Section 11 — Sanitation

Why Sanitation Matters

In survival situations, poor sanitation leads to:

• Diarrhea and dehydration
• Skin infections
• Food contamination
• Insect and rodent problems
• Rapid spread of illness

Good hygiene keeps you healthy, functional, and alive.

Personal Hygiene Essentials

• Wash hands before eating and after bathroom use
• Use biodegradable soap
• Brush teeth daily
• Keep nails trimmed
• Change socks frequently to prevent blisters

Waste Disposal

Human Waste

• Dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep
• At least 200 feet from water sources
• Cover and pack soil firmly
• Burn or pack out toilet paper if possible

Trash

• Burn paper waste safely
• Pack out plastics and metals
• Never bury food scraps — attracts animals

Water Sanitation

• Keep clean water separate from dirty water
• Use dedicated containers for drinking water
• Never wash dishes directly in water sources
• Use a small basin and dump wastewater away from camp

Food Safety

• Cook meat thoroughly
• Keep raw and cooked