CEN FAQs: Avoiding Disease After a Disaster

A major threat after a disaster is spread of diseases, which can move quickly through a community or family. In the aftermath of a disaster, drinking water may become questionable, improperly prepared or may have gone bad. We need to carefully dispose of human waste, so others are not contaminated.  If we are tempted to think these diseases cannot pop up anywhere in the United States consider the current challenge in Los Angeles, where typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis are just a few of the diseases causing havoc through the homeless populations.

Maintaining clean and sanitized drinking water is critical, read the Christian Emergency Network article on properly Treating Drinking Water . 

Everyone handling food must be very careful and safe handling procedures must be strictly followed. Food thawed in a freezer, for example, must be used quickly and properly cooked and most refrigerator foods will deteriorate after 12 hours. However, check everything carefully and follow the old slogan ‘when in doubt throw it out’, you don’t want to add to the misery of a disaster with sick individuals.    

Read the CEN article Alternate Toilets, summarizing the first steps in handling human waste. If you do not have a good alternative toilet already in place, you can prepare a latrine by digging a hole 3 to 4 feet deep, and at least 100 feet for your water source. If you’re in a situation where you believe longer-term arrangements are needed you can dig a hole 8 to 10 feet deep and line it with gravel, sand or rocks to keep the sides from caving in. None of us like to return to the old concept of an outhouse, but is a far better option than spreading disease.

Since germs are not visible, we should follow the protocol which we learned from the COVID pandemic which includes adhering to the following steps:

• Consistent hand washing with soap for 30 seconds to avoid infections

• Use of hand sanitizers and sanitizers should be part of your medical first aid kits

• Use care to avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth

• Wipe down surfaces with sanitizers items which others are handling including tabletops, kids’ toys, and handrails

• Use of gloves and masks when handling food 

In the event anyone becomes ill the sick should be quarantined from the healthy individuals and one or two caregivers should be assigned the responsibility of meeting their needs, limiting their exposure to others.

Paul wrote, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19) This verse validates we have a responsibility to treat our body carefully, including avoiding illnesses after a disaster. 

Take the first step in becoming a Ready Christian who is praying, caring and sharing the Hope of Christ in any crisis.