In times of emergency we may realize that clean water is of prime importance

Then we start to look for places or containers to store it. It is here that we must be careful what we use.

How Not to Store Water

In an emergency survival situation, you may be tempted to store water in any available container.

However, when you can, plan for emergency water storage, your water storage options can be better defined. Let’s start with what not to store water in:

• Containers that can’t be sealed tightly
• Containers that can break, such as glass bottles
• Containers that have ever held any toxic substance
• Plastic milk cartons or bottles
• Hard plastic bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol
• Used pre-packaged water bottles

Any containers that can not be sealed tightly are not a good choice for water storage as contaminants may easily enter the container. While glass bottles are easily cleaned and may seal well, their breakability and weight make them to be less desirable for emergency water storage use.

Obviously, you would not intentionally store water in any container that previously held a toxic substance. Such substances can not be adequately cleaned from the walls of the container. If you don’t know what was in a particular container – it should not be used. The biggest problem with plastic milk cartons is their inability to be resealed, plus they are difficult to clean and break down over time.

We now know that hard plastic bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol, may leach BPA (Bisphenol A) and should not be used for water storage. The type of plastic bottle in which water is usually sold is generally a #1, and is recommended for one time use only. Do not refill these pre-packaged water bottles.

It is plastics made with BPA, used for example for baby bottles and plastic dishes that are used in the microwave that need to be avoided

Not all plastics are harmful however so it is a good idea to become aware of which ones are safe

Protect your world by making a plan for your home, business and school.

Choose the right emergency preparedness supplies

Safe plastics

• PET plastics: examples include some soft drink, water and sports  bottles and jam jars.They are not known to leach any toxic chemicals

• High density polyethylene or HDPE for short and Polypropylene are plastic containers used for water, juice, ketchup and milk bottles, margarine and yoghurt tubs, rubbish bags and grocery shopping bags.There is no evidence of these containers leaching any cancer causing chemicals

• Low-density polyethylene  such as frozen food bags is not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer

How to Store Water

Refill your emergency water storage container with tap water. You should dump and refill each container every 6 months to keep it fresh.

TIP: Using a garden hose to fill containers from an exterior hose bib can result in water that has a distinct plastic or rubbery taste. Instead, try using a potable water hose found at most RV service centers.

All public water supplies are already treated and should be free of harmful bacteria. However, as an additional precaution, it is recommended that you add 5-7 drops, about 1/8 teaspoon, of chlorine bleach per gallon of water stored. This precaution protects you against any lingering organisms in storage containers that may have been inadvertently missed during the cleaning process.

Water preserver Concentrate

You may also extend the storage life of your water by using a product called Water Preserver™ Concentrate.

This is a liquid additive that disinfects, preserves and extends the safe storage life of emergency drinking water. Water Preserver™ provides 5-year storage guaranteed for regular tap water or commercial bottled water. Water Preserver™ kills and prevents the re-growth of Coliform bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms for 5 years, when used as directed. Water Preserver™ kills the pathogenic organisms responsible for typhoid, dysentery and other serious diseases, and also kills and prevents growth of yeast, mold, fungi and algae which also make water undrinkable.

Do not store your emergency water supply in the attic due to the potential for excessive floor loading (water weighs 8.3 lb/gallon) and leakage. Don’t stack containers over 2 high and secure them from falling over, especially in earthquake zones.

If possible, store emergency water in a cool dark place. To increase the shelf-life of water stored in translucent containers, group the containers together in dark plastic bags to keep out the light.

Store your water supply away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or similar substances that give off vapors.

Recommended Water Storage Containers

Plastic water bottles are very convenient for carrying water around when we are on the go, as they don’t break if we drop them. However, it is worth paying attention to the type of plastic your water bottle is made of, to ensure that the chemicals in the plastic do not leach into the water. To be certain that you are choosing a bottle that does not leach chemicals, check the recycling symbol on the bottle. If it has a #1, #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a #5 PP (polypropylene), your bottle is fine.

Survival quantities of water can be purchased in small single-use packages including juice boxes and pouches. Such water is packaged with a 5 year shelf-life as approved by the U. S. Coast Guard. Larger quantities of water may be stored safely in approved containers such as 2 gallon plastic bags, 5 gallon containers or 55 gallon barrels. A key consideration with larger containers is the inability to move them or carry them very far once they are full.

Cleaning Water Storage Containers

Assuming you are using an approved storage container as noted above, follow the steps below to clean your container.

Step 1: Drain all water from your emergency storage container. Keep in mind, you do not have to throw this water away, it can be used to water plants, the lawn, or even give the dog a bath.

