Shelter · 30 minutes · Basic
Handwashing and Waste Safety Without Plumbing
Set up safe handwashing, keep waste away from water and follow emergency sanitation instructions when normal plumbing fails.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
Warning
Human waste can spread disease and contaminate water. Do not bury, dump or compost household waste as a universal emergency disposal method.
- 01
Check water-use guidance
Check official instructions for drinking, handwashing, bathing and food preparation. These uses can have different restrictions; do not assume a boil-water advisory and a chemical do-not-use notice mean the same thing.
- 02
Set up a washing station
Use a jug with a spout, soap and a catch basin when safe water is available. Wash for at least 20 seconds, especially after toilet use and before preparing food. Keep the station away from waste.
- 03
Use sanitizer with limits
When soap and water are unavailable, use sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. It is less effective on visibly dirty or greasy hands and does not remove some harmful chemicals; washing is preferred when available.
- 04
Contain waste safely
Use functioning toilets only when authorities say the sewer or septic system is safe. If plumbing is unavailable, use designated facilities or locally recommended containment and disposal supplies. Do not flush into a backed-up system.
- 05
Protect people and water
Keep hygiene supplies separate from food and drinking water. Prevent children and animals contacting waste. Follow public-health waste collection instructions rather than dumping into waterways or improvising compost for a garden.