Wheelies & Sanitation

In a previous article, I presented my basic 96-hour kit that was wearable.  But I cannot carry toileting supplies, sufficient water, sheltering, appropriate seasonal change of clothes, sleep gear, mess gear, etc., on my body.  So. . .

I have added “Wheels” to create the primary components of my sustainable kit for 2 aging adults with health limitations.  I will be including suggestions, but they are not meant to overshadow your own ideas of what you might want/need in your kit.

I have pre-loaded 4 “wheelies”.  In a walking evacuation, we would each pull 2 carts pre-packed ready to roll.  They are intended for on-foot use only, not for lifting into a vehicle. I have practiced walking to my nearest gathering place dressed in my emergency outfit and pulling 2 carts along flat roads.  

This system allows me a quick on-foot evacuation.  But it is also an all-around storage strategy because I could take the wheelies apart and place needed supplies into my auto or use to supplement my home storage if I were sheltering in place.  

Heavy Duty Dolly #1 (Harbor Freight) is used to transport a case of water (in every wheelie) and my personal toileting set-up consisting of a boxed privacy tent (Emergency Essentials) that flips open into 6’ tee pee-shaped tent, 4’x4’ at the base, w/zipper door.  A galvanized garbage can (Ace Hardware) that holds a 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat (Emergency Essentials). In the bucket are all my sanitation supplies. The garbage can with a very tight-fitting lid will be the collection point for my used toilet bags of solid waste. I also have some shelter items on this dolly thanks to the use of bungie cords (Home Depot). 

SANITATION:  We begin here because it is the most important component of your preparation – Safe Toileting:  This is something so crucial it cannot be overstated. In some disasters, including earthquakes, and high winds, for example, the sewer system will fail along with other utilities like electricity, safe tap water, natural gas, refuse collection.  

Do not trust sanitation needs to chance at your Gathering Place. It is most likely the sewer system will not be functioning.  Your health could depend upon you having appropriate toileting supplies in your kits. You will need a safe toilet before you have need for safe water.  Human solid waste is very toxic and must be collected/disposed of w/extreme care. Disease develops quickly. FYI: Urine is NOT toxic.  

Sanitation Suggestions:  Can you create your own toileting strategy just as I have? Many of us aging folks use adult under pants, pads, etc. YOU MUST INCLUDE THOSE IN YOUR SANITATION SUPPLIES.  Male and female urinals can be helpful.  Pet poo bags can clean-up human solid waste also.  Where will you place that used bag? 

I am a persistent voice that toileting is best handled at the community level.  There are some sound strategies.  Encourage your community leaders to approach this need.  But you cannot count of that.  You are responsible to meet your needs.