Prepare in a Year - Emergency Sanitation & Hygiene
- admin774715
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
When a disaster hits, clean water and working toilets might not be available. This can lead to the spread of diseases, especially those that cause diarrhea. One tiny bit of human waste can carry millions of germs, viruses, and bacteria. That’s why staying clean and safely getting rid of waste is so important. Germs can spread through dirty water, shared water bottles or dishes, and not washing your hands properly.
Water Safety
Sometimes, water pipes can break during a disaster. This can cause clean water to mix with dirty water. Always listen to local officials about whether it’s safe to use tap water. If the water may be unsafe, boil it or use a disinfectant before drinking or using it for hygiene.
Top Priorities After a Disaster
Personal Hygiene & Handwashing
Use boiled or disinfected water to wash hands, brush teeth, and clean up.
If clean water isn’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
If your hands are dirty, clean them with wet wipes first before using hand sanitizer.
Always wash your hands:
After using the toilet or changing a diaper
Before and after handling food
After touching trash or caring for someone sick
Scrub hands with soap for 20 seconds, rinse with clean water, and dry with a clean towel.
You can make a handwashing station using a container with a spout or a water bottle.
Getting Rid of Human Waste
Toilet works but won’t flush: Line it with a plastic bag (remove any water first), add some disinfectant (like bleach water), and tie the bag shut after each use. Put it in a sealed bin away from people.
No toilet available: Use a 5-gallon bucket with a plastic liner and a toilet seat lid. You can also buy camping toilets or special waste bags that break down waste.
Twin Bucket System (best option): Use one bucket for urine and one for feces. Urine can go into the ground or storm drains. Feces must be handled carefully. Cover it with materials like sawdust or shredded paper to reduce smell and help it break down. You can line the bucket with a plastic bag or just close the lid when full.
Emergency Sanitation Kit (for 7 days):
Toilet paper and feminine products
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Soap or liquid detergent
Two 5-gallon buckets with lids
Plastic seat lids for the buckets
Heavy-duty garbage bags and ties
Bleach or powdered lime for disinfecting
Sawdust or other carbon material (optional)
Remember: Staying clean and handling waste safely after a disaster can help prevent serious illness. Be prepared so you and your family can stay safe.
Sources: publicalerts.org, cdc.gov, phlush.org