Preparedness Gift Idea #1

The presentation. In retrospect, I should have also put a big label in the package: EMERGENCY TOILET BAGS or something.
These are at Target in the aisle that has all the platsic storage bags, ziploc bags, foil, etc.


We all love to give gifts at Christmas time. What better gifts are there than those that help your loved ones be better prepared for emergencies?

Here is an item that will give a person great peace of mind!!! At least, it has that affect on me.

One of my greatest concerns in a worst case scenario after an earthquake is this: Broken water lines. NO water from the water department. No water from the faucets. Can't flush toilets. Where do you go potty? I do not want to sit on a bucket!

SOLUTION: Get extra strength 18 gallon white trash bags. I get mine from Target. 100 in the bag for a little over 7 dollars (including tax). See photo. For the presentation of the gift, I take the bags out of the main bag it came in (and the twistie ties) and put them (they are in a nice cylindrical shape, in a clear plastic bag and insert instructions that I have printed out.


THESE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU CAN CUT AND PASTE INTO YOUR WORDPAD OR OTHER PROGRAM:
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SANITATION
The lack of sanitaion facilities following major earthquakes can quickly create secondary problems unless basic guidelines are followed. If the water lines are damaged, or if damage is suspected, do not flush the toilet.

Avoid digging holes in the ground and using these. Untreated raw sewage can pollute fresh ground water supplies. It also attracts flies and promotes the spread of diseases.

~Store a large supply of heavy-duty plastic bags, twist ties, disinfectant, and toilet paper.

~A good disinfectant that is easy to use is a solution of one part liquid bleach to 10 parts water.

Dry bleach is caustic and not safe for this type of use.

~If the toilet is not able to be flushed, it can still be used. This is less stressful for most people than using some other container. Remove all of the bowl water. Line bowl with a heavy duty plastic bag. When finished, add a small amount of deodorant or disinfectant, securely tie the bag, and dispose of it in a large trash can with a tight fitting lid. This large trash can can also be lined with a sturdy trash bag.
Eventually the city will provide a means to dispose of these bags.

~Portable camp toilets, small trash cans, or sturdy buckets with heavy duty plastic bags can be used. Those with tight fitting lids are best.

~Large ziplock plastic bags and toilet paper should be kept at work and in the car for use if you are away from home. These can be wrapped in newspaper in preparation for future disposal.