Any sort of disaster can wreak havoc on a home and family. With young infants and children, it’s important to remember that these situations will put them on edge and may likely set their bladders off to respond to the panic they feel. Remaining calm and in control, while assertively making a safe assessment about where to go to the washroom, will help your entire family remain calm and healthy during this lengthy ordeal. There are several things to keep in mind when you’re trying to consider where your family members should go to the washroom in the case of an emergency, not only to ensure sanitary conditions but the safety of everyone involved as well.
The Supplies You’ll Need To Have
Have a supplementary bucket or tool for family members to defecate in. Because water will most likely be cut off or not running in your home, make sure you don’t allow anybody to use the toilets or leave the safety of the group. Conditions in the home can change very quickly, and weak structures are likely to give way – so never allow someone to leave the safety of the bunker and move upstairs to go to the toilet. Always have an alternate means available in your emergency kit where people will be able to go to the washroom in safety. Remember to include toilet paper in your emergency kit and always include enough so you can support the family on it, at least for one week. This is also a very sanitary method of approaching waste. Because diseases and bacteria can spread easily in a confined and poorly ventilated space, it’s important to constantly be emptying and attempting to wash out this bucket. The oldest adult should be in charge of safely leaving the bunker or safe place and finding an area outside of the home to dump the bucket. Never leave this task to a child, as they may be likely to wander off once out of the safety zone.
What To Do When You Run Out
When your emergency supply of toilet paper has run out, it may be time to try and find alternate means for wiping. You cannot leave people with no wipes, after all. It’s unhealthy and unsafe for everyone else in your family. Again, assign the oldest adult in the group the task of leaving the safety zone and going to try to speak with neighbors or others in the community. If you can trade or share supplies with a family who needs it less or has more available to them, the entire better. You can also find toilet paper at many emergency relief stations, which will likely be set up in your city as the time goes on. Remember that everybody is sharing the load equally in the community, so reminding your family that they cannot use an excess of toilet paper when they have to go is a good way to ensure you are saving on your own supply of toilet paper.