Water!!!!

Have you got water? Is it safe to drink?
The downfall of the 3rd world is folks defecating in their drinking water. I think this would be common sense, but for a lot of folks.. apparently it is not.

So you have a well, and think you're set huh.. How is that well powered? Ahh electricity, and so if your out of power, you can't drink. think about that for a few minutes, and get back to me.

If you are lucky enough to have a hand pump that brings good water to the surface, then good on you. Basics like not pouring motor oil into your ground will keep you safe for the most part. If you've got an artesian well, then you're in even better shape.

I would seriously consider a way to safely purify your drinking/bathing water.

Boil. This is the best way to remove bugs.

Bleach. 8 drops to a gallon and let sit for an hour is what I have always done

Some water filters can also be used for small amounts of drinking water. A lot of folks put one of these in their pack to make use of streams, or other rivers that they may come across.

Disaster water treatment

IF I were on city water, I would #1 move, but if not that then this is the next best option. Possibly even if you have a well, this is a good option.

Water Storage site.

The main idea here is that if you do not have clean drinkable water, you will perish. Post Katrina we had our city water shut off for about 5 days, and that's no fun. Try taking a shower out of a 20 Oz water bottle. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />