Sept 2022: Emergency bathroom & hygiene

 

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness

Sept 2022 – Emergency Bathroom & Hygiene

Last month we started making 72-hour kits by getting a backpack for each family member. This month we will add our first emergency supplies into our kits.

What is the very first thing you will need in a large emergency? You can survive about a week without food, and about 3 days without water. The very first thing you will need is a bathroom—you can only go a few hours without one, especially if you have children.

 

Week #1—Gather the Supplies

If you lose city water or sewer during an emergency, you will not be able to flush the toilet. Add these items into your 72-hour kit so you can make an emergency toilet.

·       2 5-gallon Bucket ($3 - $5)

·       Toilet Seat for 5-gallon Bucket (plastic, $13 - $15) (or pool noodle)

·       Garbage Bags (heavy duty kitchen)

·       Kitty Litter, Pine Bedding, or both (2 large bags, scented)

·       Toilet Paper (in plastic)

·       Paper Towels (in plastic)

·       Hand Wipes or Sanitizer

Week #2—Make an Emergency Toilet

For a 6 minute video about the 2 bucket system, click here.

Supply info here. (In an extended disaster, bury the bags rather than storing them as she says in the video.)

Line the 5-gallon bucket with 2 garbage bags. To control smells, put some kitty litter or pine bedding in at the start and after each use. Snap the plastic toilet seat on the bucket and close the lid (or use pool noodle).

If your home is otherwise habitable, you can line the toilet in your home instead of a 5-gallon bucket. Plug the toilet bowl hole with a flexible rubber ball before putting the bag in the toilet bowl. 

Replace the garbage bag at least once a day. Securely tie the top of the bag and bury or store outside.

Week #3—Gather Other Bathroom Items

Get personal hygiene supplies for each family member and put them in their individual 72-hour backpacks.

·       Tissues (in plastic)

·       Comb or Brush

·       Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Dental Floss

·       Mouthwash and Deodorant (travel size)

·       Wash Cloth

·       Mirror (small)

·       Feminine Hygiene Products

·       Cleaning Solution for Glasses/Contacts

·       Diapers, Baby Wipes, and Diaper Rash Cream

·       Litter Box and Poop Bags (for pets)

Week 4—Shave, Shower, and Laundry

Most people can easily go 3 days without shaving, showering, or doing laundry. However, if you would like to stay clean or prepare for longer emergencies, buy shave, shower, and laundry supplies for camping. For a 3 minute video, click here. (sorry about the audio…but the info is good.)

 

Extra Credit:

For more Utah-specific and in-depth videos on sanitation in a disaster, see the First Responder Mom videos and how to plug drain holes here.

 

Neighborhood Radio Net: Sunday, Sept 11: Participate in a GMRS Radio Net on the 2^nd Sunday (Sept 11th) at 4 pm). Eric & Amy Dennison will be available to answer questions about the GMRS radios. If you have a GMRS radio, we can do a test and help you get started using it.

Zoom link: https://byui.zoom.us/s/4366630502 (Join as attendee)