These Last Days News - February 12, 2024
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Storing Water for Emergencies: How Long Can You Safely Store Water?

BOIL WATER
"My child, I wish that you boil the water in your home. I will tell you now, My children, if you are receiving waters for your use in your homes, it must be boiled, because the contamination of chemicals and waste matter--nuclear waste matter--is driving down into the soils of the nation and polluting these waters, which will bring imminent death to many.” - Our Lady, July 1, 1985

WATER AND BLANKETS
"My children, not only with the canned foods will you store just food, but you must also make known to your families and your friends that they had best keep blankets and water in tight containers; for there will be on the onset of the Chastisement, there will be nothing that you can buy due to contamination." - Our Lady, July 1, 1985

The above Messages from Our Lord and Our Lady were given to Veronica Lueken at Bayside, New York. Read more

PreppersApprentice.com reported on January 19, 2024:

by Robert Johnson

We all know that drinking enough water every day is critical to our survival, but how do you really know that your stored water is safe to drink? Simple test kits to tell you if your supply is contaminated don’t exist. But, if there were, it would make our prepping efforts much less complicated.

Water can be indefinitely stored if using adequate storage measures. Properly treated tap water poured directly into properly cleaned, food-safe storage containers do not require any rotation or replacement schedule. Water will not go bad if it is not contaminated.

Is it really as simple as pouring your water into a jug and storing it? No. Safely keeping water for the long term means thoroughly sanitizing containers, finding the right storage spot, and ensuring your water source is free of debris and contaminants.

Long-Term Water Storage

We can agree that everyone needs an emergency water supply. We can have discussions about how much water we should have on hand or how much we need to survive, but the storage method should be relatively the same. Pick out a container, pour your clean water in it, seal, and store it in the corner of your basement or garage. It should be just that easy.

But miss one step and your supply may not stay fresh. You might not even notice until you have an actual water emergency when it’s too late to fix the problem. Though there are ways to recover contaminated water, keeping it fresh and safe to drink should be the goal.  Why do all the work to store the water in the first place if you know you will have to treat it again later?

Speaking of fresh, I see a standard recommendation to change or rotate your water supply every six months. It exists not because water magically goes bad after that amount of time but because water stored for a while can take on a stale taste. Over time, tiny bubbles dissipate from the water, making it flat like an open can of soda.

Fortunately, there’s an easy fix for stale-tasting water. If your water tastes stale after storage, pour it from one jug to another to mix air back into it, and it’ll taste just fine. Leaving the cap off for 24 hours can also help the unpleasant taste disappear.

Which Containers Can Store Water Longer?

All plastic containers that store food or water must meet food safety requirements and never previously used as anything other than a drinking water or soda container. Don’t buy second-hand, unless you can trust the previous owner only used them for water storage.

You can fill thoroughly cleaned soda bottles, but the water might pick up the flavor. It’s perfectly harmless, of course, but it may not be to your taste.

Though I’ve stored water in milk jugs for flushing toilets and general cleaning, milk jugs should not store drinking water. According to FEMA, cleaning does not remove milk proteins and fruit sugars to the degree needed to keep your stored water safe. While I might personally disagree with FEMA on the reasoning, the thin plastic material is cheap and too easy to damage to serve as an adequate long-term solution.

Glass is okay for water storage, but make sure they never previously contained non-food items. Canning lids should be new and never used. Glass is not ideal due to weight and fragility, but it is the least reactive material.

What about metal containers? I don’t recommend using stainless steel containers to store water because the metal reacts with bleach and other chemical sanitizers. If you don’t plan on using bleach, they’re okay. Avoid aluminum containers as they react with many acids. Aluminum containers often have a plastic liner, which might contain a plastic softener called BPA, a known carcinogen that can leach out into the water.

Premade plastic water storage containers are available, ranging in sizes from typical 5-gallon blue water jugs to super-large containers of practically any size. It looks like blue water barrels are the most popular among people who store long term. I prefer containers made of food-grade HDPE plastic, which is very sturdy but still has a little give and can take a bit of abuse.

