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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | APRIL 2024 | 13 Scenario: There has been a large earthquake. You do not need to evacuate but the sewer pipes are broken and there is no running water. But wait! You REALLY need to use the toilet! What? How? Where do you go? First and foremost, being prepared means having supplies, equipment, and resources for all situations and this includes a place to relieve yourself. There are many options for makeshift or portable toilets. Some are bulky but others are very portable and easy to store, such as folding bedside commodes and/or camping toilets. If you do not have a portable toilet at your home, there are other options. Most options are easy to set up and you probably have most of the necessary supplies in your home and/or garage. If you do not have these items, you should add them to your emergency preparedness items. • Your toilet: Line the bowl with a heavy-duty plastic trash bag. Make sure to empty ALL the water from the toilet tank and bowl and turn off the water value. Put the bag over the toilet bowl and secure with duct or electrician's tape. Keep the lid closed after each use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrDXyMC4ZGs • A large, five-gallon bucket, pail, or kitchen style trash can: Place a plastic bag over the rim of the bucket and push the main bag inside the bucket. Secure the bag around the rim with tape or rope or string. If you have a pool noodle cut it to fit over the rim to make a comfy seat. Close the bag tightly after each use. Make sure it is the right height to sit on and is strong enough to support your weight. • Cat litter or portable toilet chemicals: The most available and least expensive form of absorbent is cat litter. Either choice is used for moisture and odor control. • Disposal: After several uses, securely tie the bags closed, remove and store bags outside, away from home. You should not dispose human waste in your "trash" can. It is considered biohazardous waste. If you have an extra can, line it with another heavy-duty bag and use it to hold the bags of waste. Keep this container covered. When you can, contact your local authority and ask about disposal options. There are many tips on the internet on how to make a portable toilet . Also, you can pick up a camping toilet or bedside commode at a garage or estate sale. They are foldable and compact. Note: The water in your toilet tank is a reliable source of usable water only if you do not flush the toilet after an emergency event has taken place. It may not look appealing, but it is drinkable. ~ Janis Rice, EPAP PIO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WHERE IS THE TOILET?

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