What Is an Emergency Toilet?
Emergency toilets are facilities designed for use during disaster situations and are typically housed in shelters. While food, drink, and sleep are often considered primary needs for disaster victims, access to toilets is actually a high priority.
The average adult produces about 1 to 1.5 liters of waste per day. During disasters, it is crucial to have facilities that accommodate this physiological need.
Toilet Facts in Times of Disaster
1. Flushing Toilets Are Not Available
In disasters, especially earthquakes, many flushing toilets become inoperable due to water cutoffs, power outages, and damage to sewage systems and septic tanks. Continued use without proper facilities can lead to overflowing and breed infectious diseases.
2. Temporary Toilets Do Not Arrive Quickly
Disruptions in transportation, such as road closures caused by disasters, can delay the delivery of temporary toilets. Despite assumptions, these facilities do not always arrive immediately.
3. Reluctance to Use Toilets
Uncomfortable or inconvenient toilet environments may discourage use, leading to reduced eating and drinking. This can result in dehydration, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and even life-threatening conditions like economy class syndrome, cerebral infarction, or myocardial infarction, contributing to disaster-related deaths. Improving toilet facilities is crucial in preventing these secondary damages.
Disaster-related deaths are said to be three times more common than direct damages from disasters, highlighting the importance of toilet facilities in saving lives.
Scale of Disaster and Emergency Toilets
Categories of Emergency Toilets
Emergency toilets generally fall into three categories:
1. Portable toilets: Attach a toilet bag to an existing toilet bowl for use.
2. Simple toilets: Include a basic toilet bowl and toilet bag.
3. Temporary toilets: Complete toilets used at construction sites and event venues, including assembled options.
4. Manhole toilets: Utilize manholes for toilet purposes.
Features of Various Disaster Toilets
1. Portable and Simple Toilets
These types can be immediately used if pre-stocked. Toilet bags are disposable as combustible garbage, but disaster conditions may affect waste collection and storage. Over time, the accumulation of used bags can become a significant issue, and outdoor use may require private enclosures.
2. Temporary Toilets
There are complete and assembled types. Complete types, common at construction sites, are not ideal for stockpiling due to transportation challenges. Assembled types are more suitable for disasters, but practical issues have been reported, such as assembly difficulty and storage-related deterioration.
3. Manhole Toilets
Manhole toilets provide an environment similar to regular toilets during disasters. However, they require an enclosure (e.g., a tent) and preparation time to confirm sewerage facility integrity. Additional considerations include securing an alternative water source and maintenance costs post-disaster recovery.