The Hurricane Herald-Environmental Reports



Impact of Hurricanes on Freshwater Supplies and Ways to Protect Drinking Water From Hurricane Damage

    Hurricanes are highly destructive storms that surge up and down the Atlantic Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean during the beginning of summer to mid autumn. Past hurricanes have killed thousands of people and left entire cities in ruin. The one thing that hurricanes affect most of all is the freshwater supply, something vital to human survival. Out of the seventy percent of water that covers the Earth, only one percent of it is usable by people. Right now we are already using the freshwater supply at an alarming rate, a rate which nature cannot keep up with as for the recycling process. Freshwater supplies near coastal regions can be affected by flooding. After a hurricane strikes, the sea level will raise considerably therefore causing saltwater to overflow into the freshwater supply. You can build suitable structures such as levees to prevent flooding near major sources of freshwater. Hurricane winds can also damage the edifice of water tank storages. The pipe system can be fractured by hurricanes causing leakage. The filtration system also will not function if there is a power loss due to hurricanes. This way, freshwater cannot be transported to people in need after a hurricane has passed. Overall, the best way obtain drinking water after a storm has passed is to prepare you own water.

Guidlines for Obtaining Safe Drinking Water



    Before disaster strikes:
      Store at least three gallons of tap water in airtight containers per person, or buy commercially packaged water.
      It is recommended that you buy commercially packaged water to ensure the safest quality. However if you are storing your own water, follow these guidelines:
        -It is recommended that you purchase food grade, water storage containers from camping stores.
        -If you are storing water in you own containers, follow these guidelines:
          *Choose two-liter soda bottles instead of milk or juice cartons. Milk and juice cartons will cause bacteria growth.
          *Also, do not use glass or cardboard containers. Glass breaks easily and cardboard can leak.
        -Wash the bottles or containers with dishwashing soap and rinse thoroughly. For added sanitation, clean the caps with one teaspoon of non-scented liquid chlorine bleach that has been mixed with one quart of water.
        -Fill the containers to the top with tap water. If the water you are using comes from a well or another source that has not been treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid chlorine bleach to it. Store the water in dark cool place and put a date on the outside of the container.
      Refill water containers every six months to ensure good quality.
    During a disaster:
      Listen for announcements from radio or television stations regarding the safety drinking water.
      You can drink from community water supplies unless you have been told that it has been contaminated.
    After a disaster:
      If you need to find water from outside your community such as rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. make sure the water has been treated before drinking. Avoid any water with debris floating on it. Also, do not drink floodwater.
      If at any time, you need to treat pond or river water, follow the guidelines below:
        -Strain the water using a clean cloth to trap particles. Boil the water until there are bubbles rising from below, about one minute. Then pour the water back and forth into a container to ensure that oxygen has gotten in which improves taste.
        -Apply 16 drops of regular household chlorine bleach that contains about 5.25 to 6.0 percent of sodium hypochlorite per gallon, from an unopened bottle, to kill microorganisms. Let the water stand for thirty minutes. If the water has a slight scent of chlorine, it is safe to drink. If it does not, re-treat the water for a second time as done before. If there is still no scent, discard the water immediately. Make sure that you do not use scented bleach, bleaches with added cleaners, and color safe bleaches. Other chemicals such as iodine that may contain the same amount of sodium hypochlorite should not be used.
        -Another way to treat water is by distilling. Distilling involves collecting condensed vapor from boiling water. This vapor will be free of salt and other particles from the water. Although distilling water consumes a lot of time and the result is very inefficient, it is a very good way to treat water.

Map of the Coastal Areas
Of Cape Hatteras


 There may be much damage done to Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. Many animals may die as a result of the storm The shoreline may erode and the more inland houses may be on the shore. The flooding and floods will cause destruction to the homes and streets of the whole coast, not only Cape Hatteras.