Step 2: Mix dish washing soap and clean water and pour into your storage container. Agitate the container so that the soap and water mixture hits all of the cracks and crevices and internal surfaces including the cap or pour spout.

Step 3: Thoroughly rinse your water storage container several times with clean tap water to remove any soap residue.

Step 4: Mix a solution of 4 cups water and 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach (with 5.25% – 6% sodium hypochlorite as an active ingredient) for every gallon of water your storage container holds.

WARNING: Do not use scented or “color safe” bleach products. Liquid bleach loses strength over time. If the bleach is a year old, double the amount to 2 tablespoons. Two year old bleach should not be used. Bleach should be stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat to avoid deterioration.

Step 5: Pour the bleach solution into the container and close the top of the container and shake it, roll it and swish the solution around in the container until it has been well rinsed Allow the solution to sit in the bottom of the container for at least thirty minutes. This solution will clean several containers.

Step 6: Open the container and pour the solution into the next container, assuming it is the same size. Repeat the rinsing action described in Step 5. When done, dispose of the bleach solution in a load of white laundry in your washing machine.

Step 7: Thoroughly rinse the container(s) several times with clean tap water. If any algae or discoloration is visible, do not reuse the container.

Dangers of Water Storage

If water is stored improperly (in heat, lid not tight, outside air comes in contact with the water, etc.), or if the freshness/expiration date is exceeded, the water may become contaminated.

Vapors from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, paint or similar substances can permeate Polyethylene plastic containers (water, milk, and bleach bottles) and affect the water quality. Thick-walled polyethylene containers are significantly less permeable to such vapors.

Stored water may eventually develop a disagreeable appearance, taste, or odor. A lot of times people will refer to stored water “tasting flat.” This condition can generally be resolved by pouring the water from one container to another, back and forth about three or four times to aerate the water.

Public water agencies don’t chemically treat drinking water with the intent of keeping it preserved forever. While Chloramine is a good preservative, public drinking water is not designed to have a long shelf-life. When you pour water into a container, don’t assume it will last forever.

Author: Jim Serre

Copyright © 2009 GetReadyGear.com

Jim Serre has over 30 years of engineering, safety and corporate training experience. He is an Office of Emergency Services qualified Search & Rescue Unit member in two northern California counties. He has provided Emergency Training to thousands of citizens in neighborhoods, businesses and faith-based groups and is a certified instructor for FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team training. His knowledge of survival and preparedness skills make him uniquely qualified to design emergency kits that can save your life. For more emergency preparedness information see his website at www.getreadygear.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_780467_27.html

Protect your world by making a plan for your home, business and school.

Choose the right emergency preparedness supplies

Technorati Tags: bottles, buy, clear, container, containers, drink, drinking, empty, plastic, refilling, storage, used, water

Well, that may be over simplifying it, but containers go a long way when you have an organizing dilemma. Do not go out and just start buying containers thinking then you will be organized. Containers can become clutter too. Here are eleven tips to help you select and use the right container in your home.

Measure the space where you are going to put the container. Measure the height, width and depth. Make a note of the room you will use it in. When you go to the store remember to take these measurements with you. It is so exciting to see all the containers that stores offer you may forget why you are there and buy containers you don’t need.

Consider where it will be used and buy accordingly. If it is going to be out of site, in a storage room or in the garage buy the heavy duty containers rather than those purchased for their looks as well as for their purpose.

Buy containers that can be stacked on top of each other for storage. These would be heavy plastic, or they could be clear plastic bins if heavy items aren’t going to be stored in them.

If you are going to store items like food or water either at home as plastic water storage tanks, drinking water containers, or as an  office water cooler look on the bottom of the container where there is a number in a triangle. Plastic containers with #3 and above are safe to store food items in. Numbers 7 & 8 are best. A plastic container lower than a #3 will leak toxins.

>> Get A Top Drinking Water Filter System Here!

To store china or other breakable dishes use plastic padded containers. They come with dividers for cups as well. After putting the china in the containers then place in a hard plastic tub for extra protection if you plan on moving. The china containers cost about $20.00 for the round ones. There are also boxes ideal for square plates. They sell for about $30.00.

Glass containers are great for the kitchen as they don’t pit and discolor. Glass is not recommended for the bathroom in the tub/shower area because it is breakable.

Linens, quilts, or blankets should not be stored for a long period of time (Over one year) in plastic. There are cloth bags on the market for these items. Plastic sweats which can cause fabric to rot.

