CERT training update

What do they say? Change is the only constant, and this one has changed fast. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Salem Community Emergency Response Team training series that was scheduled to begin on April 9 has been postponed.

I know many of you were looking forward to diving into that training. I had several people reach out to me in the first few days after my last column was printed, and I share that disappointment. If there is one thing we learn in emergency management, however, it’s how to pivot when the unexpected happens. The need for a resilient Salem hasn’t changed, and we are already working hard to get a new class scheduled.

If you have already reached out, I’ve got your contact info and you’re already on the waiting list for the next class. You can also be sure I will keep you informed through this column when the new dates are set. In the meantime, if you want to be added to the waiting list, please reach out to me at [email protected].

The waste and hygiene plan

While our training class may be on a brief hiatus, our “2 Weeks Ready” journey continues. This month, we tackle the topic no one wants to talk about, but everyone needs to plan for: sanitation.

We’ve spent the last few months talking about stocking the pantry and securing our water. Now, we have to talk about the other side of that coin. In a major event like a Cascadia earthquake, the normality of “flush and forget” may disappear. If sewer lines are compromised, using your indoor toilet can lead to a messy, and dangerous, situation in your home.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management “2 Weeks Ready” program emphasizes that sanitation is a medical necessity. When the grid goes down, our goal is to maintain dignity and, more importantly, prevent the spread of illness. This is where the “two-bucket system” comes in.

The “two-bucket system”

It is exactly what it sounds like: one five-gallon bucket is for liquid waste (urine), and the other is for solid waste (feces). Why two? Because when they mix, they create a much larger volume of hazardous waste that is harder to treat and smells significantly worse. By keeping them separate, you can dilute the liquid waste and dispose of it in a designated area, while the solid waste can be bagged, treated with carbon (like kitty litter or sawdust), and sealed. It sounds gritty because it is, but having the supplies ready now means you aren’t scrambling to figure it out in the dark.

Pro-tip: the secret of odor control

You might be wondering: ‘Even if I keep these separate, how do I deal with the smell?’ The key to a successful two-bucket system is using a cover material. For your solid waste bucket, you want to apply a thin layer of carbon-based material after each use.

This isn’t just for aesthetics; it helps dehydrate the waste and significantly cuts down on odors. You don’t need to buy anything expensive, dry sawdust, peat moss, or even shredded newspaper works wonders. If you have a cat, a bag of dedicated kitty litter is a gold medalist here. Storing a small bag of these materials alongside your buckets is the ‘pro move’ that makes a difficult situation much more manageable.

While the solid waste bucket gets most of the attention, your liquid waste bucket needs your attention too. Urine is mostly water, so it doesn’t require carbon cover material, but it does require a tight-sealing lid. If you have extra water that isn’t suitable for drinking (like greywater from a bathtub or hot water heater), you can use it to dilute the liquid bucket. This helps keep the smell down. When it comes time to empty it, the liquid can be disposed of in a dug-in ‘cat hole’ or trench in a secondary location at least 200 feet away from your shelters and any water sources. Just remember: the secret to the whole system is keeping that lid snapped shut whenever the bucket isn’t in use.

Also, don’t forget the bags! Heavy-duty 13-gallon trash bags are the standard for lining your solid waste bucket. Double bagging isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a safety protocol to prevent leaks and make final disposal much easier once community collection resumes.

The “2 Weeks Ready” roadmap: May edition

Our goals for the next four weeks shift from the pantry to the “cleanliness kit.”

Week 17: Back to basics (soap): It seems simple, but soap is your first line of defense against infection. This week, ensure you have an ample supply of bar or liquid soap.

• Pro-tip: You don’t need fancy brands. Dollar store multipacks or even those small soaps you’ve saved from hotel stays are perfect for your emergency kit.

Week 18: The disinfectant (plain bleach): Plain, unscented liquid bleach is a survival powerhouse. It’s used for heavy-duty cleaning and surface disinfection. In an absolute emergency, it can also be used to make water safe to drink (8 drops, or about 1/8 teaspoon per gallon of clear water; let it sit for 30 minutes).

• Pro-tip: Bleach has a shelf life; it begins to lose its potency about six months after being opened. Even unopened bottles should be rotated annually to ensure they are effective when you need them.

Week 19: Staying informed (portable radio): Information is just as vital as food. If the power and cell towers are down, a battery-powered AM/FM radio will be your primary link to the outside world.

• Pro-tip: A NOAA weather radio is even better, as it provides dedicated emergency broadcasts. Don’t forget to store a fresh pack of the specific batteries your radio requires.

Week 20: Waterless hygiene (sanitizer and wipes): When your water supply is strictly for drinking, you don’t want to waste it on washing your hands or face. This week, stock up on waterless hand sanitizer and disposable wipes (hand wipes and feminine wipes).

• Pro-tip: These are excellent for maintaining hygiene and boosting morale when a full shower isn’t an option.

Coming up in June

Next month, we shift our focus to Unit 6: The shelter plan. In a major disaster, your home may remain standing but become uncomfortable, or even unsafe, to live in. We’ll discuss the difference between “sheltering in place” and needing to move to an outdoor or temporary shelter. Our roadmap will take us to the hardware and camping aisles as we secure emergency lighting, heavy-duty plastic sheeting, and the essential tools like duct tape and wrenches that turn a house into a secure fortress.

Salem Reporter publishes a regular column from Mark Wardell, West Salem team leader for Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, focusing on emergency preparedness and planning.

If you have any questions about this article, preparedness in general, or if you’d like to inquire about joining CERT or scheduling a CERT presentation for your organization, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Mark Wardell, at [email protected].

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