This is a compilation of options for improving your odds of having safer water when you do not trust the available water supply. Many of the ideas below were discussed with knowledgeable friends, but they are not FDA-approved instructions. Research these methods carefully and understand the directions before relying on them in an emergency.
Drinking Water Background
You do not technically need to sterilize water. Sterilization means destroying all microorganisms in, on, and around an object. For drinking water, the practical goal is usually disinfection: reducing or killing pathogenic organisms that can cause disease.
Disinfection can be done through several methods, including filtration, heat, ozonation, and chemical treatment.
Boiling and Pasteurization
Despite many stories to the contrary, boiling water can disinfect it. At most elevations people are likely to encounter, the boiling point of water is high enough to kill or denature disease-causing organisms. A rolling boil is the key point.
Pasteurization kills disease-causing organisms in water by heating it to 65°C / 149°F for a short period of time. This can address microbes including E. coli, rotaviruses, Giardia, and the Hepatitis A virus.
A WAPI, or Water Pasteurization Indicator, uses heat-specific soy wax to help determine when water has reached pasteurization temperature. Some WAPI models include stainless steel cable and brass end caps designed to tolerate high heat, making them useful over an open flame or in solar cooking situations.
Filtration
Filtration can be effective when the filter has an absolute rating of 0.2 microns or smaller. Some people use iodine crystals first and then filter the water afterward.
Chemical Disinfection
Chemical disinfection usually involves adding a chemical such as chlorine or iodine to the water. It is often quick, economical, and effective when the correct chemical, concentration, and contact time are used.
Purifying Water With Bleach
Regular liquid bleach is not stable indefinitely. It gradually breaks down and may become ineffective over time. Bleach that is roughly one year old may require a stronger dose, while bleach near two years old may no longer be reliable.
Purifying Water With Calcium Hypochlorite
Calcium hypochlorite, often sold as pool shock, can store much longer in dry form than liquid bleach. It can be mixed into a fresh chlorine solution as needed.
Use only granular pool shock that lists calcium hypochlorite as the active ingredient and does not include algaecides, fungicides, scents, softeners, or other additives that may be unsafe for drinking water treatment.
Mixing Calcium Hypochlorite
In an extremely well-ventilated area, preferably outside, dissolve one heaping teaspoon of high-test granular calcium hypochlorite, approximately 1/4 ounce, into two gallons of water. This produces a stock chlorine solution.
To disinfect water, add one part of this chlorine solution to 100 parts water. A practical small-batch version is to add about 2.5 tablespoons of the stock solution to one gallon of water. Mix thoroughly, cover, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes.
The treated water should have a slight chlorine odor. If it does not, repeat the dosage and allow it to stand for an additional 15 minutes. If the chlorine taste is too strong, let the water stand exposed to air for a few hours or pour it between clean containers several times.
General Water Treatment Process
Water from open sources should be treated before use. One practical approach is a three-step process.
Pre-filtering: Remove visible sediment and larger particles by pouring water through tightly woven cloth, towels, or similar material.
Chlorinating: Disinfect the water using an appropriate chlorine treatment method.
Filtering: Use a high-quality water filter, such as a Katadyn or British Berkefeld-style filter. Some filter elements can also reduce chlorine.
Notes About Iodine
Iodine is not emphasized here because many references point to limited shelf life, specific storage requirements, and undesirable taste. Chlorine odor can indicate some remaining disinfectant level, and the odor can dissipate with aeration.
James McDonald has enjoyed camping and many aspects of outdoor life. His engineering background has encouraged him to keep digging into practical problems until they make sense.
PREPARE Magazine Disclaimer: These statements are not intended as a fail-proof guide or FDA-approved water sanitation method. They are a compilation of internet-sourced information presented in plain language. Research carefully and use these suggestions at your own risk.
Popular Questions
What is the fastest way to improve Drinking Water Background without making beginner mistakes?
