One contingency that is important to plan for in your emergency kit is your family’s sanitation needs. I have seen several emergency lists that contain toilet paper, but no plans beyond that. You will need to take into account the different situations that you may be in and plan accordingly. After most emergencies your plumbing should still be working, though you may need to store water to flush the commode. There are times when the plumbing may not be working, such as after an earthquake, or you may be roughing it with your family. It is important to take the time to prepare now so that you may properly dispose of your waste.
One item to consider purchasing is a portable toilet. These are buckets, which can be carried from place to place. These items usually come with chemicals that combat the smell. You may want to consider purchasing biohazard bags to line the toilet with, because it will make disposal easier. If the idea of a portable toilet does not appeal to you, you should at least make a plan for other contingencies, such as a shovel, so if absolutely necessary you can take care of waste disposal yourself.
Another item that you may want to consider is showering and bathing. You may want to include hand-sanitizing solution to keep your hands clean. Sponge bathing uses less water than showers or baths, and you may want to include the items needed for these. If you don’t feel that water will be an issue, you may want to purchase a portable shower bag, which will give you the opportunity to clean up after an emergency.
If you are on well water at home, you should find out if you have an electric pump. This will affect how you plan for your sanitation needs during a power outage. These items are not pleasant ones to think about, but they are even more unpleasant if you haven’t dealt with them before they occur.