Western encourages emergency preparedness by Western Municipal Water District Sep 2, 2021 Member Submitted News RIVERSIDE – In observance of National Emergency Preparedness Month, Western Municipal Water District (Western) is raising awareness about the importance of taking action to prepare for major emergencies such as a fire, earthquake, or public safety power shutoff that could result in an extended interruption of water service. “Wildfires burning throughout the state and heat advisories issued for our region serve as stark reminders that we all must do our part to prepare for emergencies,” said General Manager Craig Miller. “Emergency preparedness is a top priority for Western, and we prepare year-round so we can continue providing high quality, reliable water and sewer services.” Western works to ensure that vital facilities such as pump stations and treatment plants have redundant sources of power, and our high-skilled staff have the training and necessary tools to resolve equipment challenges during emergencies or prolonged outages. Western builds, tests, and updates a range of processes and protocols to support exceptional emergency response in all facets of its operations. Should an emergency event disrupt water flow, Western crews are committed to working quickly and safely to restore water service. However, a large earthquake could result in an extended water outage that may require customers to have supplies on hand to meet their basic needs. “That’s why Western takes steps to prepare for unplanned water supply disruptions beyond our control – and why Western customers should too,” said Miller. Customers are encouraged to have enough bottled water on hand to last up to three days. A typical emergency supply is one gallon per person, per day. Additional water should be kept on hand for pets. To prepare emergency supplies of tap water, customers may follow these simple steps from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Use two-liter soda bottles, as they are made from long-lasting plastic that will not impart taste or cause discoloration if properly cleaned. Wash the bottles using mild dish soap and sanitize them using one teaspoon of chlorine bleach in one quart of water. Cover the bottle, rinse, and drain it, and let it air dry. Fill each container with tap water and seal, leaving as little space for air as possible. Store each container in a cool, dark place that will be easily accessible in an emergency. Be sure to label each container with the date it was filled. Water should be replaced every six months. “While Western does everything we can to restore service as quickly as possible, having your own emergency water supplies on hand is vital to preparing and protecting your family in the event of a major emergency,” continued Miller. For more information about how you can prepare for emergencies, visit wmwd.com/BePrepared or the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website, Ready.gov. To learn about local planning in Riverside County, visit RivcoReady.org or sign up for county emergency alerts. Customers can stay updated on the latest water service information by visiting Western’s website, following Western on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and registering for e-alerts. ### Western Municipal Water District is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County, providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly a million people, both retail and wholesale customers who live, work, and play within 527 square miles in one of California’s most populous regions. Learn more: wmwd.com.