Wednesday Why: Bleach

Wednesday Why

I thought I’d start a new type of post.  One where I answer questions that I have had myself or received over the years of learning about self-reliance and home storage.

Today’s Why?:  Why should I keep bleach on hand?

Besides using bleach to clean and bleach clothing, bleach is helpful in a situation where water needs to be purified.  For this type of use, use only non-scented plain bleach.  (see the EPA website on emergency disinfection here for information on ways to purify water for drinking)

For those living in a hurricane or other disaster prone area (the low-country included), bleach is helpful to have for cleanup after such a disaster.  Some things after disasters can’t be used again, but some things can after being cleaned properly.

So here are the 3 main reasons I keep bleach on hand:

1. normal household cleaning and clothes bleaching
2. water storage and purification 
3. disaster cleanup

After many disasters, it isn’t always just the actual disaster or lack of food and water that causes death or disease, but the lack of cleanliness during the days and weeks after the disaster.

There may be other reasons to keep bleach on hand (it does help break down organic matter), but I think even with the above 3 is reason enough for me.