Sanitation and Hygiene

A large quantity of white paper towel rolls stacked together.

Category 4: Sanitation and Hygiene

When Toilets Don't Flush

If water service stops:

Option 1: Bucket toilet

  • 5-gallon bucket with toilet seat lid

  • Heavy-duty garbage bags (line bucket)

  • Cat litter, sawdust, or dirt (to cover waste)

  • Disinfectant

  • TP and hand sanitizer

Option 2: Your actual toilet (if you have water)

  • Fill bathtub with water when outage imminent

  • Pour 1 gallon water into bowl to flush

  • Can use gray water (from washing, cooking)

Hygiene products needed:

  • Toilet paper (extra rolls)

  • Paper towels

  • Wet wipes or baby wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Soap

  • Toothpaste and toothbrushes

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Diapers (if applicable)

  • Garbage bags (lots of them)

Cleaning supplies:

  • Bleach (for disinfection)

  • All-purpose cleaner

  • Dish soap

  • Laundry detergent

  • Rubber gloves

Personal Hygiene Without Running Water

Water conservation tips:

  • Use wet wipes for quick cleaning

  • Dry shampoo

  • Hand sanitizer instead of washing hands (when water scarce)

  • Minimal face washing with damp cloth

  • Brush teeth with bottled water (don't swallow tap water if contaminated)

Resources

  • CDC Sanitation in Emergencies: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/hygiene.html

Building Your 3 Day Home Emergency Kit