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Sanitation & Hygiene in Emergencies
Sanitation is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of emergency preparedness — and one of the most important for health.
Why This Category Matters
Disruptions to water and sewer services during emergencies create sanitation challenges that can quickly become health risks. Planning ahead for sanitation is especially important for households with young children, elderly members, or anyone with medical conditions.
Where to Start
Guides in This Category
Sanitation Without Running Water: A Practical Guide
How to maintain basic sanitation when water is unavailable or severely limited during an emergency.
Building an Emergency Hygiene Kit
What to include in an emergency hygiene kit for short and extended situations.
Waste Disposal During Extended Emergencies
How to handle trash, waste, and sanitation during extended emergencies when normal services are unavailable.
Hand Hygiene During Emergencies: Why It Matters More Than You Think
How to maintain effective hand hygiene during emergencies when running water is unavailable.
Common Mistakes
- Not starting because it seems overwhelming
- Skipping the planning step and jumping to gear
- Not reviewing and updating preparedness annually