It’s a subject we don’t often discuss, but it is a basic need—and one that can get tricky in an emergency if you haven't planned ahead. Waste disposal and sanitation is essential because no matter what is happening, you’ve still got to take care of business!
A while back, my husband planned a fun weekend camping trip with his father and my three daughters. When the men were discussing what hiking they would do, what sights they would see, I was concerned about something else: bathrooms. You see, these three little girls of mine are just like their mother, and I know they won’t be comfortable going to the bathroom just anywhere. I began voicing my concerns to my husband, but he had already taken care of the problem. He had a portable toilet and a privacy shelter packed in the back of his truck. Problem solved.
This situation reminded me of how important it is to have these types of supplies on hand in an emergency. If I can barely use the restroom in an amusement park, how would I fair should the water be shut off and I’m forced from the comfort of my own home?
With a few supplies, I found out that you can create a very comfortable restroom in an emergency:
A portable toilet is simply a large bucket with a snap on
toilet seat lid. You can line these toilets with special garbage bags
Enzymes can be added to your portable toilet to help breakdown and deodorize waste.
Disposable vinyl gloves can be priceless when you need to change bags, or clean your portable toilet.
Portable privacy shelters can be assembled in a matter of moments and will quickly provide a space for your portable toilet, or even just a private place to change or wash.
Having sanitizing wipes or gel on hand is also a good idea. Water will be a commodity, but cleanliness will still be a necessity, so make sure you have plenty of both.
Take the time to put together these restroom basics and just like my daughters and their camping trip, you can be clean and comfortable “taking care of business” in an emergency!
-Angie Sullivan
