SAN ANGELO, Texas — With many in San Angelo going without usable water for a couple days because of a suspected contaminant, many citizens found themselves unprepared.
City of San Angelo/Tom Green County Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Evans works to make sure the community makes it through situations such as this. Evans said he was alerted of the crisis and was able to find donated water hours later to be shipped in for residents in need.
However, he is urging residents to take steps to prepare for the next emergency.
Evans uses the FEMA disaster checklist at ready.gov and recommends everyone start building their own emergency kit.
The first item on the list is water, which would have come in handy for many families this week. Evans said there should be one gallon a day for each family member for 72 hours. For a family of four, ideally there should be 12 gallons of water saved. Evans also mentioned if someone has pets, they should consider stocking up on their food and water as well.
The disaster list goes on to include non-perishable food for three days; batteries; a whistle; prescriptions for 30 days; plastic sheeting; and duct tape. There are many other items on the list, but Evans urges people to not get overwhelmed. He suggests families pick one item a month to purchase so the expense is distributed over time.
The FEMA disaster list has recently expanded to include items needed because of COVID-19 such as masks and hand sanitizer. Evans said while people should start building their emergency kits, now is not the time to rush out and stock up on water.
He said people should get only what they need and wait to buy in bulk for when the shortage is over. According to Evans, sharing the supplies is how San Angelo will calmly make it through this situation and any others in the future.