Baskets made of bamboo, or wicker are ideal to be used anywhere in the home as they are attractive and functional. They can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth. They can be used for magazines, books, crafts, to give as gifts or to package gifts in as part of the gift.

Containers for seasonal storage can be color coded. Red/green for Christmas, pink for Easter/spring, blue for snowmen/winter, red for summer/4th of July, orange/black for Halloween or Thanksgiving. It is easy to pick the right bin for the right holiday when the bins are color coded.

Cloth containers are ideal for clothing, if storing a valuable dress such as a wedding dress, formal or other type of clothing ties rather than a zipper are best as the zipper can rust and it can get on the clothing.

Use containers to organize all drawers from the bedroom to resource drawers. The purpose of containers is to contain-drawers will stay neat and tidy when there are limits to what can go in them and where the item is to stay.

Before buying any container look around your home and see if you can use containers in other ways than originally purchased. Such as; a jar for buttons, a tin that held mints for change in the car, the plastic zippered bag that sheets came in can be used for craft projects, let your imagination run wild. Do not buy a container just because it is cute or pretty. And don’t buy because it is on sale and you think you might be able to use it someday, unless you use it, it has the potential to just become more clutter.

Marilyn Bohn’s Bio

Marilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and is working towards becoming a Certified Professional Organizer. Professionally she has been organizing homes and offices for over two years. She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah.

Marilyn invites you to visit her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful articles on organizing.

Originally published on SearchWarp.com for Marilyn Bohn Monday, April 07, 2008
Article Source: Eleven Tips to Know Before Buying a Container

Technorati Tags: container, containers, drinking water, office, plastic, storage, tanks, water, water cooler

This age we are living in is often referred to as the Plastic Age, and with good reason.

Plastic has become one of the raw materials that is used most widely today.

Plastic Storage Containers, Bins and Boxes

Take plastic containers, for instance, from hazardous waste to food, they are used to package, store, and hold just about anything.

Tough enough to be stacked and moldable enough to be made into space saving shapes, plastic containers can be used to maximize storage room. The wide range of plastic containers can be matched by the equally wide range of their storage uses. For every storage requirement they are used for, plastic storage containers have their own quality, type, color, size, and shape of plastic. Plastic containers are useful for commercial products, industrial uses, as well as for maximizing storage options in homes.

Most people find plastic storage bottles and boxes very convenient for storing a wide range of things. For instance, all sizes of plastic food storage boxes come in very handy in the kitchen. Some can be used to store condiments, sugar, and flour, while others can be used to keep pastas and cereals. Plastic storage containers are also great for keeping cutlery, napkins, and other paraphernalia that you don’t want cluttering up the kitchen. And, of course, one of the best ways to keep foods fresh is to refrigerate them in plastic storage boxes.

Plastic storage containers are also very handy in the bathroom in order to keep washed clothes and towels neatly in the linen closet. For instance, most kids have the habit of ploughing through towels and clothes and shoving them all back haphazardly. One way to counter this is to get plastic storage bins where washed clothes, hand towels and towels can be put, so that kids can pull out each bin to find the things they are looking for. In the bedrooms, each member of the family can have his or her own plastic storage box that can be slid under the bed, which can be used for storing off season clothing, such as shorts and t-shirts in the winter and warm socks and sweaters in the summer. This helps to free up space in closets and dresser drawers.

Plastic storage bins are also great for storing seasonal decorations such as Halloween and Easter decorations and Christmas ornaments. In fact, separate storage bins can be used for each season. Each of these plastic storage containers can be labeled and color coded, so that finding things becomes easy when you need them. Plastic storage bins and boxes prevent the decorations and the ornaments from being crushed, plus they can be stacked, which helps in creating more space in your storage area, whether it is the attic, garage, or the basement.

There are also plastic water storage containers that come in very handy for storing water in emergency situations such as a flood, tornado, ice storm or blizzard. They come in various sizes and are available in most hardware stores. And of course, for every day use, you have the ubiquitous plastic water bottles that are so common everywhere.

Given below are a few more ideas about using plastic storage containers for various purposes:

Plastic storage boxes for paper: There are plastic bankers boxes that are very handy for storing files and paper. They are stackable, collapsible, and come with handles so that they can be maneuvered easily.

Plastic storage bins for outdoors: While clear plastic storage containers that are stackable are ideal for indoor usage, but colored and heavier plastic storage bins are the best for attic, garage and outdoor storage.

Open plastic storage bins for children: These brightly colored storage bins are available in units that are about 30 inches in height and are removable, hence toys kept in them are within easy reach and are visible.

Lidded plastic containers for toys: These containers are stackable and come with hinged lids and handles, which makes them convenient for carrying about.

