How to Handle a Drought

Reduce usage of water

Your local government will issue a warning when droughts are going to hit your area. They will then let you know how and when you are supposed to conserve water and reduce your usage. You can start purchasing water in gallon bottles and storing it in a cool and a safe place. In an ideal situation, you should have at least three months of emergency water supplies. Have at least a gallon per person per day. Don’t get overexposed to sun because dehydration will be harder to treat. Try to stay indoors, use enough sunscreen and do your best to avoid physically demanding activities. If you get dehydrated, and you won’t have enough water on hand, it may be difficult for you to get proper treatment.

Beware of fires

Droughts mean increased risk of wildfires and fires in general. Beware of this risk and take precautions against behaving carelessly around open fire. Safeguard your house and make sure your fire alarm is working and you have enough devices to safely put out a minor fire.

Reducing water usage tips

• Don’t ever let water run while rinsing dishes, brushing your teeth etc.
• Always turn the faucet off when you are not actually using the water.
• Adjust your outdoors sprinklers so water will hit only the plants, not sidewalk or street.
• Use your washer and dishwasher only for full loads of laundry and dishes.
• Regularly check for leaks in your house and promptly fix all leaks or dripping faucets.
• Use a broom to clean your driveway and paths instead of water.
• Replace your showerheads or toilet flushing devices with water efficient ones.
• Cut your shower by a minute every time and you will save 150 gallons of water every month.
• Use a bowl of water to clean your fruits and vegetables instead of running water.
• Use refrigerator instead of running water for defrosting.
• Soak dishes in water instead of scraping them under running water.
• For your garden or patio pick up plants that do not require too much water.
• If you wash your car in your driveway, move it to the lawn so your grass can absorb the water and you can water the lawn at the same time.
• If you have small kids, bathe them together to save the water.
• Don’t flush random tissues down the toilet; instead throw them into a thrash can and save the flush water.
• Always think about how you can reuse the water or ice you were just about to waste.