[jtdraig]

I was in Winn Dixie yesterday getting a few things non-hurricane related when I chanced to talk to a woman who was in a pure panic. She asked where she could get bottled water? She was borderline desperate. I just told her that she had all the water she could store if she just filled her pots, pans, odd glass bottles, etc. She was very grateful. I didn't want to seem like Captain Obvious. So thought I would post a reminder. Plastic gallon containers can be refilled to flush toilets. Glass and metal containers can be washed and filled with good drinking water and then covered. Trash cans can be rinsed and filled with water for flushing. Tubs can be filled. Top loading washing machines can be filled. Plastic bottles of water are nice but when they are gone there are lots of alternatives.

[stan the man]

I have to say that's an excellent post.

[socrafty]

Thanks for the post. I knew to fill our bathtub, but never thought of the washing machine!

[GJohn]

And you also have your hot water heater that stores about 40 gallons of water.....

[bluedivergirl]

I filled large plastic containers and put them in both freezers. Leave a little head room for expansion.

We also have a hot tub full of potential toilet flushing water.

[Francie]

I live up in Buffalo and a friend from FL called me in a panic about no bottled water anywhere. I think Floridians have used bottled water so long, they don't think they can drink tap water. I too did not want to come off like "Captain Obvious" and gently calmed her down and told her to sanitize her bathtubs, rinse thoroughly and fill with clean water from the tap for drinking. I reminded her she also has a pool in her yard and can use that for flushing/bathing if needed. And yes, fill wastebaskets, buckets, etc for additional water supply.

[Bambi]

If you need to leave and can't take everything you wouldn't want to lose to wind and water damage, like extra computer, photo albums, etc, place in washing machine. Duct tape top. A washer is designed to be water tight and sturdy...just make sure you turn off the tap and unplug the electricity. Use your "seal a meal" for other documents. You can also "seal" bags of water and place them in the freezer- of course don't use "vacuum option" and leave an air gap. Bury fragile items like china or figurines among towels and blankets in the linen closet.
Do all of your laundry before the storm.
Use cloud storage for back ups of documents and pictures of the contents of your house.
Put extra pillows in your safe room, I.e. closet or bathroom to cover your head in case of tornado.
Turn freezer and refrigerator to lowest settings a day before the storm.
Plastic storage tubs filled with hose water and placed in garage for washing, etc.
Back your car up in the garage until it just touches the door-helps support door.
On cell phone,dim the screen, turn off Bluetooth helps conserve the battery.
Solar garden lights will provide a few hours of dim light in halls or bathroom.
Copy pet's vaccination records in case you need to take your pet to a shelter or boarding facility. Have a "go bag" ready even if you don't plan on going.
Most important...chocolate is a great comfort food.

[kstew43]

as a previous south florida resident.....the best airtight/water tight appliance to store valuables in that needs no prep is THE DISHWASHER.......

[karostay]

Sanitize your bathtubs and sinks with 1gal water to 1 capful of bleach
Then prior to the storm hitting fill with with water should last a long time

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by jtdraig

Trash cans can be rinsed and filled with water for flushing.

Plenty of water in ponds for flushing.

[Harry Gilbert]

portable usb chargers are available at most dept stores and online at amazon and other retailers. you can get multiple cell phone charges off of these depending on size purchased. Just make sure to charge it before the storm hits. Solar chargers are also available.

Link is for informational purposes only

Amazon.com: Battery Pack AKEEM Portable Charger 22000mAh External Battery Power Bank with Dual Input Port and Solar Charger,3 USB Ports for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Android and other Smart Devices: Cell Phones & Accessories

[jblum315]

I would not recommend drinking water from the water heater however. There is sludge in the bottom

[golf2140]

Originally Posted by Shimpy

Plenty of water in ponds for flushing.

Darn, you let that secret out. I can see our ponds being drained by Monday. Lines are starting to form.

[billethkid]

Very many useful suggestions....Thanx to all for posting.

[jsw14]

Plus have a 5 gal bucket handy if U have a Pool or hot-tub. Just get the water from there too flush ur toilet.... We R stay'in put...

Don't forget to share ur water.....