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 In a disaster situation, plumbing
may not be usable due to disrupted water and sewer lines. Each
household should know how to properly sanitize and dispose
of human waste in order to avoid infection and the spread of
disease.
If the water
is off but the sewer lines are unaffected, toilets can be flushed
with stored water If sewer lines are broken but the toilets in
your home are usable, the bowl can be lined with plastic bags.
If it is unusable, substitute a plastic bag in a bucket.
Four types
of disinfectant may be used:
- If water
is available, it is best to use a solution of one part liquid
chlorine bleach to ten parts water [Don't use dry bleach,
which
is caustic and not safe for this type of use].
- HTH, or calcium
hypochlorite, is available at swimming pool supply stores.
HTH is intended to be used in solution. It can be mixed and
then stored.
- Portable toilet
chemicals, both liquid and dry, are available at recreational
vehicle supply stores. These chemicals are for use with toilets
that are not connected to sewer lines. Use as directed.
- Powdered,
chlorinated lime is available at building supply stores It
can be used dry. Be sure to get chlorinated lime and not quick
lime, which is highly alkaline and corrosive.
CAUTION:
Chlorinated products that are intended to be mixed with water
for use can be dangerous if used dry.
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Emergency Supplies Recommended:
- Several five-gallon
plastic polyethylene buckets with tight-fitting lids or five-gallon
metal containers with tight-fitting lids should be stored as
makeshift toilets. A seat can can be fashioned from a hole
cut in the seat of an old chair, or a toilet seat can be purchased
for use with your temporary toilet. Porta-potties can be obtained
from emergency supply distributors for around $20
- One or more
large metal covered garbage cans should be available to contain
waste.
- A supply
of plastic liners [5-6 gallon size] should be stored.
- Disinfectant
spray.
- Deodorizer
tablets and air fresheners.
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 Wayne County
Emergency Management Division
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