Portable Toilet Rentals For Disaster Relief
A community can suffer much damage in the aftermath of a disaster. Natural occurrences such as floods, landslides, snowstorms and weather events like hurricanes or tornados often devastate local areas, leaving the population in need of aid. When disasters like these occur, emergency response teams will be called in to provide rescue and aid where needed. In addition, depending on the severity of the disaster, cleanup operations may last for weeks or even months. During this time, first responders and crews will need access to sanitation facilities such as portable restrooms and showers.
Who Will Need Access To Portable Toilets At A Disaster Site?
When a disaster occurs the first people arriving on site will typically be emergency aid personnel. These may include teams from the local fire department, EMTs from the hospital and police, which are commonly referred to as first responders in disaster situations. However, depending on the severity and scope of the disaster, many other people may be arriving later on to help victims recover. This includes personnel from federal relief agencies like FEMA, local volunteers and even charity groups to provide food and water to rescue crews.
In addition, there may be many hundreds or even thousands of victims at the disaster site who may be without shelter or access to basic needs. This is why portable restrooms will be essential to provide everyone access to basic sanitation. The victims will need to clean up and use the facilities, but also the first responders and rescue crews. These relief crews may be on site for many days or weeks to clean up the area and perform repairs.
How Many Portable Restrooms Will I Need For Disaster Relief?
The number of portable restrooms can vary greatly depending on each situation. For example, if disaster relief crews are going to be working around the clock each day, then on average you will want at least 2 porta potty per 50 workers who are expected to be on-site for 8 hour shifts. You will also want one portable sink for every 2 porta potties that you have on site. In addition, you will need to take into account the number of victims that have been impacted by the disaster. They will also need access to portable restrooms, sinks and perhaps even portable showers.
Where Should Porta Potties Be Placed During a Disaster?
Special attention should be taken when positioning portable restrooms around a disaster relief site. Although you will want to ensure that the units are easily accessible for relief crews, you will also want to be sure that they are placed in a safe and secure location. In addition, victims of the disaster may also need access to portable restrooms and showers until they can be relocated. You will want to ensure that the ground you are placing the units on is stable and free of debris. If an earthquake has struck, then placement is especially important, as aftershocks may still be occurring. Aftershocks may threaten the stability of the porta potties or even cause them to tip over. This is why you will want to carefully consider the placement and location of the units around the disaster site.
What Types Of Portable Sanitation Units Are Used For Disaster Relief?
When a disaster strikes it can be easy to forget about basic needs and sanitation, things we often take for granted in our everyday life until we no longer have them. We will want to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone involved in the disaster, including victims and first responders. Basic needs must be provided for, and there are various portable sanitation units available to provide for these needs.
- Portable restrooms: These are the basic porta potties that we see most often at sporting events and on construction sites. They are a single stall to be used by one person at a time and include basic sanitation. They can be deployed quickly and in various locations. Larger porta potties can be deployed to accommodate the handicapped. They may also include changing tables for families with infants. Flushable porta potties are available for increase sanitation.
- Portable shower units: In a disaster, many victims may be in need of sanitation and cleaning facilities. In floods and landslides victims may have become covered in mud or have been submerged in muddy water for quite some time. In these cases, having portable showers quickly deployed to the disaster site can go a long way towards helping them clean up and feel comfortable again. In addition, first responders and cleanup crews may be on site for quite some time and will also require access to showers and sanitation.
- Portable sinks: Sometimes during a disaster you may need sinks set up in certain locations so that everyone can wash their hands and sanitize properly. These sink units are smaller than full stalls, so they can easily be deployed and positioned where they are most needed.
As you can see, there are many options available for sanitation during a disaster relief project. Everyone involved, both victims and responders, will need access to portable toilets, sinks and perhaps even showers depending on the situation.
Everyone involved in disaster relief will be playing a pivotal role in saving lives and preventing further damage to the area. First responders may be on the scene for many hours, and further relief crews may show up and be on site for days, weeks or even months depending on the severity of the disaster. Each worker and victim will need access to sanitation and portable restrooms in order to maintain cleanliness and comfort. Having the right number and types of units will go a long way towards ensuring safety.