Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
probably a good idea to avoid the pictured action. If you get nothing, either the choice is unim-
portant, or you simply are not intuitively in touch with it.
Fourth, repeat the process for each of the other potential course(s) of action, first calming
yourself, then picturing the course of action and sensing the feeling in the pit of your stomach
to determine which course is best.
Water
Requirements
Water is essential for survival. Most of us could live for several weeks without food, but for
only about three to four days without water under average conditions, and in extreme heat we
would be in serious trouble after a single day. The typical adult requires about 2 quarts of
drinking water per day under normal conditions and 1 to 3 gallons per day in hot-weather con-
ditions. Usually 1 gallon per adult per day is enough for drinking and some limited washing,
but if you live in a desert location, or a hot humid climate, 2 or 3 gallons per person per day is a
better figure to use for your water calculations.
Recommended Emergency Measures
• Any surface water in the United States may be contaminated, and should be boiled or
otherwise purified prior to drinking.
• Bring water to a full boil. At any elevation, by the time water has reached the boiling
point, it has killed all living organisms, except for prions. Prions are responsible for
mad cow disease, scrapie, and other related illnesses. They appear to be formed of
proteins, are not living organisms in the traditional sense, are not destroyed by tradi-
tional heat-sterilization methods, and may be found in the nervous systems of infec-
ted animals.
• Floods and earthquakes often contaminate public water systems. When in doubt, boil
or otherwise purify tap water until authorities say the water is fit for drinking.
• If warned of an impending crisis, store water in as many containers as possible, in-
cluding sinks and bathtubs.
• Hot-water heaters and your home's piping are good sources of stored water. Turn off
the gas or electricity to your hot-water heater before draining it. If the water contains
sediment, do not discard it, but allow the sediment to settle. To drain household pip-
ing, turn on the uppermost faucet slightly, to release suction in the system, and drain
from the lowermost faucet (or other plumbing connection).
