The One Year Urban Survival Plan - Month 8

“Be prepared!” – Boy Scout Motto

This month, you'll focus on hygiene and sanitation. You'll learn how to make a mini hygiene kit, where to collect water, ways to purify water, keeping yourself clean without running water, keeping your home clean without running water, what to do with garbage, and what to do with human waste.

Table Of Contents

BUG OUT BAG

Personal hygiene is incredibly important during a disaster. The last thing you want is to be so dirty that you get an infection and end up incredibly sick, especially if the hospitals are too busy to help you or if life-saving medications such as antibiotics are in short supply.

Bug Out Hygiene Kit

Camp soap – With camp soap, you can wash your hands without water.
Coin tissues – These are great for bug out bags. Just add a little water, unfold them, and you have a little wipe that you can use for cleaning or wiping after going #2.
Deodorant – Not essential, but nice to have, especially if it's hot and you don't have AC.
Hand sanitizer – This is crucial during a pandemic.
Nasal spray – Great to have if you get a stuffy nose at night like I do.
Toothbrush and toothpaste – Of course, you don't need this to survive for 3 days, but it's still nice to have a clean mouth.
Tush wipes – A great option if you don't have much water and don't want to waste it on coin tissues.
Wet wipes – Great for general cleaning.

FOOD AND WATER

Water Collection and Purification

As I said in Month 2, most people simply don't have the space to store enough water to last for 3 months. That would be seven 55-gallon barrels. If you have the space and you want to do that, go for it. However, everyone else needs to think about where they could collect water during a long-term crisis.

Harvesting Rainwater

This might not be an option for everyone, but it's worth going over because unless you have a natural body of water near your home, this is probably going to be the best way to collect water.

There have been entire books written on the topic of harvesting rainwater, and I suggest reading one of them if you plan on doing this. Here's a good one: Harvesting Rainwater for Your Homestead in 9 Days or Less.

But for now, we'll just cover the basics. For a simple system, all you need are rain gutters, a flexible downspout, a screen for filtering out debris, and a rain barrel. You could put a rain barrel next to every downspout. And to collect even more rainwater, you could use overflow pipes that direct water into a second barrel after the first one fills up.

If you do this, you'll want to filter and purify the water. Put a screen over the rain barrel to stop leaves, twigs, and other small objects from getting into your water, and be sure to run the rainwater through a good filter (we'll talk more about water purification below).

Places to Search for Water

Your Home

If harvesting rainwater isn't an option, there are many places you can get water if you live in a city or suburb. The first place you should check is your own home. Most houses have a water heater that holds around 50 gallons (maybe more, maybe less). Here's how to safely drain your water heater.

You should also check your toilets. I don't mean the toilet bowl; I'm talking about the toilet tank. The water in there should be clean and safe to drink, but you can filter it first if it makes you feel better.

And finally, if the taps are no longer working, you might be able to get a little more water from your home's plumbing. To do this, you need to find a toilet fill valve on the ground floor of your home. Open all the faucet valves on sinks and showers throughout the house, then detach the toilet fill hose from the toilet and direct the flow of water into a large flat container. (More details here.)

Your Yard / Neighbor's Yards

The most obvious place to collect water is from a swimming pool or hot tub. However, this water isn't safe to drink as is. You'll need to filter and purify it first. Here's some more information.

There are a few other places you can check in your yard. If you have a garden hose, there could be a little water left inside it. Just put one end in a container and unroll the hose to get the water out. You could also get water from your sprinkler system. To do this, you'll need to find your sprinkler system's drain valve. Here's how to do it.

Finally, check everywhere else there might be standing water such as puddles, birdbaths, buckets, old tires, wheelbarrows, plant saucers, children's toys, clogged gutters, etc. All of this water will need to be purified as well.

If you can't find any water in your own yard, you could check your neighbor's yard. However, you should only do this if you're certain they aren't home. And you have to be absolutely certain. The last thing you want is to get shot while taking water from your neighbor's pool.

But if they've left town and won't be back for a long time, taking a little drinking water from their yard won't hurt.

