DROUGHT

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Nearly every part of our country experiences periods of reduced rainfall. If we plan for drought, then we can enjoy the benefits of normal or rainy years and not get caught unprepared in dry years.

Strategies for drought preparedness focus mainly on water conservation. Make these practices a part of your daily life and help preserve this essential resource.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips Prior to a Drought

GENERAL

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. For example, use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year.
• Check all plumbing for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber.
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.
• Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.

BATHROOM

• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
• Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

KITCHEN

• Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips Prior to a Drought

GENERAL

• Check your well pump periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.
• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Once established, plants adapted to your local climate do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
• Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use, such as micro and drip irrigation, and soaker hoses.
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
• Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
• Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use re-circulated water.
• Consider rainwater harvesting where practical.
• Contact your local water provider for information and assistance.

LAWN CARE

• Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.
• Repair sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Most misting issues result from a pressure problem, properly regulating pressure in an irrigation system will prevent misting.
• Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.
• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.
• Plant drought-resistant lawn seed. Reduce or eliminate lawn areas that are not used frequently.
• Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
• Choose a water-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Turn irrigation down in fall and off in winter. Water manually in winter only if needed.
• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weeds.
• Invest in a weather-based irrigation controller—or a smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust the watering time and frequency based on soil moisture, rain, wind, and evaporation and transpiration rates. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller.

POOL

• Install a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of water.

Always observe state and local restrictions on water use during a drought. If restricted, for example, do not water your lawn, wash your car, or other non-essential uses, to help ensure there is enough water for essential uses. Contact your state or local government for current information and suggestions.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips While in a Drought

BATHROOM

• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Avoid taking baths—take short showers—turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.

KITCHEN

• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the "light wash" feature, if available, to use less water.
• Hand wash dishes by filling two containers—one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
• Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove large particles of food. (Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing)
• Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.

LAUNDRY

• Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips While in a Drought

CAR WASHING

• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• If you wash your own car, use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.

LAWN CARE

• Avoid over watering your lawn and water only when needed:
• A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.
• Check the soil moisture levels with a soil probe, spade or large screwdriver. You don't need to water if the soil is still moist. If your grass springs back when you step on it, it doesn't need water yet.
• If your lawn does require watering, do so early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.
• Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff.
• Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.
• Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.
• In extreme drought, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs.

Last updated: 11/13/2013 - 05:32 PM

Drought also creates environmental conditions that increase the risk of other hazards such as wildfire, flash flood, and possible landslides and debris flow.

Related Websites

Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for drought and learn about available resources by visiting the following websites:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• American Red Cross
• National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) Ensuring collaboration between government agencies on drought related issues.
• National Integrated Drought Information System
• US Drought Monitor Current U.S. drought conditions
• US Economic Costs of Drought NOAA Economics
• National Drought Mitigation Center
• Save Our Water California's statewide program aimed at helping reduce everyday water use, created by the California Department of Water Resources and the Association of California Water Agencies.
• US Environmental Protection Agency

Listen to Local Officials

Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

Last updated: 11/13/2013 - 05:32 PM

Family Disaster Plan

Emergency Preparedness

Contact Information (702) 759-1671 snhdpublicinformation @snhdmail.org

Family Disaster Plan

Four Steps to Safety

1: Find Out What Could Happen to You

• Anticipate man-made and natural disasters, such as hazardous waste spills and fires.
• Learn about your community's warning signals. EachCity or County government will have this information on their website.
• Ask your Veterinarian about animal care after a disaster. Pets are not allowed inside emergency shelters because of health regulations. Visit thePets webpage for additional information. 
• Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed. Visit the Disaster Preparedness for People with Functional and/or Access Needs webpage for more information. 
• Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or day care center, and other places where your family spends time.

2: Create a Disaster Plan

• Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
• Pick two places to meet. For example:
  1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
  2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.
• Plan alternative transportation for your children if necessary.
• Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
• Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.
• Discuss what to do if you must shelter-in-place.

3: Complete This Checklist

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, poison control, etc.).
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Train each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Conduct a home hazard hunt (see below).
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supply kit.
• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
• Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.

4: Practice and Maintain Your Plan

• Review with your children every six months.
• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
• Replace stored water every six months and stored food every six months.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

Download the Pocket Guide PDF 1.47MB for more information about preparing your family for an emergency.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives.

If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity.

Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, children or pets.

Home Hazard Hunt

During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a home hazard. For example, a hot water heater or a bookshelf can fall. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards.

Evacuation

• Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• Listen to your battery - powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
• Wear clothing that offers protection such as pants, long sleeve shirts and sturdy shoes.
• Take your disaster supply kit.
• Lock your home. 
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities-don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
• Make arrangements for your pets.

Emergency Supplies

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble your disaster supply kit with items you may need in an evacuation.

Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or covered trash containers.

Include:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of glasses. 
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.

A detailed list of items to put in your disaster supply kit can be found on the Disaster Kitwebpage.

The Disaster Supplies & Preparedness Calendar will assist you in assembling your emergency kit over a six month period. Print the calendar and purchase the suggested items in small incriments within your normal weekly shopping.

If Disaster Strikes

• Remain calm and patient - Put your plan into action.
• Check for Injuries
  • Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
• Listen to Your Battery-Powered Radio for News and Instructions
• Check for Damage in Your Home
  • Use flashlights. Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
  • If you smell gas or suspect a leak, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly. From a safe location call 911 or Southwest Gas to report the leak. 
  • Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammable liquids immediately.
• Remember to
  • Confine or secure your pets.
  • Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
  • Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
  • Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
  • Stay away from downed power lines.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Food and Water Supplies
Frequently Asked Questions

How much food and water should I store?

