Emergency Sanitation

Why it matters

A disruption that affects water, toilets, sewage, or trash pickup can create health risks quickly. Good sanitation protects drinking water, food, living areas, and vulnerable household members.

• Hand hygiene matters before food prep, after toileting, after handling trash, and after caring for someone sick.
• Human waste should be contained, sealed, and kept away from food, water, children, and pets.
• Trash and spoiled food should be separated, bagged, and controlled to reduce odor and pests.

Handwashing and hygiene

• Store soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, wipes, paper towels, and disposable gloves.
• Use a small amount of clean water and soap for handwashing when possible.
• Set up a simple handwashing station with a water container, catch basin, soap, and towel.
• Keep hygiene supplies near the toilet area, kitchen area, and emergency kit.
• Avoid sharing towels if illness is spreading in the household.

Toilet backup plan

If plumbing is not working or officials say not to flush, switch to a backup system before the toilet overflows or sewage backs up.

• Line a sturdy bucket or portable toilet with heavy-duty trash bags.
• Add absorbent material such as cat litter, sawdust, shredded paper, or commercial toilet gel after each use.
• Separate liquids and solids if possible to reduce odor and volume.
• Tie bags securely, double-bag when needed, and store waste away from living and food areas.
• Follow local public health or emergency guidance for disposal.

Cleaning and disinfection

• Clean visible dirt first, then disinfect according to label instructions.
• Store disinfecting wipes, household disinfectant, unscented bleach, spray bottles, rags, and trash bags.
• Do not mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaners.
• Use gloves when handling contaminated items.
• Ventilate when using cleaning chemicals if conditions allow.

Trash, odor, and pests

• Reduce waste early by using food before it spoils and limiting disposable packaging.
• Separate food waste from dry trash when possible.
• Seal trash in bags or lidded containers.
• Keep waste away from doors, windows, food storage, and sleeping areas.
• Use absorbent material, baking soda, or tight lids to help control odor.
• Keep pet waste supplies available.

Illness and shared spaces

• Create a plan for isolating a sick household member when possible.
• Use separate towels, dishes, and hygiene supplies during illness.
• Clean high-touch surfaces such as handles, switches, faucets, phones, and counters.
• Have masks, gloves, tissues, and lined trash containers ready.
• Know when to seek medical care if symptoms worsen.

First steps

1. Add soap, sanitizer, wipes, gloves, heavy-duty trash bags, and paper towels to your kit.
2. Set aside a bucket or portable toilet option with liners and absorbent material.
3. Store cleaning supplies together and label anything that should not be mixed.
4. Create a handwashing station plan that works without running water.
5. Decide where sealed waste can be stored temporarily away from food and living areas.
6. Print or save local public health guidance for waste disposal after disasters.