Emergency Water Filters

Emergency water filters are an essential part of emergency planning and water storage. Most of us take clean water for granted. It only takes two or three days without water for our human body to start to fail.

When a major disaster or emergency strikes, we might not have access to healthy drinking water for days or even weeks. Stores will run out of bottled water almost immediately. At times like these, having emergency water filters, and a stored supply of water… will be your lifeline.

Why Filter Water?

Water that looks crystal-clear can contain microorganisms, it is not possible to tell whether water is of an appropriate quality by visual examination. Water contaminants – protozoa, bacteria and viruses –
can cause serious illness or even death.

Not only is drinkable water essential to maintaining health, it is also important for cooking, personal hygiene, sanitation, and reconstituting dehydrated foods.

About Emergency Water Filters

Generally, water filter systems are designed to remove specific kinds of pollutants and substances. The particular materials that the device or substance is capable of removing will be listed on the label they come with, filter costs will vary according to the capabilities of the device.

Both purifier and filter systems are microbiological water-treatment devices. A filter system alone, removes protozoa and bacteria from contaminated water. A water purifier does the same, plus eliminates viruses.

1. Water Purifiers

Water Purifiers, whether in the form of, a System Device – such as the MSR Filter shown to the right, or in the form of tablets and solutions, can remove or inactivate viruses and are therefore ideal for outdoor recreation, travel, and disaster-preparedness.

Purifying water gives the highest level of safety available by eliminating ALL microorganisms including viruses.

Why is a purifier better than a micro-filter? A water “filter” generally claims to reduce or eliminate protozoan parasites and bacteria. A filter is adequate for remote wilderness seldom visited by people. A water “purifier” also removes or inactivates viruses and is therefore ideal in any situation.

2. UV Water Purification Systems

A more recent alternative to the above treatments, ultraviolet (UV) light rays can be used to irradiate water. Though new to most consumers, this process has been used for decades by commercial bottling plants and municipal water systems.

The UV process works by damaging the DNA of microbes, even viruses. Without complete DNA, germs and pathogens cannot reproduce and cause harm.

UV water filters are intended for clear water only. Water with significant discoloration or particulates can reduce effectiveness by inhibiting penetration of UV light through the water.

SteriPEN products are the perfect tool to insure your family has safe drinking water anywhere. They use ultraviolet light to purify water so there is no chemical taste, odor or risky side-effects.

Used as directed, UV devices such as the SteriPEN have been shown to destroy over: 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.9% of protozoa (i.e. Giardia and Cryptosporidium).

3. Portable Water Filter Systems

Portable emergency water filters are used by hikers, by aid organizations during humanitarian emergencies, and by the military.

These filters are small, portable and light (1-2 pounds or less), and usually filter water by working a mechanical hand pump, although some use a siphon drip system to force water through while others are built into water bottles.

Dirty water is pumped via a screen-filtered flexible silicon tube through a specialized filter, ending up in a container. These filters work to remove bacteria, protozoa and microbial cysts that can cause disease.

These types of emergency water filters deliver long-lasting, fully self-maintainable water filtration. Their durable ceramic element ensures protection, pumps water for years, and can be cleaned repeatedly for full recovery.

Fortunately, portable water filters CAN help make water safe to drink, where-ever and when-ever you need it. They have become essential equipment for emergencies and outdoor survival worldwide.

(These emergency water filters should not be confused with the devices or tablets that are water purifiers, most of which remove or kill viruses such as hepatitis A and rotavirus).

*For protection against viruses, an EPA registered disinfectant or water purification tablet/solution may be added to the water after it has been filtered with one of these filter devices.

4. Gravity Drip Filter/Purification Systems

Most gravity filter systems are best considered for household or base camp emergency situations because they are portable, but not as small and lightweight as the water systems above.

They yield several gallons of water a day and do not require the use of electricity, and therefore are an excellent emergency choice for specific types of emergencies.

These emergency water filter systems typically retain suspended matter, all harmful bacteria and parasites such as cryptosproidium and giardia. The essential minerals remain in the water.

Berkey Brand water filters have become the standard of excellence by which all other water filtration systems are measured. They deliver the cleanest water possible from the world’s most superior water filtration systems.

Most other filtration systems are inferior. They do not remove pathogenic bacteria and many remove beneficial minerals from the water as well. In addition, the Berkey Light is powerful enough to purify raw, untreated water from sources like lakes, streams, rivers and ponds.

