Emergency Sanitation

What really happens when water isn’t working in my home?

Sanitation runs a close second to getting pure drinking water.  When the water stops, so does toilet use and bathing as we normally do.  Remember  that even power outages can affect the city getting water to your tap.  This is one of those times where answering, “How long?” will guide what you need to do.

Do you think water will be out for…

Time Actual Scenario Use for Toilets Use for Bathing Recommendations
Days EarthquakeWater main break Double-layered trash can liners over a 5 gallon bucket or lined in your empty toilet bowlChange every 48 hours and place in garbage cans scheduled for pick-up
  • Wash cloth and water, standing in tub or shower
  • Baby wipes
  • Outdoor solar shower bag (if warm enough)
Make sure you’re using clean waterIf “outside” water is used, avoid eyes, mouth, and nose
Weeks Ice Storm damageTornado damage

Blizzard damage

Municipal black out

Double-layered trash can liners over a 5 gallon bucket or lined in your empty toilet bowlChange every 48 hours and place in garbage cans scheduled for pick-up

IF trash service is disrupted, proceed to burying your waste in an acceptable location

  • Wash cloth and water, standing in tub or shower
  • Baby wipes
  • Outdoor solar shower bag (if warm enough)
  • Boiled-water bath (weekly if you have sufficient water stored)
Solar shower bagsIBC Containers
Months Hurricane damageTsunami damage

Municipal disruption

Build an outhouse or pit latrine in at a proper distance from water sources and food sources
  • Wash cloth and water, standing in tub or shower
  • Baby wipes
  • Outdoor solar shower bag (if warm enough)
  • Boiled-water bath (weekly if you have sufficient water stored)
IBC ContainersCisterns