International Bottled Water Association | MEDIA RELEASE | July 31, 2014
New video showcases bottled water’s important role in times of emergencies
Alexandria, VA – The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) today launched a new video on its BottledWaterMatters YouTube channel called “Bottled Water – Always there when you need it,” which tells the story of the vital role bottled water plays in times of natural disasters and other emergencies.
Late summer and early fall are typically a busy period for hurricanes and other forms of severe weather, and this new video serves as a reminder for people to take a moment to re-assess their risks and update hurricane kits and emergency plans.
Being prepared in advance of severe weather means stocking up on emergency supplies, including non-perishable food, drinking water, batteries, etc., in sufficient quantities to last at least 72 hours. FEMA advises that the safest, most reliable emergency drinking water is commercially purchased bottled water. And, FEMA recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day, for at least three days.
“The bottled water industry has always been at the forefront of relief efforts before and during natural disasters. In fact, in advance of expected events, such as hurricanes, IBWA member companies have often run their filling lines overtime to make sure that safe, convenient, and reliable bottled water is at a hurricane landfall site when people need it the most,” says Chris Hogan, IBWA Vice-President of Communications.
“It’s important for people to understand that bottled water is available in times of emergency because the industry is strong and viable throughout the year.”
Continued volatility in weather across the nation only reinforces the importance of always being prepared for unexpected and dangerous weather.
“History teaches that awareness and preparation can reduce the impact of a disaster or other emergency, such as a hurricane, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and boil alerts. Families, individuals, and businesses who know their vulnerability and what actions to take in advance can lessen the effects of these events,” says Hogan.
“IBWA understands that consumers must have access to safe, clean drinking water during emergency situations. Smart planning and preparations for one’s water needs can make a big difference in the ability to get through and recover from a natural disaster or emergency.”
When tap water is disrupted by anything from a power outage to a pipe breach during a storm, flood, or hurricane, bottled water provides a necessary and reliable source of safe drinking water. Storing bottled water is a safe, convenient, way to ensure that you have an adequate supply of water on hand.
More information can be found at www.bottledwater.org. Information on the different types of severe weather such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flooding is available at www.weather.gov and www.ready.gov/hurricanes or the Spanish-language web site www.listo.gov.
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Media Contact:
Jill Culora
jculora@bottledwater.org
703.647.4609
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified, artesian, and sparkling. Founded in 1958, IBWA’s membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, to set comprehensive and stringent standards for safe, high-quality bottled water products.
In addition to FDA regulations, IBWA member bottlers must adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is a mandatory annual plant inspection by an independent, third-party organization.
IBWA is proud to be a partner with Keep America Beautiful and a supporter of Drink Up, an initiative of former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), which encourages Americans to drink more water more often – whether from the tap, a filter, or in a bottle. Choosing water is always the healthy choice.
