THE HOME FRONT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1942, Page 8

THE HOME FRONT

ADVICE TO HOUSEWIVES

Here are some extracts from a talk on sanitation given recently by Dr. H. Smith, district medical officer, at a meeting of the Women's Division of the Newtown E.P.S7

j "In the event of an emergency through an air raid or any other cause there will be no pressure of water for household purposes, so unnecessary running of water should cease now in the house," stated Dr. Smith. "A day's supply must be kept on hand .in.a covered container—be sure to avoid contamination, and as much as can be held in available clean containers should be drawn. Do not waste water as this will make a considerable extra strain on the city's supply. Fill up the copper after each wash, making sure that you have first cleaned the copper thoroughly. This water can be used for the next wash day. PURE WATER WILL KEEP ONE / ■ { WEEK. "You must have at least one gallon of pure emergency water for each member of the household in clean containers ready all the time to be available for use, as water will be rationed. Do not start filling things when the raid starts as water will be needed for fire fighting. Water will keep one week in clean containers. Have one vessel or jug to use as a dipper in the copper, and that particular one only. Stand it wrong way up on a saucer or plate. Boil all water before use . DRAINS MUST NOT BE USED. "Until you are informed to the contrary, you must expect that your drainage is- out of action—do not wait to be informed that it is not working. You must not use the drains, lavatory, laundry, bath, or kitchen sink. If your area is all right you will be instructed. You must have, arrangements ready before the trouble starts. See that everybody in the house is instructed what to do. Arrange everything for washing, etc., so that the water does not go down the drain. FOOD PROTECTION. "All milk should be boiled unless pasteurised and bottled," continued the speaker. "Cover everything with butter muslin frequently washed in a weak solution of Condy's crystals. Food freshly cooked is the safest. Use as few dishes as possible, washing im-. I mediately after the) meal and keep them cotered—wash the hands before every meal and see that everybody in the house does the same. GAS AND ELECTRICITY. "In an emergency, gas should be immediately cut off. In the hot water tank you have a pure water supply which you will want for drinking' and cooking so do not use it unnecessarily, but cut off the source of heat, otherwise you will have an explosion. If you have coal range for heating your water do not use the fire and turn off the water* where it enters. Any fresh water coming in may be contaminated. Turn off the gas as soon as the alarm is given. Do not turn off the electricity as you will want to hear instructions over the wireless."