What to Know About Drinking Water Safety During Storms

At American Water, we are committed to delivering safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water to our customers every day. But when severe weather strikes, water (and wastewater systems!) can face extra challenges. That's why our teams work around the clock to help ensure essential services continue with limited interruptions when communities need them most.

How American Water Prepares
Our water and wastewater operations activate proactive measures to minimize impacts from severe weather, such as hurricanes and flooding. Across our treatment plants and pump stations, our teams do the following and more:

• Test and fuel generators, vehicles and fuel storage tanks to help ensure uninterrupted power and mobility;
• Prepare wastewater facilities for increased flows during heavy rainfall or flooding;
• Monitor water levels near our treatment plants and adjust operations as needed; and
• Create tailored staffing plans to respond quickly to emergencies.

How Customers Can Prepare and React
While we take extensive precautions, we also encourage customers to be ready for emergencies. Following a few key steps can help protect you, your family, home and pets

• Create an emergency plan: Know evacuation routes, shelter locations and what supplies you'll need. Get more information at Ready.gov.
• Keep an emergency water supply: Fill several clean containers of tap water to keep on hand. Label the containers as "drinking water" and include a storage date. The CDC recommends replacing the water every six months and having a three-day supply to meet your family's needs.
• Understand your flood risk: Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and sign up for local emergency alerts.
• Turn around, don't drown: Avoid walking, swimming or driving through floodwater, which can be deeper or faster than they appear.
• Seek safe shelter: Move to higher ground or follow evacuation orders if a flood warning is issued.
• Avoid electrical hazards: Don't touch wet electrical equipment and turn off the electricity to flooded areas if it is safe to do so.
• Steer clear of floodwater: Water may be contaminated or contain dangerous debris, including downed power lines.

American Water customers should also verify and update their emergency contact preferences in their MyWater account to receive water and wastewater-related notifications quickly.

American Red Cross Partnership The American Water Charitable Foundation partners with the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program to proactively fund disaster relief. The Red Cross offers free apps with tools and guidance for emergency preparedness, first aid and even pet safety. Download them today at https://http://rdcrss.org/apps to keep help at your fingertips.

Being ready for storms is a shared responsibility. By planning ahead and knowing what to do, we can help keep families safe, protect our communities and help ensure your water continues to flow when you need it most.

For more tips on emergency planning, visit https://www.ready.gov/be-informed.