Sanitation in the first 72 hours

Sanitation protects the entire group. Keep hands, drinking water, food surfaces, and waste separate from one another. Assign one person to check the system twice a day.

Set up three zones

• Clean: drinking water, food, medicines, and first-aid supplies.
• Wash: handwashing and dishwashing using the safest available water.
• Waste: a contained toilet and trash area away from food, shelter, and water sources.

Hand hygiene

Wash hands with soap and safe water after toilet use, before food handling, and after cleanup. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer when it is appropriate, but remember it does not remove all contamination.

Waste

Use a lined container when normal plumbing is unavailable. Cover and separate waste. Do not dump waste in storm drains, creeks, or near wells. Follow public instructions for disposal as soon as they are available.