How Do I Properly Sanitize A Container Before I Store Water In It?

Cleaning and sanitization is arguably the most critical step to storing clean, safe water for an extended time. Cleaning and inspection are relatively straightforward, regardless of what kind of container you choose.

CLEANING

To start, wash everything in hot water with dish soap. Thoroughly rinse, and let air dry. Inspect to make sure there are no particles or mineral build-up on the inside of the container. For previously used containers, do not hesitate to throw them out if it doesn’t come clean or if the inside looks damaged.

SANITIZING

There are three ways to sanitize your containers, but some methods aren’t suitable for all types of containers. Choose your approach based on your preference and your container material.

Bleach Method:  This is popular because it’s very cheap and reliable. All you need is a fresh bottle of bleach, a bathtub, and a bowl. There is no need to rinse as long as the proper time is taken to air-dry afterward. This method is not recommended for metal containers, bowls, or sinks, as bleach reacts with most metals.

No-rinse solutions:  This method is more straightforward, but it will cost a little more. Acid sanitizers like Star San are popular with the beer brewing community to sanitize bottles and bottling equipment. Unlike bleach, surfaces only need to come into contact with the diluted product and be allowed to air dry. Best of all, these products are safe to use on all materials except aluminum. However, I do not recommend storing the product in anything but its original container.

Hot Water Method: This method is the most difficult, but it is the cheapest. You don’t actually need to boil your water to sanitize your bottles. However, the water temperature inside your container needs to reach at least 170°F for at least 30 seconds. There are ways to do this, but it becomes much more difficult without submerging your container in a big pot of water. Don’t choose this method for sanitizing single-use plastics like soda bottles.

Does Water Need To Be Chlorinated Before It’s Stored?

If your tap water is already treated and chlorinated, it’s perfectly fine to store as is. Different countries, counties, and even cities have different levels of acceptability. In the US, the EPA sets what standards all jurisdictions must meet. Check your local water authority to determine if your water meets the minimum suggested standards.

If your water comes from an untreated source, like a well, or if you have an artisan spring, filter and treat before storing. You can chlorinate it yourself, but a DIY chemical water treatment isn’t going to remove heavy metals and toxic pollutants.

Where Should Full Water Containers Be Stored?

An old wives’ tale warns against placing plastic containers full of water directly on concrete. There is no merit to this. A local concrete expert I spoke with suggests that the plastic jugs are more likely to break down and contaminate the water than concrete. If the concrete has absorbed gasoline, oil, or another chemical spill, definitely keep the jugs off the concrete. A pallet makes a terrific barrier.

I don’t suggest keeping your water outside, but sometimes that’s the only room you have. If the plan is to place your containers outside, make sure they’re UV resistant. Store the full jugs in a shady spot, and cover with a tarp to keep dust and dirt from building up.

If you live in an area that sees winter temperatures fall below freezing, make sure to leave enough room in the jugs to let the water expand.

Speaking of freezing, I ran across one of the most ingenious ideas for storing water in a freezer.  Placing a layer of one-gallon jugs of water at the bottom of a large chest freezer will help you in two ways. They will raise the usable space for storing food, which will make it easier to reach. The frozen water jugs will also keep your frozen foods cold for longer in the event of a lengthy power outage. Speaking as someone who has lost everything in my fridge and chest freezer to a 5-day power outage, this tip is golden.

The best place will always be a quiet corner in a basement or garage if you have either of those.

Can I Stock Up On Bottled Water Instead?

Stocking your shelves with bottled water is a great way to create an emergency drinking water supply. Since the US regulates bottled water, it is a clean and safe option with none of the work. The downside to buying bottled water is that it comes at a much greater cost.

If you would prefer to buy your water, look into the 5- or 10-gallon bottles from a water delivery service or water refill service at your local grocery store.

