Post by SA Hunter on Apr 30, 2016 20:39:53 GMT 10
www.militaryonesource.mil/disaster-resources/natural-disasters?content_id=276868
How to Prepare for and Help Prevent Droughts
Preparing for natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes or hurricanes can keep you safe, but there is no way to stop one of these events in its tracks. Not only can you prepare for droughts, but you can prevent them to a certain degree. You can do your part to prevent droughts by always conserving water - not just during dry conditions or mandated conservation periods.
Before drought conditions
Even during normal conditions or periods of water surplus, you can practice sound water conservation techniques around your home that will help your region avoid drought, and should your community eventually instate mandatory conservation, you'll already be in the habit of saving water.
Plumbing updates and routine maintenance can help you ensure that you aren't wasting a single drop of water. Check around your home and make the following repairs or updates to lower your utility bill and save water:
Repair leaky faucets.
Address constantly or long-running toilets and reduce water with each flush. As a frugal way to cut down on water each time your toilet flushes, place a one-gallon plastic jug of water in your toilet's tank to displace toilet flow. If you're able to update your toilet, purchase a low-volume model.
Check for plumbing leaks. Decreased water pressure may indicate an issue.
Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
Insulate water pipes.
Limit the use of water-softening systems. Use only when mineral levels could be harmful.
Choose water-efficient appliances, faucets, showerheads, hoses and filters. You can easily update existing faucets by installing or replacing outdated aerators to restrict water flow.
When your plumbing makes the grade and your appliances are all operating efficiently, you can take water conservation a step further by minimizing water waste indoors and out, and even recycling water in some situations:
Recycled water — Once it's cooled, water used to boil pasta, eggs, potatoes and more can be used to water your plants. Rainwater can also be collected and used to water plants during dry spells.
Food waste — Add food scraps to a compost pile or dispose of them in the garbage as opposed to sending them down the garbage disposal since disposals require water to operate.
Landscaping — Choose drought-tolerant trees, plants and grasses. Use mulch around your landscaping to reduce evaporation of soil moisture and avoid decorative water features, like fountains. You can also raise your lawn mower blade to the highest setting to encourage taller grass blades and deeper roots.
Lawn watering — Check that sprinklers are not watering paved areas, and regularly evaluate sprinkler timers for frequency - watering can be reduced or paused during the fall, winter and spring or following a heavy rain. Significant rain may eliminate the need for watering for up to two weeks in some regions. As yearly maintenance, repair any misting or clogged sprinkler heads.
Faucet control — Turn faucets off when not in use. While brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face or washing dishes, use only what you need when you need it. You can also fill your sink in some cases instead of using running water.
During drought conditions
Leading up to drought conditions, your community may initiate voluntary water restrictions, including some of the pre-drought conservation methods. When you officially enter drought conditions, though, state and local governments may impose restrictions on non-essential water use, like car washing and lawn watering. In order to avoid hefty fines and prevent further environmental impacts, it's important that you understand the restrictions and stay tuned for changes if drought conditions become more severe.
Making everyday water conservation a habit can reduce the shock in your home if water restrictions are implemented. In cases of drought, convenience may need to take a backseat to water conservation. Consider some of the following suggestions:
Flush only when necessary. Dispose of tissues, cotton balls and other hygiene products in the trashcan.
Choose short showers over baths.
Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
Use your refrigerator to store cold drinking water and to defrost food instead of filling the sink with water.
Heat water manually instead of letting water run while you wait for hot water. Heat water on the stove or in the microwave. When this isn't an option, while showering for example, collect cooler water to reuse on your landscaping.
Water your yard and plants only when necessary. Grass that springs up after being stepped on doesn't yet need water. When necessary, watering should occur in the early morning or late evening in short intervals to decrease runoff. In extreme cases, water trees and large shrubs before your lawn.
Wash your vehicle at commercial facilities that use recycled water or at home using a nozzle with a shut-off feature.