Solar Stills

I almost didn't include this because it doesn't produce much water, but it could be worth doing if you can't find any other water sources. Basically, you're extracting water from vegetation like grass and leaves. Here's how it works.

Places Around Town

In a long-term disaster, one of the main dangers of searching your town or city for water will be other people. They'll also be searching for water and supplies, and you don't want to cross paths with anyone who might rob you.

However, if you're in danger of dehydration, you'll have no choice. In that case, you should search in groups and bring weapons for self-defense (we talked about this back in Month 2).

If there's a lake, stream, or river in walking distance of your home, you're in luck. Other places to check include public fountains, community pools, and fire hydrants (but only as a last resort). For that one, you'll need a hydrant wrench. Here's how to use it.

What About Salt Water?

Most people know you can't drink salt water. Instead of quenching your thirst, it will only make you thirstier. So if you live near a beach, you probably haven't even considered the ocean water, but that's a mistake. There are several ways you can desalinate salt water and make it safe for drinking. We talk more about that below.

Ways to Collect and Transport Water

If you find a good source of water nearby, your main challenge will be getting it back to your home. Water is heavy—over 8 pounds per gallon—so you're going to need a way to transport it.

First, you'll need to bring a bunch of containers. Collapsible containers are very affordable, but they could end up leaking as they get older. Another option is stackable containers, which are far more durable since they're designed for long-term water storage.

Once you decide what containers you're going to use, you'll need to decide how to move them. A traditional wheelbarrow could work, but I'd suggest a good utility wagon. And if you have a bike, you could use a bike trailer. However, most bike trailers can't handle very much weight, so you'll have to get a heavy-duty one like this one.

If you have a backpack with a water bladder such as a CamelBak, you may as well use it, too. Unfortunately, most water bladders only carry a few liters.

Ways to Purify Water

Old-School Water Purification Methods

Note: With all of these methods, be sure to filter the water through a coffee filter or at least a T-shirt or something. This will remove any large pieces of dirt and debris.

Boiling is one of the easiest ways to purify water. Bring the water to a roiling boil for at least a minute. If you're above an elevation of 5000 feet, boil for least 3 minutes. That should kill any waterborne pathogens.
Solar disinfection also works well. Put your water in a clear plastic bottle and set it in the sun for at least 6 hours (or for 2 days if it's overcast). The UV rays will kill any bacteria or viruses.
Bleach is another popular method for purifying water. Just add 5-8 drops of regular unscented bleach per gallon of water. Stir up the water, and let it sit for 30 minutes. After that, smell the water. If you smell chlorine, then it should be safe to drink. If not, add a couple more drops and wait another 30 minutes.

Water Purification Equipment

Katadyn Pocket Water Filter – This high-quality water filter fits in your backpack and can filter about a quart or liter of water every minute.
Big Berkey Water Filter System – These are great in an emergency, but I use mine all the time because it makes my tap water taste way better. Just pour water in the top and wait for it to filter into the bottom, which holds up to 2.25 gallons at a time. It's so effective, it can even remove food coloring from water.
LifeStraw – These are extremely convenient. Just use it as a straw and it makes contaminated water safe to drink. Even more convenient is the LifeStraw Go. You can fill it with water and drink at your convenience. These are mainly meant to be used by individuals, but LifeStraw also makes the LifeStraw Community High-Volume Water Purifier, which can hold up to 13 gallons at a time.

Purifying Saltwater

Saltwater can be desalinated through a process called distillation. There are several ways to do it, but none of them are particularly easy. One way is to make a solar water distiller, which is similar to the solar still mentioned above.

Here's another way to do it using some camping cookware. Yet another way is to create a compact desalination kit with a metal bottle and some copper tubing. Or you could create a stovetop distiller that you can use in your kitchen.

No matter what method you choose, it's going to take some time and patience, so I wouldn't bother with this unless you live near the ocean and want to try using it as a source of water. To get enough water for an entire household, you'd need to use a lot of solar distillers at once.

