1.7 Sanitation and Hygiene
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| Systems | Stuff |
|---|---|
| Handwashing, toilets, showers | |
Identify places for public access to safe sanitation and hygiene. Create a directory of local public buildings with bathrooms, sinks and/or showers that could be made available to disaster survivors and volunteers. Include handwashing plans in all volunteer work. Provide soap! Include a bathroom / sanitation plans in response efforts. Share models for safe sanitation with impacted households, especially those that are more remote and can’t travel to public restrooms. Remind everyone interacting with mucking and grey water to wash their hands BEFORE and AFTER going to the bathroom. Safe sanitation when there is not running water or septic requires a plan to remove and
treat waste Establish a safe dumping area at least 50 ft from any wells or waterways, ideally lined or contained to promote thermodynamic composting (heat) and reduce spreading. Establish a designated area for emergency toilets with handwashing. | DIY handwashing station Use clean water (from a hose), but not potable water when possible Make small holes in the lid of a plastic drink bottle and squeeze the bottle to dispense water. Purchase water containers with a side spigot, or build them. DIY toilets For short-term use, all you need is a bucket with a lid and dry material like sawdust, wood shavings or wood chips. Or, build a composting toilet box. Stock with period products and toilet paper DIY showers Use a 5 gallon bucket and a scoop (smaller bucket or empty yogurt container) to pour water over your head in your current shower/tub. If indoor options are not available, designate a well-draining, firm surface for outdoor showering. Provide privacy using a tarp, sheet, etc. There are many outdoor gear/camp shower options for purchase After flooding, rivers and lakes may not be safe to swim in. When it is safe, use biodegradable soap if washing in freshwater. |
| Laundry | |
Identify places for public, low-cost and preferably free access to do laundry Create a directory of households, businesses and public spaces with washers and dryers Contact local churches and other orgs to set up free laundry services. Example here. | Washers/dryers Manual wash systems - Wash tub Detergent Clothesline and pins or dry rack Laundry baskets/bags Portable laundry trailers Off grid hand powered or low voltage (solar power) wash systems |