If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you may have heard that you should fill up your bathtub with water before the storm hits. But why do you need to fill up the bathtub during a hurricane?
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this recommendation and provide tips for hurricane preparedness.
Key Takeaways
- Filling up your bathtub with water can provide you with a source of water during a hurricane if your local water supply is interrupted or contaminated.
- Filling up your bathtub can also help you stay clean and hygienic during the storm if you lose power and can’t use your shower or bath.
- It’s important to stock up on hygiene products before the storm hits to ensure you have everything you need to stay clean and healthy.
See Also: Can You Replace A Bathtub In A Mobile Home?
FOUR Reasons Why You Need To Fill the Bathtub During a Hurricane
When a hurricane hits, it can cause severe damage and disrupt essential services like electricity and water supply. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare for a hurricane beforehand, and one of the things you can do is fill up your bathtub with water. Here’s why:
1. Water Supply
During a hurricane, it’s not uncommon for the water supply to be interrupted or contaminated. By filling up your bathtub, you can store a significant amount of water that you can use for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes.
The average bathtub can hold up to 80 gallons of water, which is more than enough for a family of four for a few days.
See Also: How to Protect Your Mobile Home from a Hurricane
2. Flushing Toilets
When the water supply is cut off, you won’t be able to flush your toilets. However, if you have a bathtub filled with water, you can use it to flush your toilets manually. All you need to do is pour a bucket of water into the toilet bowl, and it will flush just like normal.
3. Cleaning
Hurricanes can cause a lot of debris and mud to accumulate in and around your home. With a bathtub full of water, you can easily clean your home and yourself. You can use the water to wash your clothes, dishes, and even your body if necessary.
4. Other Uses
Apart from the above uses, you can also use the water in your bathtub for other purposes. For example, you can use it to water your plants or animals or even to put out a fire if necessary.
TWO Potential Risks and Dangers
During a hurricane, filling up your bathtub with water can be a smart move to ensure you have access to clean water in case of an emergency.
However, there are some potential risks and dangers that you should be aware of.
1. Water Contamination
One of the biggest risks of filling up your bathtub during a hurricane is the potential for water contamination.
Floodwaters can carry a variety of harmful pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. If you fill up your bathtub with contaminated water, it could pose a serious health risk to you and your family.
To avoid this, it is important to only use clean, safe water to fill up your bathtub. If you are unsure about the safety of your water supply, you can contact your local health department or utility company for guidance.
2. Infections and Diseases
Another risk of filling up your bathtub with water during a hurricane is the potential for infections and diseases. Floodwaters can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause a range of illnesses, from mild skin infections to more serious diseases like cholera and typhoid fever.
To reduce the risk of infection, it is important to avoid contact with floodwaters whenever possible. If you do come into contact with floodwaters, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water. You should also avoid drinking or using floodwater for any purpose, including filling up your bathtub.
Conclusion
Overall, filling up your bathtub during a hurricane is a simple and effective way to prepare for a potential emergency. By taking this step, you can help ensure that you and your family have access to clean water and other necessary resources in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.