More Info On Water Collection and Purification:

Food and Water Checklist for Month 8

Decide how you're going to collect and transport water.
Choose at least 2 ways to purify water and familiarize yourself with them.
Store at least 2 days of water.
Try some new off-grid recipes.
Choose one recipe and get enough ingredients to make it 8 times.
Stockpile 8 days worth of breakfasts.
Stockpile 8 days worth of lunches.

SKILLS AND SUPPLIES

Most of us in first-world countries don't appreciate just how clean everything is. Even public bathrooms are very clean compared to the kind of bathrooms people have to use in third-world countries such as Haiti, Yemen, or Ethiopia.

We also take waste management for granted. Can you imagine how quickly the trash would pile up in the streets without garbage trucks removing it every week? There would be mountains of trash all over, which would lead to exponential growth in the number of pests and vermin.

Or what if the taps stopped working and people were unable to flush their toilets? The sewers would overflow and human waste would float down the streets. In fact, sewage could even back up into your home.

Without basic hygiene and sanitation, deadly diseases such as cholera, dysentery, tuberculosis, and dengue fever would spread rapidly, leading to far more illness. The death rate would spike, and hospitals—which are already too busy these days—would be completely overwhelmed.

Hygiene

All of this is why it's so important to keep yourself as clean as possible during a long-term crisis. If disease is rampant, wear masks and gloves if you have to go out in public, and carefully dispose of or clean them when you get home.

Personal Hygiene Items

Below is a list of personal hygiene items you should stock up on now. You don't have to get all of these items. For example, you might prefer bar soap instead of body wash. Just go through the list and make sure you have plenty of everything you need. If not, make a shopping list.

Anti-bacterial gel – Be sure it's 60% alcohol or higher.
Antiperspirant deodorant
Bar soap
Biodegradable soap – Use this if you plan on creating a greywater system (see below).
Body wash
Clothes washer plunger
Dental floss
Disposable razors
Everyday wipes – These are an easy way to keep clean when there's no running water.
Face masks – Good to have in case of rampant disease.
Feminine hygiene – You could stockpile tampons, but also consider reusable options like menstrual cups or washable cloth pads.
Hand soap
Insect repellent – Very important if mosquitoes are spreading disease in your area.
Kitty litter – If using this for portable toilets, be sure it's unscented and biodegradable.
Laundry detergent
Lotion
Manual washing machine
Microfiber towel – These are very absorbent. Great for drying off after a shower.
Mouth wash
Nitrile gloves – Good to have if you need to go out in public during a pandemic or just a time when everything is especially unsanitary.
Portable bidet – Great to have if toilet paper is in short supply.
Portable toilet – You'll need this if there's no running water and you can't flush your toilet.
Shampoo and conditioner – Consider using dry shampoo.
Solar shower bag
Toilet paper (and alternatives)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Wash board – You may need this to wash clothes during a power outage.
Yeast infection medication

Toilet Paper Alternatives

If you run out of toilet paper, there are plenty of obvious alternatives such as paper towels, wipes, Kleenex, or newspapers, but here are some less obvious alternatives worth considering:

Sponges – The Romans used sponges and cleaned them afterward so they could be reused. If you go this route, clean them thoroughly by boiling them or soaking them in bleach water.
Cloth – Whether it's from towels, T-shirts, etc. And you can wash them and use them again. Just be sure to wash them immediately, and keep them separate from the rest of your laundry.
Plant Leaves – There are plenty of options here. Some of the best include corn husks, maple leaves, mullein leaves, cottonwood leaves, etc. Just beware of things like poison ivy or devil's club.
Cardboard – I know it sounds uncomfortable, but you could soften it up with some water first. This is a last resort.

Plants You Can Use As Soap

There are a variety of plants you can use as soap including bracken, century plant, ivy, old man's beard, soapwort, wild yam, and more. Any plant that contains saponins can be used as soap. Here's how:

Harvest whichever part of the plant contains the most saponins (such as the roots or leaves).
Wash the plant parts thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
Chop them up into small pieces to increase the surface area.
Place the pieces in a bowl and cover with about an inch of water.
Heat the water and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Let it cool off.
Strain out the plant parts. The remaining water can be used as soap.