The fastest way to improve Drinking Water Background is to simplify the process and control one variable at a time. Start with the most important baseline: define the goal, identify the main failure point, and test one change before making another. Keep short notes so you can connect the outcome to the adjustment you made. This prevents guesswork and helps you build a repeatable method instead of chasing random fixes.
What should you check first when Drinking Water Background is not working well?
Check the most immediate bottlenecks first: setup errors, missing inputs, bad timing, or inconsistent follow-through. Before buying anything new or changing the whole system, confirm that the basics are being done correctly and consistently. A small diagnostic checklist usually reveals the real problem faster than broad trial and error. Once the weak point is clear, make one correction and watch the result before adjusting anything else.
What common mistakes make Drinking Water Background harder than it needs to be?
The most common mistakes are changing too many variables at once, skipping the basics, and judging results too quickly. Many people also copy generic advice without adapting it to their exact situation, which leads to weak results and confusion. A better approach is to work from a simple baseline, make measured changes, and give each change enough time to show whether it helped. That makes progress easier to track and repeat.
When it comes to gardening accessories, I really am a picky, tight-wad. I repair most of the ones that I have used before buying new and spend very very little on new gadgets from year to year. Mostly because I’ve not found things that work like they say they will or that I cannot create cheaper than purchase. That was until I was able to review The Roo.
Forever. I do mean forEVER since I’ve been gardening I have used the ‘shirt tail’ method of harvesting something at any given moment. As an upright human with opposable thumbs, I figured this was my best shot at gathering my goodies from the garden when I ventured out without a basket, which, was often. Boy, was I wrong on so many accounts!
Enter The Roo – as in Kangaroo. After being given the opportunity to play with this one (yes, the bright pink girly one – don’t worry, it’s not the only color) I’m completely sold on this being the better option for gathering and working in the garden. It’s like the ‘shirt-tails’ method on steroids. You can harvest almost a full bushel without ripping collar or buttonholes! It even surpasses the proverbial harvest basket.
Here are just a few reasons why:
The heavy duty, yet soft and pliable canvas material is lightweight but a very substantial blockade from thorns and dirt.
The straps make for very comfortable and even weight distribution of not only the apron itself but the load you may carry.
The pockets hold tools, stakes, twin and gloves (I’m a dirt-under-the-nails-gal myself)
At the price and my limited skill of stitch-witchery, I could NEVER make one (much less design one) that is this effective.
Wearing it:
Putting it on and wearing it about all day long, I hardly even noticed it was there as I moved throughout the garden. It was not in the least bit cumbersome nor did it inhibit my movement like so many other ‘smock’ type aprons I’d tried to use before.
It was easy to done all by myself even though there are adjustable straps and hooks.
The ability to tie it up and USE the actual Roo Feature (the load and drop pocket) was simple while wearing The Roo.
For me, nothing that is merely well-made or pretty passes the test unless it is actually functional. The Roo passed this test with flying colors! The function of its main feature (the easy load and unload pocket) was really what made me take note of how ingenious this is.
The pocket is a simple fold up style that does have a lot of room for carrying fruits and veggies. But the fact that with a slip of a knot, you can easily unload a bushel of beans onto a table or into a wheelbarrow without bending over or lifting up the heavy load actually made me try it over and over.
The distance to unload is not so far that you’ll bruise your produce and the way The Roo becomes like a gentle ‘chute’ or ‘slide’ makes it a controlable exit. It is almost second nature to unload without harming the harvest.
I highly recommend that you connect with Pantry Paratus and pick up The Roo (in a color of your choosing, of course)! I think, like me, you’ll find it comfortable, well-made, easy to use and above all of those features, ingeniously functional.
Donna Miller is a teacher, author, sought-after speaker and trainer. She has been both a guest and host on internet and broadcast radio talk-shows and in television interviews. She enjoys teaching online and local classes & ladies retreats. Donna is happily married and has three adult children, with one daughter-in-law and one son-in-law. She and her husband (Joseph) are the founders Millers Grain House and YourPreparation Station among other leading entities in the current Preparedness movement.
