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Hurricane Preparedness

The following information is provided to assist customers to prepare for and recover from a hurricane.

 

Before the Hurricane:

  • Locate your residence's emergency water shut-off valve and remove any shrubbery or obstructions.  Test the water shut-off valve to be sure that it is operational.  If the shut-off valve is not operational, have it repaired or replaced.

  • Turn off the emergency water shut-off valve if you are leaving your residence prior to a storm. This will help minimize damage to your home's interior should a pipe burst inside your home. If you turn off the emergency shut-off valve, follow the manufacturer's recommendations on turning off your hot water heater and unplugging it.  Some hot water heaters may be damaged if the water supply is turned off for an extended period of time.

  • Have at least a 3 day supply of water on hand.  One gallon per person per day.  Don't forget pets.

  • Before the storm makes landfall, fill clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils with drinking water. 

 

After the Hurricane:

  • Due to power outages, water treatment plants may be operating under limiting conditions.  Water pressures may be reduced.
  • Due to power outages, lift stations that are used to convey sewage to wastewater treatment plants may not work or have only limited operations.  Over use of toilet flushing or water going down drains may cause lift stations to overflow and backup into your home.  Because of reduced pressures and limited operations of lift stations, water conservation is a must! Remember, just because power has been restored to your home, it does not mean that power has been restored to all lift stations and water and wastewater treatment plants within your neighborhood.
  1. Limit the amount of toilet flushing
  2. Abstain from running dishwashers and clothes washers.
  3. Limit the amount of water used during a shower or the amount to fill the bathtub.
  4. Turn off all sprinklers!
  5. Abstain from pressure washing, car washing, or any other outdoor use of water that is not necessary.
  • During a storm event, trees can uproot water pipes allowing the underground pipes to be exposed to contaminated ground water or create a drop in pressure.  Once the storm passes, treat your water supply as if it is unsafe to drink until you are notified otherwise.  Boil water notices will be issued through your local Health Department and will be announced through your local Emergency Operations Center (EOC)..  www.summervillecpw.com/boil
  • Boil water from the bathtub before use.  How to purify water  
  • Limit toilet flushing, showering, using dishwashers and washing machines, and other activities that contribute to sewer flows.  Turn off all sprinklers.
  • When cleaning up, take care not to stack debris near water meters, fire hydrants, valves or manholes.