Warning: Test the soap on a small part of your skin first to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction.

Keeping Yourself Clean Without Running Water

Staying clean without running water can be tricky. People are so used to having constant access to practically infinite water that they don't know how to carefully manage and ration water when cleaning themselves.

However, with the right strategies, it's possible to maintain good hygiene even if the taps aren't working. Here's how:

Prioritize Certain Areas – Focus on cleaning your hands, face, underarms, and feet. These areas usually need more attention to prevent odor and discomfort. Use no-rinse wipes or a damp cloth with a little soap.
Take Sponge Baths – This requires much less water than showering. Use a washcloth to apply soapy water, then rinse off with a wet towel.
Use Dry Shampoo – You can use dry shampoo, or you can comb talcum powder or cornstarch through your hair. These will absorb excess oil and dirt.
Use Ash or Sand – In many parts of the world, ash is used for cleansing hands and even dishes. Ash can remove grease and odors, and sand can be used for scrubbing pots and pans. However, you'll still need to rinse it off when you're done.
Manage Sweat – Apply talcum powder or baby powder to areas prone to sweating. This will absorb moisture and keep your skin dry.
Use Alcohol or Vinegar – You can use a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol or vinegar as a disinfectant to clean areas like the feet or armpits. This will reduce bacteria that causes odor.

Taking a Shower

If you don't have running water, but you do have access to water you can use for bathing (perhaps from a stream or a rainwater catchment system), use a solar shower.

A solar shower is a large bag that you fill with water and hang in direct sunlight. After a few hours it will be nice and warm, and you can turn the nozzle on the bottom and take an outdoor shower. Just make sure you have some kind of privacy screen.

Doing Laundry Without Running Water

If the power and/or gas is out for weeks or months at a time, you won't be able to use your washer and dryer. In that case, you need an alternative method for keeping your clothes clean.

If water is limited, you may have to wear the same clothes for two days or longer. I know, it's unthinkable to most people in first-world countries, but it was the way of life for most of human history. Only change your clothes if they get especially dirty from outdoor work or after venturing into the city during a time when disease is rampant.

Still, eventually you're going to have to do some laundry. If you don't have enough water, here are some other ways to clean your clothes:

Spot Cleaning with Alcohol or Vinegar – For small stains or lightly soiled areas, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol and blot it with a clean cloth. With vinegar, first dilute it with a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water.
Brushing – This might sound strange, but regularly brushing your clothes can help remove dust, dirt, and grime.
UV Light – Hang up your clothes outside in direct sunlight. This will kill bacteria and viruses and reduce odors.
Baking Soda – Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on your clothes, let it sit for several hours or overnight, and then brush it off. The baking soda will absorb odors.
Dry Shampoo or Cornstarch – Similar to the method used for hair, sprinkle dry shampoo or cornstarch on oily or smelly clothes. After letting it sit for a while, brush it out.

Doing Laundry Without Power

If you have enough water to do laundry but the power is out, there are several methods for washing your clothes without electricity.

Hand Washing – The simplest method is to wash clothes by hand in a basin, bathtub, or any large container. Use a mild detergent and warm water if possible, agitate the clothes with your hands, then rinse them thoroughly.
Bucket Washing – You can also use a clean, dedicated plunger and a five-gallon bucket. Fill it with water and detergent, then use the plunger with holes in it to agitate the clothes. This mimics the action of a washing machine and can be very effective.
Washboard – Use a washboard and bar of soap to scrub clothes clean. This method is especially good for very dirty spots.
Portable Washing Machine – There are non-electric washing machines such as the WonderWash, which is powered with a hand crank. It takes a bit of effort, but it works.
River or Stream Washing – If you’re near a clean river or stream, you can wash clothes directly in the stream. Be sure to use biodegradable soap.

Hang Dry Clothes

After washing your clothes, wring them out as much as possible or use a clothes wringer or even a mop wringer (as long as the mop bucket is clean).

