Hygiene
Hygiene is an often overlooked necessity for effective disaster preparedness. In a survival situation, good hygiene becomes
even more important than it is under normal conditions. Following a disaster, especially those where flooding occurs, fresh
water supplies can become contaminated. Even your well or city water supply can become contaminated. Added to this is
the likelihood that you will be forced to wade through water that has been severely contaminated by flooded sewage systems, dead animals
and all sorts of garbage. This exposure can, and most often does, lead to the spread of disease.
If you are forced
to go to an evacuation shelter, you cannot realistically expect conditions that are much better than the disaster stricken area itself. Bathroom and shower facilities (if they exist at all) often fail with the demand placed on them. So many people placed in tight
quarters is a breeding ground for the rapid spread if illness and disease.
Water
If you have followed the water storage recommendations, you should have enough water for washing. However, unless
you are fortunate enough to have an unlimited supply of fresh water, you will not be able to fill a bathtub or take an extended shower
like you would under normal conditions. You will be forced to conserve water.
Resist the temptation to share bath water or to bathe with contaminated water. This will simply contribute to the spread of
disease. Also, resist the temptation to not bathe at all. Poor hygiene practices will lower the effectiveness of your
immune system and contribute to poor health. Getting sick in a survival situation could be disastrous.
Bathing
All that you really need to bathe effectively is a small
amount of fresh water, a clean wash cloth, a small wash tub and some soap.
- Heat up a small amount of fresh water on your stove.
- Transfer the hot water to your wash tub. Don’t bathe in your cooking pot.
- While
holding your head over the wash tub, use a small cup to pour some hot water over your hair.
- Use shampoo to wash your hair and rinse
with the cup while catching the runoff with your wash tub.
- Now you can use the soapy wash tub water to finish your bath.
- Use
additional soap and a clean washcloth to wash your body.
- Once you have finished washing, discard the dirty water and use fresh clean
water to rinse of (using your washcloth).
You should be able to take a pretty effective bath with less than one gallon of water but if you are able to collect rainwater or
find another source of fresh water, you can afford the luxury of using more. Maybe even a shower!
There are many portable shower units on the market. These units heat the water by hanging the bag in the sun for a while. You can even purchase an outdoor enclosure for your shower. In the winter, you can heat the water over a fire or on your stove,
pour it in the bag (carefully) and hang it in your household shower.
Wash your hands
Keeping your hands clean will dramatically decrease
the spread of illness. So, wash your hands often, especially before preparing food. You should also have some antibacterial
hand sanitizer and some hygiene wipes handy. Use them often and keep yourself and your family healthy.
Treating Injuries
Even the slightest of cuts and scrapes can become a major concern during a survival situation, especially when contaminants are present. Be sure to treat every scratch and cut immediately. Use antiseptic and keep the wound clean. Remember, you may not be
able to get medical attention if it becomes infected. Make sure that you have a good first aid kit and if you are not trained,
have a good first aid book. If you suspect that there is a contagious illness around, wear your N 95 particle mask.
Waste
Disposal
Thoroughly review the information on Waste Disposal in
the “Tip/Training” section. Improperly disposing of garbage and human waste is a recipe for illness.
Don’t forget to store
some of the essential hygiene items:
o Hand Soap
o Hand Sanitizer
o Shampoo and Conditioner
o Razors
o Body Wash
o Moisturizer
o Wash Tub
o Wash Cloths
o Deodorant
o Toothpaste
o Toothbrushes
o Dental Floss
o Mouthwash
o Hairbrushes
and Combs
o Antibacterial Soap
o Epsom Salt
o Baby Wipes
o Cotton
Balls
o Cotton Swabs
o Hand Mirror
o Feminine Products
o Nail
Clippers
o Scissors
o Tweezers
o Laundry Detergent
o Solar Shower
o Portable Toilet
o Garbage Bags
o Toilet Paper