These suggestions can help you do your part to use only the water you need and prevent dry conditions from progressing to drought conditions. Be sure to stay up to date with local conditions and restrictions for more information
How to Prepare for and Help Prevent Droughts
Preparing for natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes or hurricanes can keep you safe, but there is no way to stop one of these events in its tracks. Not only can you prepare for droughts, but you can prevent them to a certain degree. You can do your part to prevent droughts by always conserving water - not just during dry conditions or mandated conservation periods.
Before drought conditions
Even during normal conditions or periods of water surplus, you can practice sound water conservation techniques around your home that will help your region avoid drought, and should your community eventually instate mandatory conservation, you'll already be in the habit of saving water.
Plumbing updates and routine maintenance can help you ensure that you aren't wasting a single drop of water. Check around your home and make the following repairs or updates to lower your utility bill and save water:
Repair leaky faucets.
Address constantly or long-running toilets and reduce water with each flush. As a frugal way to cut down on water each time your toilet flushes, place a one-gallon plastic jug of water in your toilet's tank to displace toilet flow. If you're able to update your toilet, purchase a low-volume model.
Check for plumbing leaks. Decreased water pressure may indicate an issue.
Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
Insulate water pipes.
Limit the use of water-softening systems. Use only when mineral levels could be harmful.
Choose water-efficient appliances, faucets, showerheads, hoses and filters. You can easily update existing faucets by installing or replacing outdated aerators to restrict water flow.
When your plumbing makes the grade and your appliances are all operating efficiently, you can take water conservation a step further by minimizing water waste indoors and out, and even recycling water in some situations:
Recycled water — Once it's cooled, water used to boil pasta, eggs, potatoes and more can be used to water your plants. Rainwater can also be collected and used to water plants during dry spells.
Food waste — Add food scraps to a compost pile or dispose of them in the garbage as opposed to sending them down the garbage disposal since disposals require water to operate.
Landscaping — Choose drought-tolerant trees, plants and grasses. Use mulch around your landscaping to reduce evaporation of soil moisture and avoid decorative water features, like fountains. You can also raise your lawn mower blade to the highest setting to encourage taller grass blades and deeper roots.
Lawn watering — Check that sprinklers are not watering paved areas, and regularly evaluate sprinkler timers for frequency - watering can be reduced or paused during the fall, winter and spring or following a heavy rain. Significant rain may eliminate the need for watering for up to two weeks in some regions. As yearly maintenance, repair any misting or clogged sprinkler heads.
Faucet control — Turn faucets off when not in use. While brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face or washing dishes, use only what you need when you need it. You can also fill your sink in some cases instead of using running water.
During drought conditions
Leading up to drought conditions, your community may initiate voluntary water restrictions, including some of the pre-drought conservation methods. When you officially enter drought conditions, though, state and local governments may impose restrictions on non-essential water use, like car washing and lawn watering. In order to avoid hefty fines and prevent further environmental impacts, it's important that you understand the restrictions and stay tuned for changes if drought conditions become more severe.
Making everyday water conservation a habit can reduce the shock in your home if water restrictions are implemented. In cases of drought, convenience may need to take a backseat to water conservation. Consider some of the following suggestions:
Flush only when necessary. Dispose of tissues, cotton balls and other hygiene products in the trashcan.
Choose short showers over baths.
Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
Use your refrigerator to store cold drinking water and to defrost food instead of filling the sink with water.
Heat water manually instead of letting water run while you wait for hot water. Heat water on the stove or in the microwave. When this isn't an option, while showering for example, collect cooler water to reuse on your landscaping.
Water your yard and plants only when necessary. Grass that springs up after being stepped on doesn't yet need water. When necessary, watering should occur in the early morning or late evening in short intervals to decrease runoff. In extreme cases, water trees and large shrubs before your lawn.
Wash your vehicle at commercial facilities that use recycled water or at home using a nozzle with a shut-off feature.
These suggestions can help you do your part to use only the water you need and prevent dry conditions from progressing to drought conditions. Be sure to stay up to date with local conditions and restrictions for more information