Meals on Wheels delivers side of emergency water preparedness for kūpuna in May

Kauaʻi County Department of Water partnered with Kauaʻi Economic Opportunity Inc. this year to encourage water emergency preparedness in advance of the 2025 Central Pacific hurricane season.

Hundreds of Garden Isle kūpuna each received a free 20-liter water storage container with their May meal delivery through Kauaʻi Economic Opportunity Inc.’s Meals on Wheels program.

Meals on Wheels drivers also distributed water storage containers during their deliveries to kūpuna who meet regularly at Līhuʻe Neighborhood Center, Kekaha Neighborhood Center, Waimea Neighborhood Center, Kanikoʻo Senior Housing and Kauaʻi Adult Day Care.

Clients at the agency’s emergency shelter and transitional housing clients received storage containers, too.

Storing water is important for all residents; however, for the elderly, water emergency preparedness is especially critical.

Many kūpuna rely on others for assistance because of health conditions and/or mobility limitations. During an emergency, that assistance might not be readily available.

“This joint effort by [Department of Water] and [Kauaʻi Economic Opportunity Inc.] will assist Kauaʻi’s elderly, homebound residents [who are] particularly vulnerable during natural disaster emergencies,” Kauaʻi County Department of Water Manager and Chief Engineer Joe Tait said in a release about the partnership. “A readily available water supply ensures that they will be able to meet their basic needs during potential disruptions to water services.”

TIPS FOR STORING WATER

How much should you store?

• Store enough water for you and your family (including your pets) — at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day (for drinking and sanitation) for 3 days.
• Try to store for 14 days, if possible. Family members with medical needs might require more.

What should you store water in?

• Use containers designed specifically for water storage, such as U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved food-grade water storage containers.
• Do not use containers that previously contained food with strong odors. The water will pick up the odor during storage.

How do you prepare the container for storage?

• Disinfect containers with a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in 1 quart (4 cups) of water. Use bleach that contains 5% to 9% sodium hypochlorite.
• Cover the container tightly and shake it, ensuring all interior surfaces are disinfected.
• Wait 30 seconds and pour the sanitizing solution out.
• Let the container air-dry before use.

What are the best filling and storage practices?

• Fill containers with water from the tap. Keep a minimal amount of air between the water and the cap.
• Optional: Boil water for 1 to 3 minutes prior to storing it.
• Let the water stand until it cools down, and then fill the containers.
• Store water containers in a cool, dark place.
• Replace water every 6 months.

Everyone has a chance to get a free 20-liter water storage container as Department of Water will be giving them away at its Līhuʻe office from 8 to 11 a.m. June 6, while supplies last.

Contact the department at 808-245-5455 for additional information or with any questions.