Tips to Prepare for Prince George's County Water Shortage

As previously reported, a major water shortage is set to take effect across much of southern Prince George's County by 9 p.m. tonight.

Wondering how to prepare? The Prince George's Fire Department issued the follow health and water conservation tips Tuesday:

• Take the time to fill water bottles, pitchers, and other clean containers with tap water NOW. (County officials have also advised residents to fill their bathtubs with water.)
• Stay hydrated during the heat wave by continuing to drink plenty of water.
• Don't forget that pets will also need water. 
• Check on senior citizens, family members, and neighbors to make sure they are aware of the impending outage and have water stored per WSSC recommendations. While you are there, check their smoke alarm.

Given the increased fire danger posed by the shortage, the department also urged residents to heed the following safety tips:

• Cooking—most notably unattended cooking—is the leading cause of fires and fire-related injuries. Always remain in the kitchen when cooking, and never leave food on the stove unattended. 
• Overloaded electrical outlets and power strips – examine your electrical appliances and where they are plugged into an outlet. Never overload or plug too many items into one outlet or power cord. Do not have power cords and power strips hidden under furniture, carpets, or other combustibles.
• Discard lighted tobacco products in a proper container. Consider using an ashtray that has water at the base to ensure lighted material is extinguished.
• Keep matches and lighters stored in a location where curious youngsters cannot reach them.
• If cooking outside, keep your grill at least 10 to 15 feet away from a structure (30 feet away from apartment buildings). Grills have been known to ignite siding on a house and wooden decks. Avoid discarding your used charcoal ashes during this time. Have a bucket of water or sand nearby to douse any fire at or near your grill.
• Consider refraining from using candles or fragrance incense during this time. Never leave these items burning unattended.
• Test your smoke alarm to ensure it is working. If it is not working, go to a local home improvement store and purchase and install a new 10-year smoke alarm. Early notification to get out of your home and notification to 911 are critical to saving lives and property. 
• If you decide to leave your home during this period of inconvenience, consider unplugging all of your nonessential electrical appliances. Also, notify a trusted neighbor that you are leaving for a few days, and provide them your contact information.

The PGFD has multiple independent water sources at the ready should a fire occur, according to spokesman Mark Brady.

"Any reported structure (house, apartment, commercial building, etc.) fire includes at a minimum seven pieces of fire apparatus that carry 2000 gallons of water," Brady said in a statement. "This amount of water is often time more than sufficient to handle most extinguishment efforts."

The department will likely put several tankers in position capable of carrying up to 3,000 gallons of water, Brady added, and firefighters are prepared to draft water from pools and waterways if necessary.

Howard and Charles counties have also offered the uses of their tankers in the event of a major incident, according to Brady.