Popular Questions
What makes The Roo a standout gardening accessory?
The Roo is a unique gardening accessory that enhances the harvesting experience. Its heavy-duty yet soft canvas material protects against thorns and dirt while being lightweight. The design allows for comfortable weight distribution, making it easy to carry a significant load without strain.
How does The Roo improve the harvesting process?
The Roo features an innovative load and drop pocket that simplifies the harvesting process. You can easily unload your produce without bending over, thanks to its gentle chute design. This functionality allows for a controlled and efficient way to transfer your harvest to a table or wheelbarrow.
Can The Roo accommodate various gardening tools?
Yes, The Roo is designed with multiple pockets that can hold essential gardening tools, stakes, and gloves. This feature keeps everything organized and within reach while you work in the garden. The thoughtful design ensures that you have what you need at your fingertips, enhancing your gardening efficiency.
Is The Roo comfortable to wear during long gardening sessions?
Absolutely! The Roo is crafted to be worn comfortably throughout the day, with adjustable straps that allow for a customized fit. Many users find it non-intrusive, enabling them to move freely without feeling weighed down by traditional aprons.
Where can I purchase The Roo for my gardening needs?
You can find The Roo available for purchase through Pantry Paratus, where you can choose from various colors. This gardening accessory is not only functional but also stylish, making it a great addition to your gardening gear. Investing in The Roo will enhance your gardening experience significantly.
We are delighted to have Evan Folds as not only one of the vital article contributors for PREPARE Magazine but also a recent featured guest expert for folks who are PREPARE Premium Members. He brings an area of expertise that is evident in his business, his passion and his speech.
Evan has been a contributing writer for several international publications including Maximum Yield, Garden Culture, Urban Farm and several others. Now he’s able to add PREPARE Magazine to his impressive list.
He has a BS in Biology and a minor in Religion from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He is the founder and president of Progressive Gardens (www.ProgressiveGardens.com), a retail gardening store specializing in hydroponic and organic gardening techniques in Wilmington, NC where Evan, his wife and children reside. He is also the founder of Progress Earth (www.ProgressEarth.com), the global distributor of the Vortex Brewer® compost tea system, whose focus is growing healthy people, plants & planet!
On June 26th we were delighted to interview Evan for an exclusive interview. It is soon to be available for PREPARE Premium Members to download and listen to this dynamic topic. Evan makes it so simple to understand the importance of growing and nourishing your soil and why it is so vital in Preparedness (hint: increase crop yields).
In this exclusive interview, Evan offered some solutions and tips to help you build a healthy base in which to begin growing and nourishing your soil first which is what feeds your plants.
Here are some of the key points in this exclusive PREPARE Premium Member interview with Evan Folds:
How to create the greatest biological balance.
What is “Biological Inoculation”?
The science behind composting.
What is the correct ratio of brown to green matter in compost?
How often to turn your compost pile.
Is a plant healthy or just ‘obese’ on fertilizers?
N/P/K is a crutch!
What that weed is REALLY doing in your garden!
If you are already a PREPARE Premium Member simply log in and find this listed as the June 27th Interview under Webinars and Videos. Just another great way we hope to encourage you along your Preparedness Journey.
Popular Questions
What insights does Evan Folds share in his audio teaching about soil health?
Evan Folds emphasizes the critical role of soil health in growing successful crops. He explains that nourishing your soil is essential for increasing crop yields and overall plant vitality. In his audio teaching, he provides actionable tips on how to build a healthy soil base, which is fundamental for any gardening endeavor.
How does Evan Folds define biological inoculation in his latest audio teaching?
