Why is this important?
Hand sanitizer is a crucial item for maintaining hygiene in an emergency, especially when soap and clean water are not readily available. Its primary purpose is to quickly and effectively kill germs on your hands, helping to prevent the spread of infections. During a disaster, you may need to clean your hands frequently—before eating, after using the toilet, or after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces—and you can't always spare your precious drinking water for washing.
When choosing a hand sanitizer for your kit, make sure it has an alcohol concentration of at least 60%, as recommended by the CDC for effectiveness. Gel-based sanitizers are often more convenient than sprays. Pack a travel-sized bottle that can be easily carried in a pocket or backpack, as well as a larger bottle for your main family kit. While hand sanitizer is incredibly useful, it's important to remember that it is not a perfect substitute for washing with Soap and water, which is more effective at removing visible dirt and certain types of germs. Hand sanitizer should be seen as a key part of your hygiene system, used when washing is not an option.
The ability to quickly disinfect your hands is a powerful tool for disease prevention. In a shelter environment or any situation where sanitation is a challenge, illnesses can spread rapidly. By using hand sanitizer regularly, you are taking a simple, proactive step to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. This allows you to stay healthier and more resilient, which is critical when facing the challenges of a disaster.
When choosing a hand sanitizer for your kit, make sure it has an alcohol concentration of at least 60%, as recommended by the CDC for effectiveness. Gel-based sanitizers are often more convenient than sprays. Pack a travel-sized bottle that can be easily carried in a pocket or backpack, as well as a larger bottle for your main family kit. While hand sanitizer is incredibly useful, it's important to remember that it is not a perfect substitute for washing with Soap and water, which is more effective at removing visible dirt and certain types of germs. Hand sanitizer should be seen as a key part of your hygiene system, used when washing is not an option.
The ability to quickly disinfect your hands is a powerful tool for disease prevention. In a shelter environment or any situation where sanitation is a challenge, illnesses can spread rapidly. By using hand sanitizer regularly, you are taking a simple, proactive step to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. This allows you to stay healthier and more resilient, which is critical when facing the challenges of a disaster.
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Official Recommendations
This item's inclusion in official emergency kit checklists.