International Bottled Water Association | Media Release | May 28, 2015

Prepare for severe weather during hurricane preparedness week

Alexandria, VA – The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is encouraging consumers to take action during National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which runs this week (May 24-30, 2015) and coincides with the start of hurricane season.

“This week is an ideal time for people to take a moment to reassess their risks and update hurricane kits and emergency plans,” says Chris Hogan, IBWA vice president of communications. “Continued volatility in weather across the nation only reinforces the importance of always being prepared for unexpected and dangerous weather.”

IBWA is also taking the opportunity to highlight the fact that in times of emergencies or natural disasters, bottled water is always there when you need it, and is directing people to watch a video about bottled water’s role in times of emergencies (www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOBatcWe08c).

“Being prepared in advance of a threat means stocking up on emergency supplies, such as non-perishable food, drinking water, batteries, etc., in sufficient quantities to last at least 72 hours. In fact, FEMA advises that the safest, most reliable emergency drinking water is commercially purchased bottled water and recommends at least 1 gallon per person per day, for at least three days,” says Mr. Hogan.

When tap water is disrupted by anything from a power outage to a pipe breach during a 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. Bottled water is there when you need it, but only because the industry is strong and viable throughout the year.

The bottled water industry has always been at the forefront of relief efforts during natural disasters, and IBWA member companies have immediately responded to the need for clean water after devastating events, such as 2012’s Hurricane Sandy.

“History teaches that awareness and preparation can reduce the impact of a disaster, such as a hurricane. Families, individuals, and businesses who know their vulnerability and what actions to take in advance can lessen the effects of a hurricane,” says Chris Hogan, IBWA vice president of communications.

“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, such as a hurricane.”

In recognition of the importance of hurricane preparation, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) have developed a social media campaign that includes the hashtags #HurricanePrep and #ItOnlyTakesOne to promote safety messages during National Hurricane Preparedness Week. Americans are encouraged to be prepared before a hurricane threatens their community by visiting the ready.gov website. Included in the ready.gov guidance is information about what supplies to pack in a basic disaster supply kit—including the 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation.

Americans are encouraged to take the following steps to help them prepare for potentially damaging weather: 

  • Know your risk: The first step is to understand how hurricanes can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your family, and your coworkers.  When you understand your risk, you are better able to prepare.  Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from emergency management officials and local TV or radio.
  • Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local hurricane, severe storms and flooding hazards and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by your emergency management officials. Post your plan in your home or office where everyone can see it. Learn how to strengthen your home and business against hurricanes. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane.  Understand the National Hurricane Center warning and alerts.
  • Be an Example: Once you have taken action and pledged, share your story with your family and friends.  Create a YouTube video, post your story on Facebook, comment on a blog, or send a #ItOnlyTakesOne or #HurricanePrep tweet.

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:
Chris Hogan [email protected]
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.