In his audio teaching, Evan Folds describes biological inoculation as the process of introducing beneficial microorganisms to the soil. This practice enhances soil health and promotes a balanced ecosystem, which is vital for plant growth. He offers practical advice on how to effectively implement biological inoculation in your gardening routine.
What composting techniques does Evan Folds recommend in his audio teaching?
Evan Folds discusses the science behind composting and shares specific techniques to optimize the composting process. He highlights the importance of maintaining the correct ratio of brown to green materials to create nutrient-rich compost. His audio teaching provides clear guidelines on how often to turn your compost pile for best results.
What does Evan Folds say about the use of fertilizers in his audio teaching?
In his audio teaching, Evan Folds challenges the common reliance on fertilizers, suggesting that they can lead to unhealthy plant growth. He explains that plants can become 'obese' on fertilizers, which may not contribute to their overall health. Instead, he advocates for focusing on soil health as the foundation for sustainable gardening practices.
How can listeners access Evan Folds' audio teaching on soil and gardening?
Listeners can access Evan Folds' insightful audio teaching by logging into their PREPARE Premium Member account. The interview is available under the Webinars and Videos section, specifically listed as the June 27th Interview. This resource is designed to support members on their preparedness journey with valuable gardening knowledge.
Lighthouse for the Blind – Saint Louis Helps People Survive Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Tornadoes & Other Disasters
By Jeff Dunlap
Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis, a not-for-profit entity also known as LHB Industries, Inc., is one of the nation’s top providers of emergency preparedness kits to help people survive earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, floods, terrorist attacks and building lock-downs.
Unlike many nonprofit entities, the Lighthouse is acting like a for-profit company to advance its charitable social services mission. It is an excellent example of a nonprofit functioning like a for-profit enterprise to advance meaningful social services programs.
LHB’s survival kit brand is Quake Kare. Its products number more than 100 custom- and pre-packed survival kits. But that’s not all.
The 48 legally blind employees at LHB plants in Overland and Berkeley, Missouri, outside St. Louis, also produce medical kits; catheters; aerosol and liquid paints; aerosol and liquid cleaners; adhesives; eco-friendly products; and others for business, consumer, government and military customers nationwide.
The Lighthouse also offers two additional commercial product lines that are sold to consumers and businesses nationwide via retailers and LHB websites.
One is the Tear Mender brand of non-toxic, all-natural adhesive and sealants for repairing clothing, fabrics, footwear, leather, upholstery, vinyl and other items for indoor and outdoor use. The other is RapidFix, a premium line of industrial and consumer bonding products that repair damaged items that include rubber, glass, copper, aluminum, steel and most plastics.
Founded in 1933, LHB is a 501(c)3 organization that helps people who are visually impaired maintain dignity and independence by offering employment, education and support services.
All sales revenues from Quake Kare, RapidFix, Tear Mender and other LHB brands directly support LHB’s 16 different Blind Community Outreach Programs. These “See the Future” programs serve children and adults who are legally blind in Missouri and Southwestern Illinois.
Supporting Nonprofit Mission
John Thompson, LHB president, says, “Many non-profit organizations felt the impact of economic recession a few years ago and government sequestration. We chose to boost our commercial business to offset losses from government and military contracts by evaluating potential acquisitions of established for-profit companies whose operations would be a good fit for us and create revenues to support our non-profit mission. Our acquisitions are helping us achieve that goal.”
LHB has been generating more revenues, sustaining employment and enhancing community services since its February 2014 purchase of the emergency survival kit production company Quake Kare, which was originally based in California until LHB acquired and moved the company to St. Louis.
Then, in June, 2015, LHB acquired all assets of Val-A Chicago, Inc., the family-owned producer of Tear Mender products since 1932.
In August 2017, LHB bought the RapidFixbrand of adhesives from Boss Products USA, LLC, of Norton Shores, Michigan. Boss Products USA had begun selling RapidFix products nationally and internationally in 2008.