Stackable plastic boxes: These come in various sizes and are ideal for storing in closets, or under the bathroom sink, or in offices. The small plastic boxes are great for keeping items like clips, contact lenses, bandages, ointments and so on.

While wooden boxes, leather covered containers, and containers made of woven cane may be regarded as more tasteful, but as far as versatility, durability, and maintenance is concerned, there is nothing to beat plastic storage containers, bins and boxes.

By Rita Putatunda

More info on plastic water containers:

Seed Starting  Green Peony

Benefits There are seeds for any type of gardener. You can purchase flower, herb, vegetable, and others. You get more plants for your dollar. (Join a seed swap or save seed from the prior year for even more savings. We’ll talk about seed saving and … Make sure there are drainage holes in your pot or container. Fill your container with soil, place a few seeds in it, mist or lightly water, and then cover with a clear top or plastic wrap 

Homemade Biodiesel

In relationship to the equipment, you are going to need scales, a blender, funnels, a couple of plastic containers, thermometer, empty water bottles and some duct tape. Make absolutely sure that you clean well

Bottled Water

If it’s unlikely that most people attending your event will bring reusable bottles, you could offer disposable cups that are biodegradable such as PLA (corn plastic) or Bagasse (sugarcane fiber) or cups made with some recycled material … Next, plan self-serve water stations and choose tap water containers. The final steps involve identifying partners to defray costs (e.g. municipalities, utilities, and water filtration companies), publicizing your event 

Going Green with Bottled Water Delivery

Contrary to what the general public often believes, the bottled water industry was among the first to begin recycling plastic bottles. The industry was founded by utilizing the reusable container system of the Home and Office (HOD) 

Drinking Water Containers

We Americans throw away over sixty million plastic bottles a day. If more and more people filled up at home by using a drinking water container we could substantially reduce this appalling figure, and be environmentally friendly 

Technorati Tags: bins, boxes, bpa free, containers, conveniences, durable, lunch, plastic, products, storage, store, tanks, water

There are three types of baby bottles available: glass, plastic and plastic with disposable plastic liners. Glass bottles are very durable but they are a little heavier to use and they are breakable.

Plastic bottles are also very sturdy and are more lightweight. Bottles with liners are convenient since the liners don’t need to be sterilized but they can also be expensive to use. Some plastic bottles are shaped at an angle to minimize the amount of air the baby takes in her stomach when feeding.

You can choose several styles of nipples in either rubber or silicone. You should buy new nipples every three months. As your baby gets older, buy nipples with larger holes.

Most babies are content with formula that is at room temperature. If your baby prefers warmed-up formula, heat the bottle (with the formula already in it) by running it under hot water from the faucet.

This way you can ensure the liquid is not too hot and you can frequently check the temperature by shaking some formula on your wrist. Give the baby water from time to time too.

Don’t microwave formula because the liquid heats unevenly. Even though the bottle may be cool to your touch, the liquid inside could be burning hot and scald your baby’s throat.

Feeding time is usually an enjoyable experience for the person feeding the baby and the baby. Cuddling with your baby is important and feeding time is the perfect opportunity to get in some skin-to-skin contact. When your baby is about halfway finished drinking the formula in the bottle, take a break and burp her to release any gas that may be accumulating in her tummy.

Plastic milk containers, i.e your baby bottle, come in all shapes and sizes and colors .

A general rule of thumb when using a baby bottle is to burp your baby after every 2 ounces eaten.

If you forget to do this, your baby will wake up from her restful sleep crying due to the need to burp.

By: Nicholas Tan

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Gerber Nurser Clear View Reusable Feeding Bottle

Ensures smooth flow and helps prevent nipple collapse. Product Description 

Glass Baby Bottles

Are we going back in time? Well, yes and no. While the debate goes on about the safety of polycarbonate bottles and whether BPA-free.  

Cleaning Sippy Cups

Microwave sterilizers and stovetop sterilizers, the same ones you might have had for baby bottles, can also be used to the same end. If you can’t wash a sippy cup right after it was used, rinse out the lid and valve to remove most of the milk residue to make cleaning easier. … So right now I’m using and washing the disposable types of sippy cup, and being extra vigilant to keep them the right way up in the car and checking under the couch for any stray cups.

BPA Free Baby Bottles and More

Used in “cloudy” plastic containers such as baby bottles.  Used in disposable cups and Styrofoam. Usually polycarbonate. Commonly used in most plastic baby bottles, clear plastic sippy cups and water bottles. 

