Sanitation Kit

Last night I attended a class about Emergency Preparedness taught by L. Richardson. She shared some valuable information and displayed a few items she had put together. One of those items was a Sanitation Kit.

During a disaster "just plan on losing your utilities." It is important to have a Sanitation Kit because we don't know when our disaster will be. The lack of proper sanitation can cause the spread of disease and even death.

Here is an idea for assembling your own Sanitation Kit:

SANITATION KIT:
*"Luggable Loo" - snap-on lid (fits 5 or 6 gallon buckets)
1 (5 or 6-gallon) bucket
Store the following inside your bucket until needed:

• Heavy Duty disposable garbage bags (you won't want to deal with leaky bags)
• 1 (12 oz.) "Super Sorb" (takes care of odors - available at janitorial supply stores) *Kitty litter can be used in place of Super Sorb. It is less expensive and more readily available.
  
• 1 container "Hi-Genic" (non-acid bowl and bathroom cleaner - available at janitorial supply stores)
  
• 1 bottle of hydrogen peroxide (natural disinfectant)
• 1 small bottle of vinegar
• 1 container baking soda
• 1 empty spray bottle
• 2 to 3 rolls toilet paper
• 1 pkg. baby wipes
• feminine hygiene supplies
• Disposable gloves
  
• Hand sanitizer
• Lotion (hand sanitizer will tend to dry out hands)

Directions: Empty contents of the bucket. Line the bucket with a heavy duty disposable garbage bag. Put 1 tablespoon "Super Sorb" into the garbage bag. Securely attach "Luggable Loo" lid. Keep lid closed when not in use. When bucket is 1/3 full, empty it by tying the bag up and disposing of it properly:

To dispose of waste:

Emergency Sewage Storage
"Keep on the premises at least one extra 10-gallon garbage can or other waterproof container with a tight fitting cover. This should be lined with paper and/or a plastic bag. And the lid should be fastened to the can to prevent its loss. Such a can may be used for the emergency storage of body wastes until the public sewage system can be put back into action, or until other arrangements can be made. Empty your emergency toilet into this storage can as often as necessary. A small amount of household disinfectant should be added after each use. If you live in an apartment, you may not have a large garbage can or room to keep one. In that case, two smaller covered pails or other containers will do just as well." --http://www.pep-c.org/emergencysewagedisposal

Another option for disposing waste:

"When the plastic bag is filled to a point where you can carefully dispose of it, you will want a tight-fitting leak-proof container you can put the filled bags where insects and vermin cannot get at, or you may want to have a fairly deep hole (at least three to four feet deep) in your back yard where you can safely dispose of the bag, cover with a few inches of soil at each disposal and have a cover to keep vermin out and people from falling in...." --Sanitation, Part 1

For more detailed information regarding Sanitation check out:
http://www.pep-c.org/sanitation
Sanitation, Parts 1 & 2

*LUGGABLE LOOS are available at:

• Recreation Outlet, 3160 S. State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 (Sells the lid separately for $7.99 ea. or the bucket and lid for $12.99.)
• Cabela's ($9.99 - lid only/$14.99 lid and bucket)
• Target (available on-line only) has a bucket and lid for $14.99
• Rei ($18.00 - lid and bucket)
• Google "luggable loo" to find the best prices and locations for you.
  

NOTE: "Be Ready Utah" has an idea for an Emergency "Porta Potty" Kit: http://bereadyutah.gov/family/potty.html