“Like for-profit businesses that want to be successful, not-for-profit organizations must operate strategically and efficiently to sustain their mission,” Thompson says.
“Our acquisition and integration of Quake Kare, RapidFix and Tear Mender are natural expansions of LHB manufacturing operations because kit and product assembly are our core competencies,” he says.
“We are very proud of our skilled employees in both of our production plants, and we are proud of our mission-specific staff members who develop, sustain and provide our meaningful programs for the blind community in Missouri and Illinois.”
Brian Houser, LHB’s director of sales and marketing, explains, “Quake Kare has been busy since we unloaded a fleet of semi-trucks with Quake Kare inventory in St. Louis in 2014. The same applies since we acquired the Tear Mender and RapidFix assets.
“With Quake Kare, our sales spike whenever an earthquake, serious flood or destructive tornado occurs. Our phone lines ring whenever disaster happens,” Houser says.
“As a not-for-profit organization we do not want to profit from disaster,” Houser asserts. “But Quake Kare survival kit sales do increase during National Preparedness Month and whenever there is a major hurricane, earthquake, tornado, terrorist act or mass shooting,” he says.
“LHB currently employs 48 people who are legally blind in two manufacturing plants in St. Louis County to assemble, pack and ship Quake Kare survival kits and other products to customers nationwide. And every penny of Quake Kare product sales revenue directly supports Lighthouse service programs.”
“We are proud to provide more than 100 different survival kit products and equipment to help people survive virtually any disaster situation,” Houser says.
“We donated 36,000 emergency water pouches to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts,” he adds. “The 36,000 pouches provided life-sustaining amounts of water for 6,000 people for three days after we shipped them to Food Bank Corpus Christi for distribution to relief efforts in the area.”
“Government research shows that many families, schools and businesses are not prepared to deal with disaster, and many don’t have a disaster plan in place,” Houser continues. “In today’s uncertain environment, it is crucial for people to plan for emergencies to help save lives.”
“We advise people in all walks of life to follow these steps for emergency preparedness”:
Acquire emergency survival kits and supplies for homes, offices and vehicles, including for children and pets.
Develop emergency preparedness plans based upon different disaster scenarios – and practice them.
Stay informed about disaster preparedness news and updates by following media reports.
Here’s one example of many Quake Kare products:
Quake Kare’s ER™ Emergency Ready Two Person Tornado/Hurricane Survival Kit contains essential, lifesaving items necessary to sustain two individuals for three days in the event of home evacuation or needs for she
lter-in-place following a devastating tornado or hurricane.
Packaged in a portable, water-resistant six-gallon container, “this kit contains effectiveand reliable survival food, water, lighting, radio/communication, first-aid, sanitation and shelter supplies to help people survive man-made and natural catastrophes,” Houser says.
“Its contents also include a solar/hand-crank powered flashlight, NOAA weather band radio and USB device charger for charging smartphones and other USB devices so disaster victims can stay in touch with loved ones,” he notes.
Transitioning Acquisitions
Establishing Quake Kare kit assembly, manufacturing and shipping operations at LHB required some investment in new equipment.
LHB Vice President of Manufacturing Clint Cruse, says, “We augmented our packaging line and warehouse operations with new equipment to streamline order fulfillment, and engaged a consulting process engineer to assist in retrofitting our headquarters plant to handle ‘just-in-time’ product packaging operations.”
LHB established an assembly line with roller conveyors that enable components of various survival kits to move easily from station to station during assembly. Marked bins hold kit components, and any common elements of these are positioned close together to minimize movement.
Houser says, “More shelves were added to the warehouse to accommodate Quake Kare inventory and we maintain an organized workflow for building kits and handling fulfillment orders.”
“Many of our employees are visually impaired,” Houser continues, “and there has been a learning curve for all involved.”
“We do not believe a person who is visually impaired is a liability, but an asset. With training and adaptive technology—such as magnifiers, CCTVs, JAWS, computer screen reader programs and Zoomtext—a person who is visually impaired can easily become a productive employee.”