Storing survival garden seeds… along with growing an emergency garden, is of up-most importance for emergency preparedness or a food shortage crisis. As the value of money decreases, the value of food and vegetable seeds will increase along with basic commodities and precious metals.

Vegetable seeds are a major food-source, and should be considered one of the most valuable commodities of all for emergency and survival preparedness!

Essential Seed Storage Conditions

Conditions essential for properly storing survival garden seeds are just the opposite of those required for good germination. Good germination occurs when water and oxygen are present at a favorable temperature.

Best seed storage results are obtained when seeds are kept dry (below 8 percent moisture – 4 percent is optimal) and the temperature is kept low (40 degrees or below).

Storing your seeds properly will achieve the longest life possible. Remember these important factors when storing survival garden seeds:

1. Constant cool to cold temperature (40 degrees or below)
2. Dark place – never in sunlight
3. Keep in moisture-proof containers
4. The drier the seeds are – the longer they will store

Drying Your Home Harvested Garden Seeds

A 10-year storage life (or more) can be achieved by drying seed to less than 8 percent moisture. To do so, dry seeds at 100 degrees F for six hours. You may do this by – drying your seeds in the sun, with a food dehydrator, or by using a conventional oven. Never use a microwave oven.

• Using The Sun: Spread the seed out in the sunlight, use a thermometer, try to obtain 100 degree temperature for 6 hours.
  Because sunlight is harsh and can easily exceed this temperature, drying in the shade may be a better option if the outside air temperature is approx. 100 degrees.
• Food dehydrator: Keep dehydrator setting at 100 degrees F for six hours.
• Conventional oven: Keep the oven door open several inches, and make sure the seed is not heated to more than 100 degrees for 6 hours.

Test To See If Seeds Are Dry Enough To Store:

These 2 simple methods are a easy way to tell if the seeds have been dried to a proper moisture level of around 8 percent or less.

1. Longer seeds should snap smartly and cleanly in half when bent.
2. Wheat, beans, peas, corn and other large seeds should shatter and turn to powder when hit with the head of a hammer.

Once seeds are completely dry, place them in airtight moisture-proof storage containers. Sealed cans or jars, are better for seed storage than plastic bags. A moisture-proof container is one that stores seed safely while submerged in water.

Mark the containers with the seed names and date, then store them in a cool dark place. If possible, a refrigerator or freezer is an excellent environment for storing survival garden seeds.

Storing Survival Garden Seeds – Home Harvested

Seeds from many plants can remain VIABLE for years if properly stored at cool – to frozen – temperatures. However, it is best to use most of your home-harvested seed the following growing season. A good emergency preparedness practice is NOT planting all of your seed… save some of each harvested seed variety so that you always have extra emergency garden seed on hand to plant and replace with the next seasons harvest.

Before Planting – Check Germination Rate

Before planting your stored vegetable seed, it is a good idea to check the seed for its germination rate. Planting these seeds directly in the garden may be a waste of time and effort if germination rate is very low.

To check germination rate, place some of the seeds between paper towels that are kept constantly moist (not soaked or seed will mold) and between 65 and 70 degrees F.

Check the seeds daily for germination. If the germination rate is 70% or less, it would be best to use the newest seed you have dried and/or stored, otherwise you will need to buy new survival seed (non-hybrid/heirloom) to replace the seed that has low germination.

NOTE: For this germination test [wheat, bean, pea, and corn] seeds need to be soaked overnight in a bowl of room temperature water prior to testing.

An issue that can be confusing when it comes time to plant your emergency garden is whether to use NON-hybrid or hybrid seed. Non-hybrid seed comes back as the same variety from year to year; whereas seed from hybrid plants will either be sterile and won’t grow at all, or not come back as the same variety when replanted.

It is always best to use NON-hybrid seed when planting your emergency vegetable garden.

Summary On Storing Survival Garden Seeds

It is obvious from the data that seed moisture content at the time of sealing has a far greater effect on seed longevity than does the surrounding atmosphere or lack of oxygen.

Seeds must be dried to the proper moisture content to become effectively dormant, they must be kept in a dark place, and they must be stored at cooler temperatures for optimal storage longevity.

Your survival garden’s success depends in part on the quality of seeds planted. Ensure good quality by storing survival garden seeds properly, or by planting seed purchased from a reputable seed company.

Purchasing Survival Seeds

Several companies market vacuum-packed, long term vegetable seed, packaged in Mylar foil bags or #10 sealed cans. If these are kept cool or frozen, they may last for up to twenty years. However, it is wise to use the seed more frequently than this when ever possible.

