Civilian Emergency Preparedness Manual: Complete Household Living, Food, Water, Hygiene, Sanitation, Lighting, Personal Items & Family Coordination System

During emergency shelter conditions, the household functions as a self-contained survival system where food, water, hygiene, sanitation, lighting, communication, waste, and human coordination operate as a single controlled unit.

Sources: WHO Household Emergency Management Guidance; FEMA CERT Household Operations Framework

Sources: WHO RCCE Framework; FEMA Disaster Household Coordination Model

Food Stock

• rice, wheat, oats, lentils
• canned food, beans, peanut butter
• almonds, walnuts, raisins, dates
• apples, oranges, bananas
• sugar, chocolate, glucose tablets
• sealed bottled water, tetra-pack juices

Source: FAO Emergency Food Security Guidelines

Rules

• small portions only
• never leave food exposed
• cover immediately if unfinished
• controlled eating zones only

• stainless steel plates/bowls
• metal spoons/forks
• covered cups

Source: CDC Food Safety Emergency Guidance

Allowed when water is limited or contaminated.

Rules

• single use only
• no reuse
• use in controlled eating area

Disposal

• segregate waste
• compress if possible
• seal in bags
• store in fixed waste zone
• no external disposal during emergency phase

Sources: WHO Emergency Food Safety; FEMA Waste Guidance

• 3–4 liters per person per day
• 7–14 day minimum reserve

Source: WHO Emergency Water Management Guidelines

If water is contaminated:

Only sealed or officially treated water allowed.

• sanitizer (primary)
• bottled water rinse
• damp cloth wiping

Body Cleaning

• sponge cleaning
• cloth wiping

Wipes

• cotton cloth
• microfiber cloth
• alcohol wipes
• wet wipes

Source: WHO Emergency Hygiene Guidelines

• short shower if safe water available
• no shower if water contaminated
• sponge/cloth cleaning instead

Focus: face, hands, underarms, groin, feet.

• controlled use
• lid closed before flushing
• manual flushing if needed

If water contaminated:

• reduced flushing
• stored water only
• temporary waste isolation

Source: WHO WASH Emergency Protocols

• dry wipe first
• damp wipe with safe water
• minimal water usage
• essential surfaces only

• reuse clothing if safe
• minimal washing cycles
• separate used clothing
• hygiene priority over laundry

Allowed

• nail cutting
• deodorant
• basic hygiene

Not Priority

• perfumes
• makeup
• cosmetic routines

Source: WHO Emergency Shelter Standards

• jewellery stored securely in sealed container
• watches used for timekeeping during power loss

Source: FEMA Household Asset Protection Guidance

• emergency use only
• low power consumption
• protected from heat/moisture

Source: ITU Disaster Communication Guidance

• battery or crank radio essential
• primary official information source during network failure
• spare batteries stored separately

Source: FEMA Emergency Broadcast System

• AA/AAA/rechargeable batteries stored safely
• dry, cool storage
• no mixing old/new batteries

Priority

1. lighting
2. communication
3. essential devices

Source: FEMA Energy Continuity Guidance

• LED torch (primary)
• LED lantern (secondary)
• hand-crank light

Candles (Last Resort Only)

Sources: NFPA Candle Safety; FEMA Power Outage Protocols

• inner rooms only
• away from windows/external walls
• central zones preferred

Source: CDC Shelter Safety Guidance

A survival household must maintain:

During emergencies, absorbent hygiene products become essential for infants, elderly, and menstrual hygiene.

Sources: WHO WASH Emergency Guidelines; UNICEF Hygiene Kit Standards

Sources: WHO MHM Guidelines; CDC Sanitation Waste Protocols

A fully prepared household is defined by its ability to: