms mean more severe damage. Water and power will likely be out for longer periods of time than in the past. Even multiple gallons of bottled water are likely not enough for a long-term outage. Many in the south were without water for weeks. Will you have enough water for consumption and cooking? Will you have water for basic sanitation and hygiene? Will you be able to flush your toilet?
Evacuate or Hunker Down–Some Additional Checklists to Help
In a previous article, we highlighted some checklists to help you prepare for major weather events. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has two checklists specifically for hurricanes that you should review.
The Evacuation Guide addresses all the things you should consider when planning to evacuate you home before the storm.
The Inland Impacts Guide discusses the risks to homes and communities from the hurricane as it moves inland from the coast.
Whether you decide to stay in place or move to higher ground, the better prepared you are, the better decisions you’ll make.
Impacts of Storm Damage May Not be Immediately Visible
Drastic pressure changes are not good for aging water infrastructures. Too little pressure on the inside or too little pressure on the outside, can cause water mains to break. The damage done to public water infrastructures by prolonged droughts may show itself when the ground around the water mains dries out allowing them to expand. During drought conditions a few years ago, some cities in Texas experienced hundreds of water main breaks a day.
It’s getting harder for our public utilities companies to assure their service to you. They are doing everything they can, but recurring disasters take a toll on providers as well.
When should you prepare for storms? As soon as you can. You, your family, and your loved ones can be ready for the next storm and every storm after that. You don’t have to fill sinks and tubs or buy bottled water. You don’t have to carry buckets of water and risk slipping on wet floors as you try to flush the toilet. You can have water to every faucet and toilet in your home without buckets or buying dozens of plastic water bottles.
See why so many trust Constant Water systems for their family’s water security. Let us help you be ready for the next storm and every storm after that!
