WATER

Technolithic Recommends:

STAYING PUT

As I've already said, I don't use plastic containers for long-term storage, despite the fact that everyone from the Mormons to FEMA says you should. So here's my recommendation for long-term drinking water storage:

1) Buy cases of glass-bottled, wide-mouthed, quart-size fruit juices or sports drinks in cardboard boxes or trays (preferably light-colored liquids with reduced sugar and minimal sediment). You can use larger glass bottles, but the weight may become a problem.

2) Consume the original contents at your leisure, but NEVER DRINK DIRECTLY FROM THE BOTTLES -- YOUR MOUTH IS FILTHY!

3) Wash and thoroughly rinse the bottles and tops (use the hottest water possible with biodegradable dish soap to avoid the nastier forms of soap residue -- I use heat-resistant silicon gloves during cleaning).

4) Refill with filtered tap water and place the bottles back in the original cardboard containers. You'll want to relabel the bottles as well, since mysterious clear liquids are always unwelcome. With shallow cardboard cases, wrap some clear duct tape around the bottle clusters to keep them more stable.

5) Full cases can be stacked to a stable height (about shoulder high), especially in a corner or up against a wall. Remember, you will want to be able to safely reach the upper cases.

With this method I can store 21 GALLONS in about the same space taken up by a standing, slightly obese, 6-foot human.

Bulk Water Storage: If you have the space outdoors, set up rain barrels to collect and hold water that can be used for toilet flushing, or with filtering, can serve as a backup drinking and washing supply. Rain Barrels and More has 50 to 65 gal. types with screen covered tops (water flows in, critters stay out) and bottom spigots for easy access.

Portable Toilets: Most people usually find out the hard way, but sewage can make an enclosed space -- like a shelter or your house -- uninhabitable in short order. If you lose your water supply and you don't have backup water to fill the toilets, you'd better invest in a portable chemical toilet. The simplest ones, like the Reliance Hassock, work just fine and are very inexpensive. They're basically a short barrel with a seat and chemical treatment kit. For a little more money -- but a lot more portability, eco-friendliness and less "pooh" fuss -- get the Philips PETT Toilet. There's even an optional custom privacy tent that essentially creates a mobile outhouse.

Body Cleansing: Another unpleasant development that usually blossoms in a few days is body order. Without showers or even extra water for washing, you and your mates can get pretty ripe. Having pre-moistened handiwipes around is a good start, but you should pick up few packs of Micelle's Fresh Bath's Body Wipes that feature large biodegrable pre-moistened sheets that will take care of your entire body. These are also a great friend to have during an evacuation.

If you just have to shower now and then, there's always the trusty solar shower. My favorite is Coleman's 5-Gallon Marine model. You can also go a step further and treat yourself with Coleman's Battery-Powered Shower. In the Energy section, I'll show you how to heat up bathing water and keep your batteries charged.

PRELIMINARIES | WATER | FOOD | ENERGY