After that, hang them up outside, in direct sunlight if possible. You can also hang dry clothes indoors if it's a room with good ventilation, but make sure you have something below the clothes to catch the dripping water.

Practice Living Without Water

Find your home's water shut-off valve, turn off the water, and see what it's like to live without tap water for a day or two. Clean yourself without showering and clean your clothes without a washing machine. The more you get used to it, the easier it will be if the taps ever run dry.

More Info on Hygiene:

Sanitation

It's also important to keep your home clean during a long-term crisis, especially if there's no tap water. The dirtier your home gets, the more pests will invade and the faster bacteria will multiply, increasing the odds that someone will contract a disease. And the last thing you want when healthcare is limited or unavailable is to get sick.

Household Sanitation Items

Below is a list of items you can use keep your home clean in a long-term crisis. You probably already have some of these, but make sure you stock up on anything disposable such as disinfecting wipes.

As before, you don't have to get everything on this list. Just make sure you have everything you need to keep your home clean, and make sure you can do it while using little or no water.

Baking soda – Good for cleaning and deodorizing, among other things.
Biodegradable bag – So you can bury waste.
Biodegradable soap
Bleach – Since bleach only lasts 6 months, you could purchase pool shock instead. It can last up to 5 years, and you can use it to make bleach. Just add 1 teaspoon of it to 2 gallons of water and mix it thoroughly (be sure to do it in a well-ventilated area).
Borax – Great for cleaning things around the house. Just keep in mind that it's toxic if consumed by people or pets.
Broom and dustpan
Camping toilet – Essential if there's no running water or the sewage treatment plant isn't functioning.
Castile soap – Great for cleaning floors, counters, and other surfaces.
Dish soap
Disinfectant spray (if you run out, just mix 1/3 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water)
Disinfecting wipes
Dust mask – Good to have while cleaning the house.
Ground limestone – For reducing the smell of garbage.
Heavy-duty gloves – Also good to have while cleaning, especially when cleaning things like toilets.
Microfiber cloths – Great for dusting.
Mop and bucket
Spray bottles – For vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or homemade cleaners.
Sponges with scrubber pads
Paper plates
Paper towels
Plastic utensils
Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl)
Toilet plunger and scrubber
Trash bags – You'll need lots of trash bags. Plus, they have many uses.
White vinegar

Creating a Greywater System

If water is limited, then you need to be as efficient with it as possible, and the way to do that is to create a greywater system.

Greywater is the relatively safe water that can be reused for other tasks (but not for drinking). For example, the water from sinks, tubs, and washing machines could be used for cleaning toilet bowls, flushing toilets, irrigating crops, keeping a compost pile moist, rinsing off boots or garden tools, etc.

Note: Try to use greywater within 24 hours to prevent stagnation and odors. Also, you should only use greywater for irrigating crops if you're using biodegradable soap. Otherwise, the chemicals from the soap could harm your plants.

If you'd like to do this, get a large bucket or bin and designate it for greywater only. Also, before using greywater, filter it through a mesh screen or even a T-shirt to remove any large particles.

If you want to get really fancy, you could install diverter valves and additional drain lines so before you use the sink or tub, you could turn the valve and send the water to your greywater barrel instead of the sewer. However, this would take some real plumbing expertise.

Warning: Do not reuse water from your toilet. This is considered blackwater and it's unsafe to use. Safely dispose of it instead.

What To Do With Garbage

Garbage collection is one of those things that nearly everyone in the modern world takes for granted. Imagine how quickly bags of trash would pile up in the streets without garbage trucks and workers coming along and collecting them. If the economy collapses, we'll get to see what that's like. If you find yourself in that scenario, here's a list of things you should do:

Reduce Waste

Minimize the trash you produce as much as possible. Buy in bulk and stockpile things with minimal packaging. Whenever you can, choose reusable items over disposable ones, and try to repair things instead of replacing them.

Repurpose and Upcycle

As I said in month 1, you should repurpose and upcycle everything you can including milk jugs, plastic bags, glass bottles, cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, etc.

