Sanitation

Yesterday in church we received another preparation handout; this one is about sanitation. I have never even thought about this so I hope you all read this important preparation message.

"Sanitation can be a monumental problem during an emergency if advanced preparations have not been made. Toilet facilities will not function if water has been cut off, as is usually the case in a disaster. Therefore, it is very wise to plan and to prepare an alternate (and portable) method of sanitation.

'When man is forced to adjust quickly from a civilized environment, with all its comforts, to an existence mush like that of a caveman, body systems are upset, and one often develops gastro-intestinal problmes which compound the problem of sanitation.'

"A person that went through a Midwest flood said that one of the greatest problems was sanitation. Accustomed to the convenience of modern facilities, people had made no emergency provisions, and this had a devastating effect on morale. Conditions rapidly became deplorable.

"When it is necessary to have an emergency toilet facility, care should be taken to keep the area clean and as odor-free as possible. Every time someone uses the 'toilet' he should pour a small amount of disinfectant (Clorox, lime, etc.) into the container to keep down odors and germs.

"Individual privacy is important. Screen temporary toilet facilities from view by hanging a blanket, sheet, canvas, plastic sheet, or tarp.

• If damage in the water lines is suspected, do not flush toilets. Turn off water at the main valve so polluted water does not enter your water system.
• (Suggestion for swimming pool owners-pool water can be used to flush toilets if water is turned off at the main valve, providing sewer lines are undamaged.)

"A makeshift toilet:

1. Covered container for bathroom, such as a sturdy bucket or small trash can with tight-fitting lid and good supple of plastic bag liners. Improvised toilet seat.

2. Soil bags: Paper sack inside a paper sack filled with shredded newspaper.

3. Collapsible camping toilet, which uses plastic bags. OR

Small portable potty. OR

Plastic bedpan.

"SUPPLIES:

Clorox (bleach), household disinfectant, deodorant, insecticides (may be added to sewer)

RE-sealable plastic bags-can be used and sealed

Large trash bags = Make sanitary receptacles for the smaller bags. Keep in large covered trash cans until disposal time.

Large metal or plastic trash cans-for human waste and garbage. Be sure to have lids.

Hygiene supplies-toilet paper, wipes, hand sanitizer, soap, etc.

Folding camp shovel with serrated cutting edge-for digging latrines and disposing of waste."