New employees learn how to navigate LHB facilities by shadowing a blind veteran employee, and all undergo mobility training before navigating on their own,” Houser says.
In addition, LHB has adapted the assembly plant environment and equipment to ensure worker safety and ease of operational efficiencies. Here are a few of many adaptations:
•Cameras are installed on labeling machines so a legally blind person can see inside the machine to place labels correctly, or see misalignment, damage or other issues;
•Machine-guarding safety rails have been added or upgraded;
•The packaging system was retrofitted and bolts were replaced with hand knobs so employees who are visually impaired can make adjustments without using wrenches;
•An “audio scale” for weighing materials enables employees who are legally blind to hear weight and count information rather than relying on a digital screen;
•A portable closed-circuit TV system enlarges printed material for visually impaired employees so they can better see work instructions.
•Assembly line fixtures have touch-sensitive centerlines and alignment features;
•Windows near ceilings add natural light so workers have better visual acuity. High-intensity lights also are used to show contrast and better visual acuity; and…
• Building aisles and exits are installed with grid plate materials for visually impaired employees to feel with their canes and feet to safely maneuver throughout the plant.
John Thompson points out, “More than 70% of people who are blind in the U.S. are unemployed. When hired for a job, they typically become very devoted employees as they are thankful for the opportunity to work, earn money and to be considered an asset for an organization. Absenteeism and employee turnover are extremely low.
“National Industries for the Blind conducted an analysis of this subject and determined that, for every dollar the federal government spends on supplies and services through an agency such as the Lighthouse, $3.33 is returned to the Federal government via decreasedtransfer payments such as Medicaid and Social Security, and increasedincome and FICA taxes, thereby saving taxpayers money while fulfilling an important social service mission.”
For information about Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis and its many useful products, please call 800.542.3697 or 314.423.4333, or see the website http://www.lhbindustries.com.
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Popular Questions
How does the Lighthouse for the Blind help individuals prepare for disasters?
The Lighthouse for the Blind provides essential emergency preparedness kits through its Quake Kare brand, which includes over 100 custom and pre-packed survival kits. These kits are designed to help individuals survive various disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. By offering these products, the Lighthouse not only supports its mission to assist the visually impaired but also educates the community on the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
What types of products does the Lighthouse for the Blind offer for emergency preparedness?
The Lighthouse for the Blind offers a wide range of products, including survival kits, medical kits, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Their Quake Kare brand specializes in emergency kits tailored for different disaster scenarios, ensuring that families and businesses are equipped to handle emergencies. Additionally, they produce other commercial products like Tear Mender and RapidFix, which further support their mission and outreach programs.
Why is the Lighthouse for the Blind's approach to disaster preparedness unique?
The Lighthouse for the Blind operates with a business model that combines nonprofit goals with for-profit strategies, allowing them to sustain and expand their services. By acquiring established companies like Quake Kare, they enhance their product offerings while generating revenue to support their outreach programs for the blind community. This innovative approach ensures that they can continue to provide valuable resources and employment opportunities for individuals with visual impairments.
How can individuals benefit from the Lighthouse for the Blind's survival kits?
Individuals can benefit from the Lighthouse for the Blind's survival kits by ensuring they are prepared for unexpected emergencies. These kits contain essential supplies that can sustain families during disasters, such as food, water, and medical items. By purchasing these kits, consumers not only equip themselves for potential crises but also contribute to the Lighthouse's mission of supporting the visually impaired community.
What role does community education play in the Lighthouse for the Blind's mission?
Community education is a vital component of the Lighthouse for the Blind's mission, as it raises awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness. They encourage individuals to develop emergency plans and acquire necessary supplies, which can save lives during crises. By providing resources and guidance, the Lighthouse empowers the community to take proactive steps in safeguarding themselves and their families against potential disasters.
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