Sanitation and hygiene

Toilets, trash and staying clean

by Joe Miller

When water stops, sanitation becomes a health emergency fast. Disease spreads from poor sanitation more than from anything else after a disaster.

The two-bucket emergency toilet1FOODTwo buckets5-gallon buckets withlids, or a toilet-seat lidmade for them2Line themHeavy contractor bags3RICECoverSawdust, cat litter orpeat after each use4SeparateUrine in one bucket ifpossible: it cuts smell5DisposeSeal bags; bury or followlocal guidanceKeep it away from food and water, and wash hands every time.
You can also line your own toilet bowl with bags if the sewer is out.
Sanitation supplies to storeToilet paperMore than you thinkFOODBuckets and lidsAt least twoContractor bagsHeavy 3 mil or moreBLEACHBleachUnscented, rotated yearlySoap and sanitizerHand washing saves livesWipesBaby wipes for washingGloves and masksFor cleanupRICECat litter or sawdustOdor and coverFeminine productsAnd diapers if neededWash waterSeparate from drinkingwater
Cheap, easy to store, and miserable to be without.
Staying healthyDoDon'tWash hands with soap after the toilet and before foodKeep trash in sealed cans away from the houseClean surfaces with diluted bleachKeep a jug, soap and towel by the toiletBathe with a basin and washclothDon't flush if the sewer is backed upDon't let trash attract rats and fliesDon't mix bleach with ammonia or other cleanersDon't dig latrines near wells or creeksDon't skip hand washing to save water
Clean hands prevent most illness.
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Sources

Checked November 11, 2026.