The lack of sanitation facilities following
\nmajor disaster can quickly create secondary problems unless basic guidelines
\nare followed.<\/p>\n
If the water lines are damaged or if damage is suspected, do not flush
\nthe toilet. Avoid digging holes in the ground and using these. Untreated
\nraw sewage can pollute fresh ground water supplies. It also attracts flies
\nand promotes the spread of diseases.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/li>\n
Tips for Staying Clean in an Emergency
\nSituation<\/b><\/p>\n
As much as possible, continue regular hygiene
\nhabits such as brushing your teeth, washing your face, combing your hair
\nand even washing your body with a wet washcloth. This will help prevent
\nthe spread of disease and irritation as well as help relieve stress.<\/p>\n
If, during an emergency situation, you develop vomiting or diarrhea, rest
\nand stop eating solid foods until the symptoms ease up. Take fluids, particularly
\nwater, in small amounts at frequent intervals. As soon as can be tolerated,
\nresume eating semi-solid foods. Normal salt intake should be maintained.<\/p>\n
Keep Basic Hygiene Supplies Handy<\/b><\/p>\n
These basic supplies should be kept Emergency Sewage Disposal<\/b><\/p>\n Water flush toilets cannot be used when water Even if water is available, local authorities may ask you not to use flush Failure to properly dispose of human wastes can lead to epidemics of such Temporary Toilet Provisions<\/b> Emergency Sewage Storage<\/b> Solutions for Apartment Dwellers<\/b> Controlling Odors and Insects<\/b> Other Supplies<\/b> Babies<\/b> The lack of sanitation facilities following major disaster can quickly create secondary problems unless basic guidelines are followed. If the water lines are damaged or if damage is suspected, do not flush the toilet. Avoid digging holes in the ground and using these. Untreated raw sewage can pollute fresh ground water supplies. It also attracts<\/p>\n
\nin your Safe Room, Go Pack and Car.<\/b><\/p>\n\n
\nservice is interrupted. The water remaining in the fixture is not sufficient
\nto flush the wastes down the sewer. Clogging may result and your living
\nconditions then become just that much more uncomfortable.<\/p>\n
\ntoilets, wash basins, and other fixtures connected with soil pipes. The
\nsewer mains may be broken or clogged, which would make it impossible to
\ncarry off such waste; or water may be needed for fire fighting or other
\nemergencies. It is necessary for every family to know emergency methods
\nof waste disposal in case such conditions arise.<\/p>\n
\ndiseases as typhoid, dysentery, and diarrhea. At the same time, sewage
\nmust be disposed of in ways that will prevent contamination of water supplies
\nused for drinking, cooking, bathing, laundering, and other domestic purposes.
\nHere are simple steps that any family can take to prevent such dangers
\nand discomforts.<\/p>\n
\nRight after an emergency, or during one, you will probably not have the
\ntime and tools to prepare a complex emergency sanitation system. If there
\nis a delay of several days in restoring sewage service to your neighborhood,
\nyou may find that disposal is a big problem. Your first task is to make
\nsome temporary toilet provision for your family, especially the children.
\nAlmost any covered metal or plastic container will do. You can use a covered
\npail, a 5-gallon bucket, or a small kitchen garbage container with a foot
\noperated cover for an emergency toilet. Anything that has a cover and
\nwill hold the contents until you can dispose of them will serve for sanitary
\npurposes at first.<\/p>\n
\nKeep on the premises at least one extra 10-gallon garbage can or other
\nwaterproof container with a tight fitting cover. This should be lined
\nwith paper and\/or a plastic bag. And the lid should be fastened to the
\ncan to prevent its loss. Such a can may be used for the emergency storage
\nof body wastes until the public sewage system can be put back into action,
\nor until other arrangements can be made. Empty your emergency toilet into
\nthis storage can as often as necessary. A small amount of household disinfectant
\nshould be added after each use. If you live in an apartment, you may not
\nhave a large garbage can or room to keep one. In that case, two smaller
\ncovered pails or other containers will do just as well.<\/p>\n
\nPersons in city apartments, office buildings, or homes without yards should
\nkeep a supply of waterproof paper containers on hand for emergency waste
\ndisposal. Where flush toilets cannot be used and open ground is not available
\nfor the construction of privies, such disposable containers offer a practical
\nmethod of emergency waste collection and disposal. Building managers should
\nplan for the collection of such containers and for their final disposal.
\nBefore collection, the used containers may be stored in tightly covered
\ngarbage cans or other water tight containers fitted with lids. Homemade
\nsoil bags for this purpose can be prepared very easily by putting one
\nlarge grocery bag inside another, and a layer of shredded newspaper or
\nother absorbent material between. You should have sufficient grocery bags
\non hand for possible emergencies. A supply of old newspapers will come
\nin handy for other sanitary uses also, such as wrapping garbage and lining
\nlarger containers.<\/p>\n
\nInsecticides and deodorants should be used when necessary to control odors
\nand insects breeding in containers that cannot be emptied immediately.
\nAt least 2 pints of household bleach solution should be kept on hand for
\ndisinfecting purposes.<\/p>\n
\nKeep on hand an extra supply of toilet tissue, plus a supply of sanitary
\nnapkins. If there is illness in the house that requires rubber sheeting
\nor other special sanitary equipment, make sure that adequate supplies
\nare available. At least a week\u2019s accumulation of daily newspapers will
\ncome in handy for insulating bedding from floors, and lining clothes against
\ncold, as well as for the sanitary uses already mentioned.<\/p>\n
\nIf you have a baby in your home, you may find diaper laundering a problem
\nunder emergency conditions. It is best to keep an ample supply of disposable
\ndiapers on hand for emergency use. Or, any moisture resistant material
\ncan be cut and folded to diaper size and lined with absorbent material.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"