Emergency Sanitation

Sanitation is one of those things we all seem to take for granted. We have our "flushy" toilets, lots of water to clean up with and electricity to keep the local sanitation department pumps going.

But what happens when these things don't work? Have you every had a toilet back up or sinks that would not drain? How about when we go camping or find ourselves in areas where there are no viable restrooms?

Our good friend Sandie suggested this information be included in the website and she is right! Her information is derived from some information from our mutual friends, The Provident Preppers. I have mentioned them before because their YouTube videos are terrific and very insightful

Here is a copy of a handout Sandie prepared for a class - Thanks Sandie!

https://theprovidentprepper.org/prepping-for-basic-emergency-sanitation/

In case of disruption of water, electricity, sewer or garbage service

1. Sanitation Supplies

Toilet paper, wet wipes, facial tissue

Shampoo and soap (liquid and bar soap)

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss

Feminine supplies, Diapers

Disinfectants, cleaning supplies, disposable gloves

Masks

First aid supplies

Black garbage bags: heavy duty contractor grade 42 gallon, 30 gallon

WaterBOB Emergency Drinking Water Storage 100 Gallon With Siphon Pump FDA Approved Bladder $29.97 CheaperThanDirt.com Keeps water fresh for 7 weeks! Fits in the bathtub

2. Wash Your Hands

Coleman jug, liquid soap, dishpan

3. Shower/Bathe

Wet wipes can be used as a sponge bath

Gravity solar showers, pressure garden tank sprayers

4. Wash and Dry Clothing

Search “portable mini washing machine” online

or use a bucket and a plunger

obtain a clothesline and clothespins, or an indoor drying rack

5. Wash Dishes keep a supply of paper plates, Dawn dish soap for when you run out

6. Maintain Clean Environment keep a supply of Lysol, bleach, or powdered calcium hypochlorite

https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water

print and save.

7. Dispose of Garbage Burying trash may be required as a result of a prolonged crisis. If this becomes necessary, bury garbage as far away from your home as possible, and be mindful of high water tables.

Dig a hole at least four feet deep. Cover with at least 18 inches of soil to prevent insect and animal infestation. You may want to dig the hole and cover it with a large piece of plywood to allow additional garbage to be added as needed. Weigh the plywood down with large rocks or heavy objects to prevent animals from accessing it. Layering garbage with soil, ashes, lime, or borax may help control odors.

8. Dispose of Human Waste (here are a couple of ideas)

Luggable Lou or bucket toilet - these have been around for quite a while and are certainly worth looking into

Adapt your existing toilet:

Turn off the water supply to the toilet tank.
• Empty the toilet bowl and lift the lid and seat.
• Place a garbage bag in the bowl and duct tape the edges around the back and sides of the bowl.
• Use the toilet as usual.
• Pour a small amount of disinfectant into the bag after each use to help prevent the spread of germs and disease. Do not use strong disinfectants which might compromise the plastic bag. You may want to add sawdust, kitty litter, soil, or Poo Powder to solidify liquids.
• The bag may be used several times before changing.
• Change the bag by lifting the lid and seat. Carefully remove the bag by loosening the taped edges, twisting the edges of the bag together, and seal the bag.
• Place an empty plastic bucket right next to the toilet and lift the bag into the bucket. Use this bucket for transport to avoid accidental spills.
• Cover the entire toilet with a 30-gallon trash bag to control odor. Air fresheners or room deodorizers may also be helpful.

There are a variety of different ways to insure that you have a means of keeping things sanitary. The worst is probably disposal of human waste. The Provident Preppers above shared a method.

There are several different types of portable/emergency toilets on the market. One that we like is a flushable one found on Amazon for just over $100. Not cheap but one alternative. Another is simply a toilet seat that fits over a 5 gallon bucket with a bag to collect the waste - fairly inexpensive and effective.

As with everything in our preparedness efforts - there is no "one size fits all" solution. Decide what solution fits your needs, capacity and budget, then move forward.