18.8 Sanitation (summary)

In any shelter lasting more than a few hours, the bathroom is the number one health problem: diarrhea and infections spread quickly in an enclosed space. The full procedure (bucket toilet, bags, absorbents, disinfection, storage of waste and trash) is in chapter 21. The minimum:

• If there is water to flush and the drain works, use the toilet by pouring a bucket of water directly into the bowl.
• If there is no water or you are told not to use the drain: a bucket toilet or a heavy bag inside the bowl, with cat litter or sawdust, double-bagged and sealed with a zip tie after each use.
• Gloves, soap, hand sanitizer, and unscented bleach in the shelter kit.
• Always wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating.
• Keep full bags outside the shelter, in a container with a lid (out of reach of pets).