We often come across a situation when there's a power shortage in the city. The reason could be man-made (equipment failure or overburden on electrical systems) or natural (hurricane, winter storms or earthquake). No matter what the cause of the power failure is, the result is a shortage of water, apart from other problems. In such a situation, the best way to store water to meet the emergency water needs is to fill the bathtub with water. In this blog, we discuss the reasons to store water in the bathtub and its uses.
Different Emergency Situations When Filling Water in the Bathtub Are Important
There could be multiple emergency situations arising that need to store water in the bathtub to meet the water requirements. If you get information about a strong storm, hurricane, winter storm, windstorm or tornado, it indicates higher chances of a prolonged power cut and no access to electricity. The concerned authority takes many days to rectify the power lines and electrical grid, such as transformers and substations. Then, filling the bathtub is a smart way to save water for later use.
The other situation could be a brownout during the summer months, which lasts for several hours or any sudden fault with the power line. In any of these cases, it's a smart idea to store water in the bathtub because you never know how much time it takes to resume power.
Why is It Important to Fill a Bathtub With Water During a Power Outage?
During a hurricane or heavy storm, a power failure may disrupt the water supply, and then it becomes vital to store water to meet the water requirements. The stored water in a bathtub can be of immense help, which is discussed in detail in the following paragraphs:
Drinking Purpose for Pets
Stored water can be used by pets for drinking. To ensure clean water for pets, line the tub with plastic before filling water in it. Considering the safety concerns, you should use bottled water for drinking for you and your family and not the stored water from the tub.
Washing Hands and Dishes
You may use stored water to wash your hands and even dishes.
Toilet
The stored water from the bathtub can be used for flushing. The best way is to directly pour water into the toilet to force a flush.
Tackle Mental Stress
Any unforeseen situation increases the stress level due to fear of uncertainties and challenges. Storing a bathtub with water can help reduce stress related to water scarcity. Then, you can focus on other challenges resulting from the emergency situation due to the power outage.
How Much Water Can a Bathtub Store?
The capacity of an average bathtub is 40 to 70 gallons of water, which is enough to sustain during an emergency situation. If you have two or three bathtubs, it's a blessing because you can store more water. Under normal circumstances, a person uses 60 gallons of water, which would surely go down in case of a shortage due to the instinct to save water. It means, water stored in two or three tubs can last for a few days.
Tips to Store Water in the Tub During an Emergency
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Clean the tub properly using bleach or disinfectant before storing water. This ensures that stored water is not contaminated.
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Plug the drain using a silicone or rubber stopper. Also, fill cold water in the tub as it lasts longer.
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Fill the tub up to the brim to maximise storage.
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Cover the bathtub with a sheet to ensure water remains clean and free from debris and insects.
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Keep the bathroom door closed to maintain cleanliness.
Checklist of What to Do During a Power Outage
Identify the Reason for the Power Cut
Check with the neighbours if the electricity supply is disrupted in the entire area, and the possible reason for it. Also, look around in the surrounding area to verify if there's a power cut in the entire area or only at your place.
Check for a Blown Fuse
Check the electric panel for any blown fuses or tripped breakers. If you identify a blown fuse or tripped breakers, call an electrician for assistance.
Get in Touch With the Local Utility Company
Call your local utility company in case of a power outage because they are responsible for the power supply. Hence, they can help you better with the cause of the power outage.
Unplug Electrical Appliances
Unplugging can save your expensive electronic items from damage. This is because when power resumes, sensitive equipment like a TV or a computer may get damaged. If all the electrical appliances are switched on and suddenly power resumes, it may also strain the electrical system, resulting in tripped breakers.
Conclusion
A power outage affects the everyday routine because it affects the electricity supply. As a result water supply gets disrupted. In such a situation, storing water in the bathtub becomes the saviour until the normal water supply resumes. You can follow the tips when storing water to ensure you get safe and clean water.
