How to Set Up Sanitary Facilities In An Emergency

By razzberry-jam, eHow Member

Here's a simple way to set up an emergency outhouse.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need:

Locate a 5 gallon bucket with a lid. Detergent, paint, any kind, just so it's a good size and has a lid. Put a garbage bag inside it.
Put in a corner of the fence or house, anywhere that you can make a bit private with a screen, tarp or sheet. If possible put into a covered space so your outhouse is sheltered from rain and dew.
Take the toilet seat off the toilet in the house (if possible), set it on top of the bucket. Put the bucket lid off to the side, you'll want that later.
Put the kitty litter next to the bucket, preferably in a container so it doesn't get damp. Put the trowel or an old mug in the top of the bag or container.
To use, scoop a cup or two of kitty litter into the bucket. Then sit on the seat and do your business. Drop the toilet tissue on top. Then scoop another cup or two of kitty litter over the waste.

Have hand sanitizer handy and insist that everyone use it after doing their business.
When the bucket is about half full, put the lid on it tightly and set aside for disposal after the emergency is over. If it's the only bucket you have, carefully remove the garbage bag. Close tightly and then put into a covered garbage bin so animals, bugs and vermin can't get into it.

Again, use hand sanitizer after emptying the bucket and putting it back in your emergency outhouse.
After the emergency, ask the local garbage company how the used litter should be disposed of. Don't just put it in the garbage for pickup.

If there's no kitty litter available, you can use dirt.
Respect people's privacy while they're using the outhouse.
People who live off the grid use similar methods for their outhouses. They dispose of the waste in various ways.
Don't flush the kitty litter down the toilet when the emergency is over. If you do, you'll have another (and very expensive) emergency involving clogged pipes and plumbers.
Clean your hands thoroughly with hand sanitizer. You don't want to get sick.
If there are a lot of people using your emergency facility (outhouse), watch your children carefully. You just never know about people...