Otherwise, you’re probably buying small plastic bottles designed only for one use. The little bottles are wasteful and more susceptible to taking on flavors or aromas from whatever is stored nearby. The only positive attribute of keeping small water bottles is that they are ideal if you need to pack some water when leaving your house in an emergency.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL SHALL KNOW HUNGER
"Your country, America the beautiful, shall know hunger. Your country, America the beautiful, shall know revolution. The just shall be crucified. Evil shall run rampant, My children. This curse upon mankind is allowed for the redemption of those few who shall be saved. My children, I have warned you through countless visitations upon earth to mend your ways that offend the Eternal Father very much.” – Our Lady, June 1, 1978

STOMACHS DISTENDED WITH STARVATION
"My child, you will see that the message goes throughout the world. Do not be slowed down in your endeavors by scoffers, those who say there will not be a Third World War. Are they God? Oh no, they will know what it is to see blackened bodies along the roadside, their children, stomachs distended with starvation. 'This cannot happen here in the United States,' I hear voices saying. O My children, it will! Your crops will rot. Your children will be barred from their own homes because they have become a source of murder.
     "Please, My children, listen to your Mother. It is urgent that you pray and protect your children. You must see that they wear the brown Scapular, and also any medals that will keep satan from their door.” – Our Lady, May 28, 1983

ONE FOOT IN HELL
"A country that shuts out its God starts down the path for its own destruction. A country that loses its morality has placed one foot already in hell. Servitude, desecration, soul destruction—all will reap what they have sown. Floods, great heat, death. You will have visited upon you a plague! Recognize now the finger of death will be placed upon your earth. When you pass through this crisis, many will be cleansed." - Our Lady of the Roses, April 1, 1972

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Our Lady of the Roses Awesome Bayside Prophecies... https://www.tldm.org/Bayside/   These prophecies came from Jesus, Mary, and the saints to Veronica Lueken at Bayside, NY, from 1968 to 1995.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL SHALL KNOW HUNGER
"Your country, America the beautiful, shall know hunger. Your country, America the beautiful, shall know revolution. The just shall be crucified. Evil shall run rampant, My children. This curse upon mankind is allowed for the redemption of those few who shall be saved. My children, I have warned you through countless visitations upon earth to mend your ways that offend the Eternal Father very much.” – Our Lady, June 1, 1978 

STOMACHS DISTENDED WITH STARVATION
"My child, you will see that the message goes throughout the world. Do not be slowed down in your endeavors by scoffers, those who say there will not be a Third World War. Are they God? Oh no, they will know what it is to see blackened bodies along the roadside, their children, stomachs distended with starvation. 'This cannot happen here in the United States,' I hear voices saying. O My children, it will! Your crops will rot. Your children will be barred from their own homes because they have become a source of murder.
     "Please, My children, listen to your Mother. It is urgent that you pray and protect your children. You must see that they wear the brown Scapular, and also any medals that will keep satan from their door.” – Our Lady, May 28, 1983 

WHAT WILL YOU GIVE FOR YOUR BREAD?
Veronica - Now it's growing dark, and the writing is disappearing. Now I see another figure coming forward. Now he's carrying a long--what looks like a piece of reed or wheat, and he's got a balance in his hand, a scale. But it looks different than the one Michael carries. He also has a black band across his chest, and he's standing now on the right bank of the--joining the other angel on the right bank of the river, of the great body of water. And now he's holding the balance up, and he's pointing now to his chest. And written across the black band is: "HUNGER": H-U-N-G-E-R. Now he's taking the balance and he's raising it high above his head, and he's saying:
Third Angel - "Denarius, denarius. A measure for the wheat. What will you give for your bread?" – April 6, 1974 

REDUCED TO BARTERING FOR FOOD
"My child and My children, the days will grow darker, and there will be hunger in your land. Yes, My child, what I brought you here for this evening is to tell the world that there will be a crash in the monetary doings of your government--an absolute crash that will affect every man, woman, and child in the United States and Canada, and then, like a serpent, creep all over Europe, until the world sees one big, massive depression. I can illustrate to you, My children, what I mean by this monetary depression.
     "Should you go and wish to buy a small instrument, even a guitar, that We hear plucking away at the dervishly, and devilry of what is called the musical Mass, strung by guitars and other creations of satan--My child, I go on to tell you, you will say that the guitar is not a costly item, but in order to buy this guitar you will carry an actual satchel, an overnight bag-size, My child--let Us put it that way clearly--of notes, your currency. It will take a whole suitcase of paper--paper money that no longer has a value. You will soon be reduced to bartering for your food.” – Our Lady, September 7, 1985

