Emergency Sanitation

See also:

• Disaster Supply Kit
• Emergency Water: Locating Safe Water

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

Supplies

Always have basic sanitation supplies on hand.

• Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid.
• Plastic garbage bags and ties (heavy duty)
• Household chlorine bleach
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Toilet paper
• Towelettes

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Sanitation

To build 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 completely backed up, make your own. Line a medium sized bucket with a garbage bag and make a toilet seat out of two boards placed parallel to each other across the bucket. An old toilet seat will also work.

To sanitize waste

After each use, pour a disinfectant (see Disinfectants) such as bleach into the container. This will help avoid infection and stop the spread of disease. Cover the container tightly when not in use.

To dispose of waste

• Bury garbage and human waste to avoid the spread of disease by rats and insects. Dig a pit 2 to 3 feet deep and at least 50 feet downhill or away from any well, spring, or water supply.
• If the garbage cannot be buried immediately, strain any liquids into the emergency toilet. Wrap the residue in several layers of newspapers and store it in a large can with a tight-fitting lid. Place the can outside until it can be buried.

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Water Substitutes

Water substitutes for cleansing

• Rubbing alcohol
• Lotions containing alcohol
• Shaving lotion
• Face creams and lotions
• Towelettes
• Wet wash cloth to clean teeth, wash face, comb hair, and wash body
• Makeshift shower - Use a spray bottle to shower

Disinfectants

The best choice is a solution of 1 part liquid chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. Other commercial disinfectants include HTH, or calcium hypochlorite, which is available at swimming pool supply stores; portable chemical toilets, which are available through recreational vehicle supply stores; and powdered, chlorinated lime, which is available at building supply stores.

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Health

Keeping clean

Keeping clean is essential to good health. Because water is so precious and should be reserved for drinking purposes, consider other ways to wash the body.

Intestinal ailments

Consuming contaminated water and food can cause diarrhea, poisoning, and intestinal diseases. Take steps to protect against diseases.

Keep body, hands, and cooking and eating utensils clean

• Use plates or eat from the original food containers if water is not available for washing dishes.
• Wash and peel all fruits and vegetables.
• Keep all food in covered containers.
• Prepare only as much as will be eaten at each meal.

Controlling rodents and insects

• Keep living area clear of debris, garbage, refuse, and body wastes.
• When possible, repair holes to keep out rodents.
• Household insecticides will work in small and enclosed areas.

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Questions or comments? Contact: emergency.management@vancouver.ca or call 3-1-1 (within Vancouver) or 604.873.7000 (outside Vancouver).

Last modified: Monday, April 4, 2011
© 2009 City of Vancouver