| Water Related Preparations Prior to a Hurricane |
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Collect 3 Gallons of water per person per day for three to five days. To store drinking water, use foodgrade containers. You can use clean, airtight containers such as two-liter soda jugs, do not use milk containers. |
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Fill bath tub with water. Collect water in clean trash cans. |
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Turn off water at the meter before leaving home. Learn how to turn off water before a disaster occurs. |
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If applicable, make sure the swimming pool is filled with water. |
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Turn off breaker to the hot water heater to avoid damage. |
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Provide extra food and water for a pet if left at home. |
| Sewer Related Preparations Prior to a Hurricane |
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Limit flushing toilets. |
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Turn off breaker for grinder pump if you have low pressure sewer. |
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Remove vent on grinder pump lid, cap off vent hole, and fill basin with water. |
| General Preparations |
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Check local TV and radio stations (preferably a battery operated radio) for latest updates on size and direction of hurricane. |
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Also listen for an evacuation order from the Governor’s Office via the local government. |
| Water – After a Hurricane |
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Listen to the Public Health Advisors on TV/radio regarding your drinking water. When flooding occurs, there is a potential for bacterial contamination. |
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If it becomes necessary to disinfect your tap water, bring it to a rolling boil and continue to boil for one minute. You may also use eight to ten drops of regular unscented bleach per gallon of water. Stir well and let stand for 30 minutes. |
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Conserve water usage until system is operational again. |
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Report any leaks or other water or sewer problems to Gulf Shores Utilities. |
| Sewer – After a Hurricane |
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Inspect sewer lines for damage. |
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Do not turn on grinder pumps until GSU confirms that sewer mains are operational. |
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Until system is fully operational, avoid flushing toilets. |
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If you see or hear a problem with sewer lines, pump stations, etc., contact Gulf Shores Utilities immediately. |
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Avoid overloading system with cleaning chemicals. |