Non-Hybrid Seed Products:

Great Variety of Non-Hybrid Seed Packs
Non-Hybrid Seed Products and Information.

Non Hybrid Seed Bank
Plants a Full Acre Survival Garden

There are several easy and effective ways to purify water for emergency preparedness, outdoor survival, camping, and travel.

These water purification methods, portable filters, or chemical additives, are not only used for emergency situations and remote areas…

but they can also be used to treat safe municipal water by removing chlorine, bad taste, heavy metals, and odors prior to drinking or storing the water.

How Can I Make My Water Drinkable?

1. Boiling Water

Ways to Purify Water by Boiling:

Following a disaster or emergency situation, a easy and effective way to purify water is to bring the water to a rolling boil, which will kill pathogens effectively.

• Boiling is the best and easiest method (in most circumstances) to make water safe to drink. Bringing water to a rolling boil (100 °C) for 3 minutes will kill bacteria as well as *most pathogens. High altitudes such as mountain area’s, require a few minutes longer (5-7 minutes) boiling time. This method of purification requires working household cooking facilities with fuel, or when working facilities are not available, some type of emergency or survival cooking equipment would be required.
• Regular boiling will not heat water past 100 degrees Celsius. *Certain pathogens and their spores, (eg: botulism – clostridium botulinum) must be heated to 118 degrees Celsius, this higher temperature can be achieved by using a pressure cooker.

Shop Our Store for emergency cooking equipment and pressure cookers

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2. Portable Filtration Methods

Ways to Purify Water Using Filtration:

• Water Filters can be an efficient way to purify water. Many types of water filters have been shown to be effective at removing microbes and other suspended solids. Simple maintenance of most units, consists of scrubbing the filter element to unclog pores, and washing the container and spigot to prevent bacterial growth. If properly maintained a good quality water filter device can last a long time.
• Portable water purification devices such as MSR water filters, also known as point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems, are self-contained units used in disaster situations, by recreational enthusiasts, military personnel, and others who must obtain drinking water from untreated sources. The objective of these personal devices is to render un-safe, un-chlorinated water, as safe and palatable for drinking purposes. They are excellent to keep on hand for your emergency disaster kits or any type of emergency water situation.
• Many of these types of water filters are commercially available: Gravity Drip Filters, UV light filters, MSR Water Filters, Pocket or Travel Filters.Visit the Emergency Water Filters Page
  to read about the different types of filters in more detail.

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3. Chemical Water Purification

Ways To Purify Water Using Purification:

Liquid household chlorine bleach may be used for emergency water disinfection. Use bleach that contains 5 to 6 percent sodium hypochlorite. Standard household bleach is generally 5.25% soldium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleach.

Add the bleach according to the following recommended doses, using a clean, uncontaminated medicine dropper or measuring spoon.

• Kits are available that include an iodine pill and a second pill (vitamin C or ascorbic acid) that will remove the iodine taste from the water after it has been disinfected. The addition of vitamin C, in the form of a pill or in flavored drink powders, precipitates much of the iodine out of solution, thus it should not be added until iodine has had sufficient time to work. This time is 30 minutes in relatively clear, warm water, but is considerably longer if the water is turbid or cold. Follow the package directions.

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4. Non-Chemical Way to Purify Water

Ways To Purify Water Without Chemicals:

Stabilized Oxygen is effective against harmful bacteria and microbes in drinking water without the need to boil the water.

Laboratory reports shows that 10 drops of Oxy-Stabile Stabilized Oxygen in 8 ounces of mountain water is effective against Giardia in just three minutes. It’s a must for disasters, hiking, camping, mountain climbing, or when traveling… especially to third world countries where untreated water can be a major problem.

Non-toxic and virtually odorless and tasteless when used as directed. Stabilized oxygen is a liquid concentrate of non-toxic stabilized electrolytes of OXYGEN in molecular form.

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5. Ultraviolet – UV Water Purification

Ways To Purify Water Using UV Purification:

• Ultraviolet (UV) light destroys DNA and thereby prevents microbes from reproducing. Without reproduction the microbes become far less dangerous. Water treated by a ultraviolet filtration system is about the healthiest water that you can possibly drink. The water will be pure and safe once it has been filtered, UV treatment is not intended for water with heavy sediment.
• Hydro-Photon introduced the portable UV water purifier. These UV water purifiers with the brand name SteriPEN, are lightweight and work very quickly.

