After a natural disaster, water may not be safe to use. Germs and chemicals may be in the water.

 

• Listen to local officials to find out if your water is safe.
• Listen for announcements from local officials to find out what to do. They will tell you if there are germs and/or chemicals in the water.
• Boil water if instructed. Boil it for at least 1 minute (start counting when the water comes to a constant boil). Let the water cool sufficiently before drinking. Boiling kills germs in the water.
• Use bottled water if instructed. Sometimes after a disaster, there may be chemicals in the water that boiling cannot remove. Breast-feed or use ready-made formula. If you must use water to make formula, use only commercially-bottled water until officials say your tap water is safe to drink.
• Never drink the water unless you know it is safe.
• Never wash or clean dishes, utensils, toys, or other objects in the water unless you know it is safe.
• Never bathe in the water unless you know it is safe.
• Never cook with the water unless you know it is safe.
• Never brush your teeth with the water unless you know it is safe.
• Never use the water to make ice unless you know it is safe.