Compost It

I'll talk about this more in month 10, but if you have space for a compost pile, get one started now. All sorts of food scraps and yard waste can be composted into fertilizer for your garden. If you have limited space, try vermicomposting, which can be done indoors.

Burn It

If you can't compost it, you can burn it. Just be sure you're not burning anything with dangerous chemicals. Only burn things that could have been composted.

To do this safely, you may want to make a burn burn barrel. Be sure it has a mesh screen on top to prevent sparks from escaping and starting a fire.

Bury It

If you can't compost it or burn it, you could try burying it. Choose a spot in the yard as far from your home as possible, dig a trench, and bury it several feet deep. Just make sure it's not a spot that will contaminate local ground water.

If you bury anything that could attract wild animals (such as bones from a chicken), cover the area with a large piece of plywood so they can't dig it up. You could also use ground limestone to cover the smell and speed up decomposition. And finally, keep track of where you've buried things so you don't dig in the same spot twice.

Secure It

If it's something that's too dangerous to burn or bury (batteries, chemicals, etc. ), or if you're not able to burn or bury anything, then all you can do is seal your trash really well. Double or even triple bag it, then make a pile of trash bags in your backyard.

To help keep pests and vermin out, you could tie up the pile inside a large tarp. It's not ideal, but it could be a temporary fix until you can get your trash to a landfill.

Long-Term Garbage Disposal

If the crisis goes on for a long time and garbage collection isn't coming back, then you should talk with people in your local community about long-term strategies. You could create a designated landfill just outside the neighborhood, or you could create a communal composting area.

Preventing Sewage Backup

If your local government doesn't have the money or ability to collect garbage, there's a good chance the sewage treatment plant isn't working either. That would be a huge problem.

If lift stations aren't working and/or the treatment plant isn't running, sewage could back up into your home, creating a big disgusting mess. There are a few things you can do to prevent this:

Open the Clean-Out

Most home plumbing systems have a pipe called a clean-out, which is usually capped to keep the system sealed. If you're worried about sewage backing up into your home, you can remove the cap from the clean-out.

When sewage backs up, it will take the path of least resistance and flow out through the clean-out instead of coming up through your drains. While this will result in sewage in your yard, it's better than having it back up into your home.

Note: If you decide to open the clean-out, wear gloves and a mask to prevent exposure to raw sewage.

Install a Backwater Valve

A backwater valve (also known as a backflow preventer) is a plumbing device with a valve that opens when water is flowing in the correct direction (out of your home) and closes when the flow reverses (such as during a sewage backup).

It's usually installed on the main sewer line that exits your home, just before it connects to the municipal sewer system. Hiring someone to install it can be a bit expensive, potentially running into the thousands, but you wouldn't have to worry about a sewage backup anymore.

Pour Cement Into The Lowest Drain

This would be an absolute last resort, but you could fill the lowest drain in your house with cement. The problem is, if things return to normal, the cost to dig up and replace the pipes would be enormous.

How to Use the Bathroom Without Running Water

If there's no running water or you can't use your toilet because of sewage backup, there are a few things you can do.

Camping Toilet

Camping toilets are designed to minimize the smell (although I would still keep it on the porch) and include a removable waste tank (I'll explain what to do with the waste in a minute). It's probably the most convenient option.

Note: If your camping toilet uses chemicals to break down the waste, then it can't be composted or dumped out anywhere. You'll have to take it to a waste disposal site.

DIY Toilet

If you don't have a lot of money, you can create your own camping toilet from a five-gallon bucket, a pool noodle, a trash bag, and some biodegradable kitty litter. Be sure to use heavy-duty trash bags or two bags at once to prevent leaks.

All you do is put the trash bag in the bucket, add some kitty litter, cut a pool noodle to a length that equals the circumference of the bucket, then cut a slit down one side of the pool noodle so that it can attach to the edge of the bucket.

Composting Toilet

This is the best long-term solution, but a good composting toilet can be a bit expensive. The liquid is absorbed by peat moss or something similar, and the solids go into a separate chamber where they break down with a carbon-rich material such as sawdust.