Technorati Tags: baby, bottle, bottles, bpa free, disposable, feed, glass, liquid, milk, plastic, sterilize, storage

You will learn about BPA and about a new BPA free water bottle option on the market. You will also learn where to get BPA free water bottles from.

BPA Basics
Bisphenol-A, commonly abbreviated BPA is a difunctional building block of several important polymers and polymer additives. It is used in some plastics including polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins which are used to line the majority of food and beverage cans. BPA is used in packaging for a lot of food and beverage products including polycarbonate water bottles (marked with recycling symbol #7), baby bottles, beer cans, soup cans, baby food cans, vegetable cans and soda cans. Some studies have shown that BPA can cause adverse health effects to mice, non-human primates and potentially humans. It is unclear how much BPA can actually leach into the food and beverages humans eat but it does give cause for much more research and study on the subject. For consumers looking to avoid BPA the alternate choices are not always easy to find but they do exist.

BPA Free Water Bottles

Millions of people enjoy bottled water and especially bottled water delivery service where large 5 gallon bottles of water are brought to their homes and offices. 5 gallon bottles made with polycarbonate plastic represent the overwhelming industry standard. In fact, in most cases they are the only large bottle type used by bottled water companies. However, polycarbonate bottles do contain BPA so for consumers who wants to avoid BPA and still enjoy water delivery service this presents a problem.

However, a new solution is emerging on the market and a few companies are blazing a new trail by offering BPA free water bottle options in the form of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic 5 gallon bottles. These new BPA free PET 5 gallon bottles offer the same durability and weight of the standard polycarbonate bottles and they can even have built-in handles. However, unlike the polycarbonate bottles these new water bottles are completely BPA free. The PET bottles, marked by the #1 recycling symbol, can be re-used after sterilization and also offer the durability needed for repetitive water delivery. For the concerned water drinker, these bottles are an excellent solution with the only challenge being to find a water delivery company in their locale that offers them.

BPA Free Water Delivery

For those water drinkers that don’t have water delivery and might be relying on a home or office water filtration system they should be aware that many systems can’t remove BPA from the tap water. If they truly want to enjoy BPA free water they should look for a water company that will deliver ultra-purified bottled water to them in 5 gallon BPA free PET bottles. By choosing a water company that can deliver water and bottles that are free of BPA they will be able to enjoy refreshing water while eliminating there exposure to Bisphenol-A. For consumers that receive water delivery in polycarbonate bottles they should seek out a bottled water company that will deliver water to them in PET plastic 5 gallon bottles. It may take a bit of research to find the right vendor but more companies are starting to offer BPA free water bottles.

By Jason Matthews

BPA Free Water Bottles and  Delivery

Loving Heart Mommy: Hydrate Yourself!

She’ll be comforted knowing this bottle is made from BPA-free Eastman Tritan™ copolyester and love it if you include a donation to charity: water in her name to support sustainable hydration in African communities. 

Do Sigg Bottles Leech

If you put beer/coffee/wine/whatever in the bottle all it needs is a quick rinse with water and it won’t retain any of the smells or tastes. It got to the point where I would need to bleach my Nalgene once a week if i forgot …. All of the bottles currently online and in our stores are BPA free

The Latest News On BPA

And what if you’ve put your company name all over re-usable water bottles in an effort to promote your business and do something for the environment? What you need to know, if you’re worried about BPA, is to look for unbreakable … Trying to address the issue, the FDA released a statement in response to the Science Board report suggesting worried parents turn to BPA-free plastic alternatives or glass baby bottles

Nalgene Reusable Plastic Water Bottle

I loved my Nalgene too but alas, I’ve made the change! I bought the BPA-free Titan Water Bottle – it’s got a built in carabiner clip and they say you can unclip it and drink from it all with one hand! It’s on backorder right now so I’m thinking about another BPA free … I just purchased a nalgene bottle , eco friendly reuseable water bottle kit ; it has a number 7 in a triangle on the bottom and says it is made in the USA. 

Paper Bottles

If it irks you to pack a plastic water bottle as much as it irks us, take note of this new prototype design: paper water bottles. Design firm Brandimage has come up with a concept. National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) reports that 2.7 million tons of plastic PET bottles hit U.S. shelves

Keep The Bottle Contest

My parent’s cabin does not have drinkable tap water, so we use a lot of water bottles, juice bottles and all kind of bottles. I found a way to reuse them by turning them into a useful, good looking and entertaining buoy for the lake. posted by Patenteux du Nord … The objective of the project was to create a plane (floor, wall, ceiling, partition, anything planar really) out of used objects(our group happens to choose 2 litre PET soda bottles

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