When preparing to shelter in your home store enough food and water for at least three days. Include a three day supply of food and water in your Go Bag if you have to evacuate your home.

The Disaster Supplies & Preparedness Calendar will assist you in assembling your emergency kit over a six month period. Print the calendar and purchase the suggested items in small increments during your regular weekly shopping.

Food

Can food be rationed if supplies run low?

If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.

What kind of food should be stocked for an emergency?

Try to include foods that your family will enjoy and that are also high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, such as dried or canned foods, are best. Individuals with special diets and allergies, babies, toddlers, elderly people and nursing mothers may need special foods. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people.

Make sure you have a manual can opener and disposable utensils.

Typical foods include

·         Canned meat, such as tuna and spam, and vegetable soups

·         Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables

·         Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals

·         Peanut butter

·         Jelly

·         Hard candy and canned nuts

·         Powdered milk

·         Dried fruit

·         Dry, crisp crackers

·         Commercially packed air-dried or freeze-dried foods

·         Baby food and formula

·         Long lasting vegetables, such as turnips, potatoes, carrots, 

         apples, squash, etc.

How should emergency food supplies be stored?

·         Keep food in the driest and coolest spot in the house – not above 70º F and not below freezing.

·         Open food boxes or cans carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use.

·         Wrap cookies and crackers in plastic bags and keep them in tight containers.

·         Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air-tight cans to protect them from pests.

·         Inspect all food containers for signs of spoilage before use.

·         To protect boxed foods from pests and extend their shelf life, store the boxes in tightly closed cans or metal containers.

·         Rotate your food supply. Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.

How much food should I store?

You should store a three day supply of food.

The easiest way to develop a stockpile is to increase the amount of basic foods you normally keep in your home. Rotate your supply once or twice a year to keep it fresh.

Should I store food for my pets?

Yes. Non-perishable food for your pets should be stored. Include adequate water per day, according to the size of your pet.

Visit the Pets and Disasters webpage for more information.

How do I rotate my storage of food?

Here are some general guidelines for rotating common emergency foods:

Use within six months:

·         Powdered milk (boxed)

·         Dried fruit (in metal container)

·         Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container)

·         Potatoes

Use within one year:

·         Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups

·         Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables

·         Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers)

·         Jelly

·         Hard candy, chocolate bars and canned nuts

May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):

·         Wheat

·         Vegetable oils

·         Corn

·         Baking powder

·         Soybeans

·         Instant coffee, tea

·         Vitamin C

·         Cocoa

·         Salt

·         Noncarbonated soft drinks

·         White rice

·         Dry pasta

·         Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans)

How do I cook food if the power goes out?

For emergency cooking you can use a fireplace, or a charcoal grill or camp stoveoutdoors only. You can also heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes and fondue pots. Canned food can be eaten right out of the can. If you heat food in its can, be sure to open the can and remove the label first.

Water

How much water should I store?

Water is your most important supply during an emergency. One gallon per person, per day for drinking, food preparation and hygiene should be stored with your emergency supplies.

A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need even more. The amount of water a person needs will depend upon age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.

Can water be rationed if supplies are low?

Never ration water. If supplies run low, drink the amount you need today and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

Try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don’t stock salty foods, since they make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

Does our hot climate mean I should store more water?

A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day; however, hot environments can double the amount of water required. Reduce your activity and stay as cool as possible to minimize the amount of water needed to stay hydrated.

What is the best way to store water?

If possible, purchase bottled water and keep it sealed until ready to use. You can also store water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances.

Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums. Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water based on expiration dates on bottles or every six months.

What can I do to improve the taste of stored or boiled water?

Stored or boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring it back and forth between two containers.

What if we run out of water?

There are hidden sources of water in your home. You can use the water in your hot-water tank, pipes, and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl).

How to use water in your pipes: Shut water off to your house. Let air into the plumbing by turning on the faucet in your house at the highest level. A small amount of water will trickle out. Then obtain water from a faucet located at the lowest point in the house.

How to use hot-water tank water: Be sure the electricity or gas is off before draining the hot-water tank. Open the drain at the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake valve and turning on a hot-water faucet. Do not turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty.

Be sure to purify water from outside natural sources before drinking it. Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. You should not drink floodwater.

When should the water into the home be shut off?

If you hear reports of broken water lines or sewage leaks turn off the incoming water valve to prevent contaminating the water in your pipes and hot-water tank.

When does water need to be purified?

Water of uncertain purity should be purified before using it for drinking, food preparation or hygiene. Contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.

How do I purify water?

There are several ways to purify water and none of them are perfect. The best solution is to use a combination of purifying methods. Before purifying, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain them through layers of paper towel or clean cloth.

1.     Boiling - Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute. Some water will evaporate. Let water cool before drinking. 

Boiling water will kill most microbes but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. 

2.     Disinfection - Chlorine water purifying tablets or household liquid bleach will kill most microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, color-safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners.

Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.

Should I store vitamins and other nutritional supplements?

In a crisis, it will be vital that you maintain your strength. Including vitamin, mineral and protein supplements in your stockpile will help assure adequate nutrition.

Medicines: Ask your doctor to furnish prescriptions for a longer time span, if possible. Have on hand ibuprofen or Tylenol, vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Echinacea and Zinc.

Other tips for maintaining your strength include:

·         Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day.

·         Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly (two quarts a day)

·         Consume enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work.