SANITATION: The first two days, especially, is critical to prepare for and be self-reliant since there may be power outages, water and sewerage failures, road closures, communication blackouts and limited access to shops, cash, or medical care.

Sanitation

If water or sewerage systems are disrupted, you’ll need a basic backup. A bucket, liners, and disinfectant can serve as an emergency toilet.

A Wellington household should expect that toilets, sewer lines, and running water may be unusable for days or even weeks after a major earthquake. The most important actions are preparing an emergency toilet, storing the right hygiene supplies, and knowing how to manage waste safely to prevent disease.

1. Prepare an emergency toilet

Sewer lines may break, and flushing toilets can cause sewage backflow. Every household should be ready to switch to an improvised toilet system.

How to set up an emergency toilet

Use a sturdy, watertight container (15–20 litres), such as:

A rubbish bin
A paint bucket
Ensure it has a snug‑fitting lid.
Line the container with plastic bags if available.

After each use, add a small amount of:

Household disinfectant (plain bleach), or
Dry material (dirt, sawdust, shredded paper) if disinfectant is unavailable.
Replace the lid after every use to reduce odour and insects.
Keep a larger container with a lid for temporary waste storage if your main toilet bucket is small.

Why this matters

Broken sewer lines can create serious public‑health risks. Improvised toilets prevent contamination and disease spread.

2. Stock essential hygiene supplies

Health New Zealand emphasises that staying clean is critical for preventing illness during emergencies.

Must‑have items:

Soap
Hand sanitiser
Disinfectant (plain, unscented bleach)
Rubber gloves
Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Insect repellent
Dust masks (P2 or N95) for cleanup
Work gloves
Rubbish bags (lots of them)
Feminine hygiene products
Nappies and baby wipes if needed

Why these matter

Without running water, maintaining hygiene becomes harder. These supplies help prevent infections, skin issues, and contamination.

3. Plan for water use in sanitation

Even with stored drinking water, you need additional water for washing hands, cleaning, and basic hygiene.

Health NZ notes you need about 1 litre per person per day for washing food, cooking, dishes, and personal hygiene.

Key actions:

Store extra water specifically for hygiene.
Keep plain household bleach for water treatment (ensure no perfumes or detergents).
Avoid using toilet cistern water if you use chemical cleaners.

4. Prepare for cleanup after flooding or earthquake

Emergencies often leave behind contaminated debris.

Recommended supplies:

Rubber gloves
Masks (P2/N95)
Disinfectant
Buckets
Heavy‑duty rubbish bags
Sturdy shoes

These help protect you from contaminated materials, mould, and sewage.

5. Prepare for temporary shelter or evacuation

If your home becomes unsafe, you may need to relocate.

Useful sanitation‑related items:

Tarpaulins or plastic sheeting (for makeshift shelters or privacy screens)
Portable toilet bags or camping toilet kits
Hand sanitiser and wipes in your grab bag

Health NZ recommends knowing where your camping gear is and being ready to use it.

6. Plan for household needs

Different people have different sanitation requirements.

Considerations:

Babies (nappies, wipes, disposal bags).
Elderly or disabled household members.
People with medical conditions.
Pets (waste bags, litter, cleaning supplies).

7. Waste disposal planning

During a major emergency, official waste collection may stop temporarily.

What to do:

Store waste in sealed bags or containers.
Keep waste away from living and food areas.
Follow public‑health instructions when disposal sites or collection points reopen.