Sanitation

After a major disaster, if sewage and water lines have been cut off, you may need to improvise emergency sanitation facilities.

Supplies

It is important to always have basic sanitation supplies.

Towelettes
Soap, liquid detergent
Toilet Paper
Household chlorine bleach
Plastic bucket with tight lid—medium sized
Plastic garbage bags and ties—heavy duty

Sanitizing Waste

Pour a disinfectant, such as bleach, into the bucket after each use. This will help avoid infection and spread of disease. Cover the bucket tightly when not being used.

Building a Makeshift Toilet

If sewage lines are broken, but the toilet bowl is usable, place a garbage bag inside the bowl. If the toilet is completly backed up, use a garbage bag to line a medium sized bucket. You can make a toilet seat by placing two boards parallel to each other across the bucket.

Disposing of Waste

Dig a pit two to three feet deep and at least 50 feet down hill or away from any water supply, well, or spring. Bury garbage and human waste in the pit to avoid the spread of disease by insects and rats.

Note: If the garbage cannot be buried immediately, strain any liquids into the emergency toilet. Wrap the residue in several layers of newspaper and store it in a large can with a tight lid. Place the can outside until it can be buried.

Water Substitutes for Cleansing

Rubbing alcohol
Lotions containing alcohol
Shaving lotion
Face creams and lotions
Towelettes
Wet wash cloth (you can use a wet wash cloth to wash face and body, clean teeth, and comb hair)
Use a spray bottle to shower

Disinfectants

Make a disinfectant by making a solution of one part liquid chlorine to ten parts water.

Stay Healthy

It is essential to good health to stay clean. Keep hands, body, cooking and eating utensils clean. Consuming contaminated food and water can cause diarrhea, poisoning, and intestinal disease.