Ok, this has officially applied to me. Last night, they enacted a water ban in my town, due to the flooding. Apparently, a culvert broke in our neighbor town, flooding our wells (there are 6 that they pull water from the local reservoir from). We are under water restrictions in my town, and they have shut 5 of the 6 wells down due to this. As a result, they ask everyone to conserve water and, if possible, find another place to stay for the next 2 weeks, to reduce the strain on our water system. Additionally, as a precaution, they are asking people to boil water for consumption. It isnt polluted, but they dont want to risk it.
This is the first time I have ever been in a situation where there is a possible evacuation. Even voluntary. Now, when I was in the Guard, we ASSISTED people with evacuating, but I have not been in the situation where I was the one-voluntary or no. I am bringing this up for 2 reasons:
First, I have about 15 gallons of water stashed in my apt-so, I am covered with that. And, I fill up 2 nalgene bottles at work, before heading home. So, I am OK there.
Second, should they shut the town water down, what do I REALLY need? I have places to go to, so, changes of clothing. Thats it. Lesson learned for me-evactuation, at least in my neck of the woods, allows you PLENTY of time to get your stuff gathered. In fact, should I decide to vacate for a couple of days, all I really need to do is pack a suitcase. Granted, I am given plenty of notice-but even the little act of having fresh water available, close at hand, will likely keep me going during this. Its a minor thing to me-barely even an inconvenience; I wasnt flooded out, and its not a mandatory water shut off & evacuation. But, the short story is, I was prepared enough for generalized emergencies, and am thankful for my foresight

As an aside-they are thousands of homes & businesses that are damaged because of these rains. Whole streets have collapsed due to the bedding underneath being washed out. I am fortunate-I live in an apt building, on a hill, nowhere near rivers. All I got was wet going to & from my vehicle every day. Even shutting our wells down is a minor inconvenience in comparison to someone who has lost everything due to flooding. To them, my heart goes out.