Toilets and hygiene without running water
When the taps stop, the toilet becomes a problem fast. If the water is just off, you can flush by pouring a bucket of grey water into the bowl. If the sewer may be backing up, don't flush at all.
At the bare minimum, keep a bucket toilet kit: a 5-gallon (19 L) bucket with a snap-on seat, heavy garbage bags, cat litter or sawdust to cover waste, gloves and hand sanitizer. It costs about $50 and fits in a closet.
Double-bag the waste, tie it off and keep it outside in a lidded bin away from the house. Wash hands every time, even if it's just sanitizer and a splash of treated water. Most illness after a disaster comes from dirty hands, not dirty water.
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