The great thing about composting toilets is they do a good job containing the smell despite the fact that you only have to empty them once a month. Once you do empty them, you can add the waste to a compost pile outside. Keep in mind that over time, you'll have to continue adding more carbon-rich materials like peat moss or sawdust.

Cat Holes

A cat hole is a small hole that you dig and use to bury solid waste. This is normally done when camping or hiking, but it's not a good long-term solution as eventually you would have poop buried all over your yard.

However, in a temporary disaster, this could work. Just be sure to mark where you've buried waste so you don't accidentally dig in a spot you've already used.

Latrines

This is a more long-term solution. Choose a spot that is slightly elevated (to prevent water from pooling in it) and far from any natural water sources. Then dig a trench about 2-3 feet deep, 1-2 feet wide, and 4-6 feet long.

After that, you just squat over the latrine, do your business, then cover it with a layer of soil and carbon-rich material like sawdust or crushed leaves. This will reduce the smell and make it decompose faster. If you have ground limestone, sprinkle some of that on the waste before covering it.

You could also use some kind of bar or branch to hold yourself steady while you squat. If the crisis goes on indefinitely, you can extend the length of the latrine.

What To Do With Human Waste

If you're using a composting toilet, then after you empty it, you can add the waste to a compost pile that is designated for human waste. It needs to be separate from your other compost pile because human waste requires careful management to make sure all the pathogens are destroyed. In fact, it needs to compost for a full year before you can use it.

This type of compost is often referred to as humanure, and it's a whole other topic. If this is something you're interested, I recommend reading The Humanure Handbook.

However, if you're using a camping toilet or DIY toilet of some kind and aren't interested in composting, there are two main options:

Bury It

Simply follow the guidelines for digging a latrine—a trench about 2-3 feet deep, 1-2 feet wide, and 4-6 feet long. Every time you add waste to the pit, cover it with a layer of soil and carbon-rich material. In order to transport the waste from your toilet to the hole, put it in a biodegradable bag.

Burn It

This is a last resort. To do this, it's best to let the solid waste dry out in the sun until it's hard like a brick. Then it will burn much more easily and there will be less odor. However, you'll still need to use some fuel to get it burning. If you do this, be sure to do it out in the open and far from your home.

Pest Management

Even if you do everything correctly, your neighbors probably won't, which means there will be a spike in the number of pests and rodents during a long-term crisis. While they're usually harmless during good times, during hard times they could carry deadly diseases.

To keep them out of your home, here are some things you can do:

Seal Entry Points – Seal any gaps around doors and windows.
Store Food Properly – Keep your food in rodent-proof containers and off the ground.
Set Out Traps – You can stock up on rat and bug poison, but eventually you'll run out. Also get some mouse traps and roach traps.
Use Natural Repellents – There are all sorts of natural repellents that you can sprinkle around potential entry points to keep pests away. Some of the most effective are cayenne pepper and garlic powder.
Use Natural Pest Killers – Sprinkle diatomaceous earth or spray neem oil around your home. These will kill insects without doing harm to plants or groundwater.
Use Predators – A cat can be a great way to help control rodent populations. You could also encourage owls and hawks to hang out near your home by installing owl boxes or perches in your yard.
Use An Ultrasonic Repellent – This device emits sound waves that irritate rodents and insects but are inaudible to humans. This could make pests stay away from your home.

More Info on Sanitation:

Skills and Supplies Checklist for Month 8

Stock up on personal hygiene items.
Learn about toilet paper alternatives in case you run out.
Consider planting some plants that can be used as soap.
Practice keeping clean without running water.
Practice doing laundry without running water.
Practice doing laundry without power.
Stock up on household sanitation items.
Consider creating a greywater system.
Practice minimizing the amount of garbage you produce.
Decide what you're going to do with garbage.
Prepare for the possibility of sewage backup.
Practice using the bathroom without running water.
Decide what you're going to do with human waste.
Stock up on pest control supplies.
Set aside $40 cash.

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