How to survive without running water post-Hurricane Helene

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left many Augusta residents without running water. It is important to conserve water wherever possible to make supplies last longer, but how do residents go about daily needs?

Here's a guide on how to manage daily life under these temporary challenging circumstances, according to littlehouseliving.com .

Stock up on bottled water

Ensure that there is enough bottled water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. A good rule of thumb is at least one gallon per person per day.

Have paper plates on hand

Using disposable plates and utensils completely avoids the sink build-up. Therefore, no need to wash the dishes.

Perfect the art of the sponge bath

If there's no running water, that means showers are not an option. A sponge bath, with a bar of soap and a clean washcloth, is still an option.

If the outage is very temporary, baby wipes or body wipes are also alternatives.

Use paper instead of cloth

Paper towels and napkins can be thrown away after use, reducing the need for washing cloth towels and napkins.

Reduce clothing

With no way to wash laundry, it is crucial to understand that some clothing might not be dirty after wears. Unless worn outside, clothes can be worn and should be aired out between uses to keep them fresh.

If that's not an option, try to find a laundry mat nearby.

Have a large stockpot on hand at all times

If the dirty dishes are unavoidable, a stockpot can boil enough water to wash dishes. Or, it can be enough to hold for a few hair washes.

Collect what water you can

Utilize any available water sources, such an rainwater, for non-drinking purposes like flushing toilets or cleaning.

If outdoor water is safe to collect, in a barrel or plastic container, the water should be ran through a filter before drinking or cooking.

Have some easy freezer or canned meals on hand

If there is power, freezer meals are good because they require minimal preparation and can be a lifesaver when water is scarce. But don't worry, if there is a power outage, canned meals work too.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: How to survive without running water post-Hurricane Helene