“HUNGER SHALL BE SET UPON YOUR COUNTRY”
Our Lady - "As a nation, as a country--to all nations of the world, I say to you, as your Mother, that as you have sown so shall you reap. How many years have I traveled across your earth, crying with tears of pity and frustration, that the great Chastisement be withheld from mankind, because of the many souls that will be lost to Heaven. How many have listened to My counsel and prepared? Have you become so blinded by your lives of luxury and worldly pursuits that you can no longer recognize what is happening about you? Murders abound. Blood flows in the street. Hunger shall be set upon your country. Many shall die. And why? Because you have turned your back upon My Son, the only One now who can save you from what is fast coming upon you.
     "My child, do not be affrighted. Through countless years have you seen this scene."
Veronica - Oh! Oh! [Veronica sighs heavily.] Oh . . . I, I don't know. The people are killing each other in the streets here! And I see such terrible blood . . . and the people have gone crazy. Oh, it's horrible!
     "Blessed Mother, please!"
Our Lady - "My child, I have asked all to go forward in these final days before the great Chastisement as disciples of My Son, first and uppermost in their lives. For he who gives his life shall be saved. He who walks away and abandons himself to the world shall be lost.” – May 30, 1981 

CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY
"My children, without charity you have nothing! Does holiness reign, and charity, in the hearts of the clergy in My Son's House? Or shall I give to you the measure of offenses by count as My Son suffers for these offenses by count? For when you do not clothe your brother in his nakedness, when you do not feed your brother in his hunger, when you do not comfort him in his affliction, you offend the Father in Heaven and the Trinity; for even the most humble and smallest among you, as human beings upon earth, are the children of your God, and each and every man, woman, and child has been created in the image of God. But now you have given yourselves over to seeking worldly pleasures; you have given yourselves over to the worship of Lucifer and false gods. And then you cry to Heaven: 'Where are my children? Why have my children turned against us?' Parents, leaders in the houses of religion upon earth, have you followed your vocation? What measure of responsibility shall you be counted for in the fall of your nation?” – Our Lady, September 7, 1979 

MUCH FOOD IS WASTED IN YOUR COUNTRY
Our Lady - "Look over, My child, to your left. Yes, that is true: you are looking at Africa now, My child, another map. And what do you see, My child?"
Veronica - I see all flames. And I see many people who are hungry. I see babies with their stomachs all swelled up, and babies with their bones sticking out of their skins, And to think…. . .
     Our Blessed Mother is crying. She's touching Her lips now.
Our Lady - "My child, and to think how much food is being wasted in your country and the affluent countries of the world. One little morsel could keep a child from starving to death.
     "If you think that this could not happen to your country, you are mistaken, My child. If you think this cannot happen, I must tell you now that there are still many who are hungry in your country this evening. You see, My child, man is always self-seeking, and cannot see what lies ahead of him.
     "You will understand and broadcast the message to the world that there will be a great destruction in the monetary systems of the world. It will affect both the United States and Canada, and all the great powers of the world. And I repeat again: You will go to your stores to do your shopping carrying papers which may as well be newspapers, for the value they will have to purchase even food will be nil.
     "How can a great country like the United States fall, you say, My child? You ask Me in your heart. I read your heart. I will tell you why. Because they have given themselves over to satan. When a country has lost its morality and seeks the pleasures of the flesh, giving over, themselves over to all manner of abominations, like homosexuality, and condoning this up to the highest courts of the land, then that country shall fall.” – Our Lady, November 1, 1985

Directives from Heaven... https://www.tldm.org/directives/directives.htm

D133 - The Apocalypse / Revelations PDF
D139 - Preparations: Spiritual  PDF
D140 - Preparations: Material    PDF
D154 - Plague and Pestilence  PDF
D278 - Famine PDF
D328 - Famine and Hunger  PDF