10 Hygiene and Sanitation Tips for a Disaster

I have 10 hygiene and sanitation tips for a disaster today. Practicing good hygiene and sanitation is essential, especially during a disaster. While it’s not necessarily the first thing on a person’s mind when going through something so severe, it’s crucial because poor hygiene and sanitation can cause disease, infections, and significant health problems. If you’d like to keep your family healthy, safe, and protected during major catastrophic events, these ten hygiene and sanitation tips can help you.

10 Hygiene and Sanitation Tips for a Disaster

1. Have a Commode or Makeshift Toilet Available

It’s always beneficial to have a commode or makeshift toilet available to use. If a disaster occurs and you don’t have access to a restroom, you need to have a safe space to go to the bathroom. If you can use the commode, that is the best option. If you’re unable to get one or don’t have the budget for one, you can create a makeshift toilet using a large bucket with a toilet seat attached on top of it.

It’s much easier to buy a portable travel toilet than it is to make one from scratch. No matter what you decide to do, make sure you have somewhere to use the bathroom that isn’t out in the open. This is one of the most vital hygiene and sanitation tips out there. Portable Travel Toilet

Please stock bleach, it’s good for 6 months. Look for the variety that says it’s a disinfectant (and without fragrance).

2. Stock Up on Hand Sanitizer

Start stocking up on hand sanitizer. It doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy dozens of bottles. However, it’s a good idea to grab it whenever you can find it on sale. If you’re getting hand sanitizer at a discounted price, you can stock up on it and have it available if a disaster occurs. It’s the best way to kill germs and bacteria in the middle of a disaster, especially if you don’t have access to clean water or soap. In case you missed this post, Why You Should Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer + DIY Recipe

3. Keep Containers of Water in the House

While it’s important to have water available to drink during a disaster, don’t forget about storing extra water for washing hands and bathing. If you’re unable to use the faucet, it’s good to have water that you can pour over your hands, along with soap that you can use to kill harmful germs and bacteria. Although you need filtered or purified water to drink, the water you use to wash your hands and body doesn’t necessarily need to be filtered.

4. Grab Hand/Body Soap While It’s On Sale

Start collecting hand and body soap while it’s on sale. It’s something you’ll need to have to keep yourself and your loved ones clean during a disaster. While you can grab liquid options, make sure to have bars of soap available to use because they tend to last a bit longer than the liquid versions. In case you missed this post, Why You Should Wash Your Hands Often

5. Save and Use Old Plastic Shopping Bags

When shopping at different stores, save the plastic bags because you can put them to good use during a disaster. For example, if you need somewhere to dispose of fecal matter from the commode or makeshift toilet, you can use a plastic bag. You’d empty the toilet into the plastic bag, seal the bag shut, and then place it in a large container with a lid to keep it out of the way. It’s one of the best ways to keep things sanitary when you don’t have access to a traditional bathroom toilet and sink.

6. Put an Old Diaper Genie to Good Use During an Emergency

If you have an old Diaper Genie that you used for diapers when your children were younger, don’t get rid of it. You might need it in the middle of a disaster. When you have those bags of feces from cleaning out the toilet after using the restroom, you can put the bags in the old Diaper Genie. It will keep the area from smelling bad, while keeping the germs at bay. It might not seem like something you need now, but it’s a valuable item in the middle of a disaster, so make sure to get one if you don’t have one.

7. Set Up a Sanitation Station

Choose a specific area of the home to use as a sanitation station. Even if it’s just a corner in the basement, it’s better than nothing. You can place the soap, sanitizer, and any water you can use to wash the hands and body in the sanitation station. You’re going to want to make sure you choose an area that isn’t close to the spots where you and your loved ones will sit down to eat when hungry.

I remember writing a post on sanitation or whatever and a reader mentioned I should look into buying a BLEACH, hospital cleaning product but it was better because it has a shelf-life of ten years. I didn’t have the money to purchase it back then, does anyone remember what it was? Thank you to whoever recommended the product. It was not the stuff for swimming pools. I believe it is this, Steramine Quaternary Sanitizing Tablets, Case of 6

8. Keep Food Away From the Sanitation Area

Always make sure to keep any food away from the sanitation area. You don’t want the germs from that area to get on your food. If bacteria and germs accumulate on the food that you’re eating with loved ones, you’re putting that into your mouth, and it could end up getting you and your family sick. Please don’t leave any food out in the open where it could potentially get compromised and cause illness to occur.

9. Have a Stockpile of Feminine Hygiene Products

Whether you’re the only female in the household or not, having a stockpile of feminine hygiene products available is a must. You should have pads, panty liners, and tampons available, along with disposable wipes that will make it easier to stay clean during that time of the month. There is nothing more complicated than experiencing a menstrual cycle in the middle of a disaster and not having anything to use to keep the flow under control. You can also make some, How To Make Reusable Menstrual Pads

10. Use Adult Diapers If Need Be

Don’t be ashamed to buy and use adult diapers in an emergency. If you’re limited on space, or have a large family with multiple people who may need to use the bathroom at once, the adult diapers can come in handy. You can grab them while they’re on sale or use coupons to get them for a lower price, stocking up on them just in case you end up needing them in the future. This might seem like one of those weird hygiene and sanitation tips, but it works!

Final Word

If a disaster occurs and you find yourself without power, these are some important hygiene and sanitation tips to follow. It’s a good idea to gather essential items now because you don’t know when you might need to use them. If you get what you need, you’ll be prepared for any serious event that could occur. What are some hygiene and sanitation tips you’d like to share with me? May God Bless this world, Linda.