Emergency preparedness
Living in the Pacific Northwest, it pays to be ready for the unexpected. A few basics when it comes to your water:
Know your shut-off valve
If a pipe bursts inside your home, you'll want to stop the water fast. Find your water shut-off valve now, and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is and how to turn it.
Secure your water heater
After a disaster, fresh water can be as close as your water heater, as long as it's still standing. Strap it to the wall studs so it stays upright when the ground shakes.
Keep water on hand
After an earthquake or other disaster, plan to be on your own for at least three days, and up to two weeks. Emergency crews will be stretched thin. Store 1 gallon per person per day for 14 days, enough for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. In a pinch, your water heater and the tank behind your toilet hold clean water too.