The following handout lists earthquake preparedness tips to keep as a handy reference in the event of an emergency that could affect your ability to receive tap water.   

Sign up for emergency alerts

For County-wide emergency alerts, including water-related emergencies, register your cell phone or email address with AlertSanDiego. 

Other good emergency information sources:

Emergency news: sdcountyemergency.com

Recovery: sdcountyrecovery.com

Essential community services info: Dial 211

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If you don’t already have an emergency water supply, spend a few hours putting it together.

Water Storage

• Store in a cool, dark place at least a week’s supply of drinking water for each family member (one gallon per person per day)
• Store at least 2 gallons of water in your vehicle
• Store additional water for hygiene, cooking, and pets
• Replace your stored water every six months
• Clean, heavy, opaque bottles with screw on lids are preferable for storing water 

Alternate Water Sources

• Ice

Water Disinfection

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and The American Red Cross recommend the following:

• Boil for 5-10 minutes, or
• Add 8 drops of non-concentrated household bleach solution per gallon of water or 5 drops of concentrated household bleach per gallon of clear water, mix well and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, add 5-10 more drops of bleach. A slight smell or taste of chlorine indicates water is adequately disinfected, or
• Add 20 drops of 2% USP tincture of iodine per gallon of water. If water is cloudy, add 20 more drops and let stand 30 minutes, or
• Use commercial purification tablets and follow package instructions

More information is available at the U.S. EPA website.