Sanitation in a disaster

 

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness

May 2024 – Emergency Bathroom

Our last challenge was to prepare 72-hour kits by getting a backpack for each family member. This month we will add our first emergency supplies into our kits.

Week #1—First Things First

What is the very first thing you will need in a large emergency? It’s not food—you can survive about a week without food. It’s not water—you can survive 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 #2—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.

·       5-gallon Bucket ($3 - $5)

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

·       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 #3—Make an Emergency Toilet

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.

If your home is otherwise habitable, you can line the toilet in your home instead of a 5-gallon bucket. Replace the garbage bag at least once a day. Securely tie the top of the bag and carefully dispose of it in the garbage. For a 3 minute video, click here.

Week #4—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)

Extra Credit—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.

Bonus: This series of videos from a Utah-based expert in emergency preparedness is very informative! Sanitation in a Disaster Video Series