The SteriPEN can be found at the Nitro-Pak Preparedness Store

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6. Solar Water Purification Methods

Ways To Purify Water Using Solar Methods:

Solar Disinfection

• Solar disinfection (SODIS) is an effective water treatment method that is applicable to emergencies, especially when no chemical disinfectants are available. Ultra-violet rays from the sun are used to inactivate pathogens present in water. This technique involves exposing water in clear plastic bottles to sunlight for a day, for example on the roof of a house.
• In emergencies, empty bottles can be used that are left over from juice or drinking water. Bottles need to be cleaned, filled to three quarters full and shaken thoroughly 20 times, before being filled completely. The bottles are then exposed to sunlight for 6 hours (or for 2 days if the sun is obscured by clouds). The water should be consumed directly from the bottle or transferred in a clean glass for drinking. To be effective, solar disinfection must be applied to relatively clear water.

Solar Distillation

• Solar distillation may be utilized with a pre-manufactured and easily portable still, commonly referred to as a solar water still, but its roots originated in a makeshift still that can be constructed simply from readily available components, usually a plastic sheet suspended as an inverted cone. The solar still relies on sunlight to warm and evaporate the water to be purified. The water vapor condenses, dripping into a collection dish placed beneath the still’s suspended device.

Portable or Standby, which backup generator should you choose? It’s important to know what type and size of emergency generator you need before a major power outage occurs.

Being informed and equipped with a personal generator will allow you to have some control over your access to electricity when a crisis or disaster happens.

Portable and Standby Generators offer you peace of mind, and the added comfort of being a little more self sufficient when portions of the power grid are offline.

The amount of people that experienced the loss of power due to natural disasters and electrical supply issues in 2011 and 2012 were the highest ever in the United States. Approximately 18 million customers lost power from just two natural disasters; Hurricane Irene in 2011, and Super-Storm Sandy in 2012.

Knowing exactly what to expect from an emergency generator will allow you to make the most informed decision for your personal situation. Keep in mind, you probably will not want to run every appliance or device, most generators are intended to temporarily provide for your basic needs during an emergency situation.

Here’s a few tips to know before you buy:

• Choose a model that will supply enough power for just the appliances you decide are a necessity to run during a power outage.
• Decide what type of generator: Portable or Standby?
• Consider the difference in cost of each type: installation by self or professional, needed accessories?
• Determine your budget: generator prices vary by type.
• Understand the electrical terms: watts, volts, amps and more.
• Inform yourself by doing product comparisons, and seeking qualified help with your decision, before purchasing a backup generator.

An emergency kit is one of those kits which will help ensure that you are safe at any given time. Most of the emergency kits are very expensive, but one can quickly build it with the things available in your home. An emergency is when you will have to survive in the wilderness or home alone without any help. This is one time where it is a good idea to be prepared rather than getting stuck in any difficult situation without basic aid. This means that one has to be equipped with food water and other supplies to last you for an extended period of time. Here is an article talking about some of the primary and additional emergency supplies.

Basic disaster supplies kit

This is an emergency kit which requires you to have the right things which will get you through the day to day needs. To assemble your basic emergency kit, you need to make sure that you have a bag ready. Here are some of the basic things you might need

Food: Take non-perishable food which will last you long

Battery: An easy way to get yourself connected with the people.

Flashlight: To help show you the way in the darkness

First aid kit: To attain to any injury in the wild.

Batteries: To keep your electronics running.

Whistle: One of the best ways to alert others.

Local maps: To guide you through the way

Cell phone with extra chargers

Also, there might be other essential things you might need to carry to help ensure that you are safe in the wilderness. Make sure that you understand your day to day needs better and pack accordingly.

Additional emergency supplies

Here are some other things you might want to consider when you are packing your emergency supply bag. Try to make sure that you are packing prescription medications, non-prescription medications like pain killers, etc. Also, make sure that you understand your specific needs like the infant formula, bottles, pet food. It is important that you take some cash and checks with you, which is better when trying to buy things that might help you. You can bring some blankets and sleep bags to keep yourself warm from the cold. You can also get things like writing materials to help you spend some time where ever you are going.

Maintaining your kit

Building a kit is not that difficult but maintaining it is a task as you need to make sure that you are storing your food the right way while making sure that you have kept the plastic and metal containers the right way. You also need to make sure that you have checked the expiry and learn about the times you need to change the things inside your bag.