How many sanitary products do you need for disaster preparedness? Here are three tips and guidelines for stockpiling
"I want to stock up on sanitary products for disaster preparedness, but how much do I need?"
"What if I run out of napkins and tampons in the event of a disaster?"
It is a must for women to keep sanitary products in their disaster preparedness kit.
However, if you prepare too much because you are worried, it will tend to be bulky and your backpack will end up full.
In fact, there are some tricks to stocking up on sanitary products for disaster preparedness, and there are ways to keep the sanitary products you have on hand so they don't take up too much space.
By reading this article to the end, you will be able to prepare disaster preparedness sanitary products that suit you and reduce your anxiety in the event of a disaster.
Make sure you have the right amount of sanitary products so you can deal with the situation calmly when it comes to emergency situations.
Table of ContentsHow many sanitary products should you put in your disaster preparedness backpack?
Three points to keep in mind when stockpiling sanitary products for disaster preparedness
Items you should have on hand for disaster preparedness other than sanitary products
Daily preparations for menstruation
Frequently asked questions about disaster preparedness sanitary products
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How many sanitary products should you put in your disaster preparedness backpack?
The amount of sanitary products you should keep in your disaster preparedness backpack is enough for at least one cycle .
Consider the amount of sanitary products you need each day and prepare them according to the following guidelines.
| Sanitary products | Daily usage | Total for menstrual period (assuming 1 week) |
| napkin | 5 to 6 sheets | 35 to 42 sheets |
| tampon | 3 to 4 | 21 to 28 |
During a disaster, the use of toilets and water may be restricted.
It's a good idea to prepare not only disposable napkins, but also long-lasting menstrual cups and reusable absorbent shorts.
How to store sanitary products without taking up too much space
Since disaster preparedness backpacks have limited space, you need to be creative in storing your sanitary products as compactly as possible.
Make sure you know the correct way to store your essentials so they don't take up too much space.
Use compression bags
Napkins can be stored compactly by using compression bags.
Using compression bags has the following advantages:
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Reduces the volume of napkins
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Prevents moisture and dirt
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Prevents things from getting scattered in your bag
This is a convenient way to store it without taking up too much space in a disaster preparedness backpack and keep it from getting mixed up with other disaster preparedness items.
Pack tampons and menstrual cups
If you normally use pads, consider using tampons or a menstrual cup in combination.
Tampons and menstrual cups can be used for a long time, from 8 to 12 hours , so you will need fewer of them, which will save space in your disaster preparedness backpack.
Menstrual cups in particular can be washed and reused, making them useful when you are forced to stay at home or evacuate for an extended period of time.
However, since menstrual cups alone cannot be washed during a water outage, it is recommended that you prepare one along with disposable pads or tampons.
Also worth reading: What is a menstrual cup? Explaining its structure, how to use it, and frequently asked questions
Three points to keep in mind when stockpiling sanitary products for disaster preparedness
When stockpiling sanitary products, it will be safer to keep the following three points in mind.
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Prepare large napkins
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Pay attention to the expiration date of sanitary products
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Store in a sealed bag
Keep these key points in mind so you can use sanitary products with confidence when the time comes.
1. Use larger napkins
Use of toilets is often restricted in evacuation shelters, so you may not be able to change your sanitary napkins frequently. Therefore, it is a good idea to prepare sanitary napkins that are one size larger than usual .
For example, while regular daytime pads need to be changed every 2-3 hours, nighttime pads can be used for 4-6 hours, meaning you need to change them less often. Also, choosing pads with high absorbency reduces the risk of leaks and reduces the risk of staining your clothes.
It is expected that you may not be able to change clothes freely at the evacuation shelter, so be sure to prepare large, highly absorbent napkins for any situation.
2. Regularly replace your stockpile of sanitary products
When stockpiling sanitary products, be sure to replace old ones regularly.
There is no strict expiration date, but it is recommended that you use up unopened pads within about three years and tampons within about five years .
In particular, storing napkins in a hot and humid environment can lead to a loss of adhesiveness and absorbency.
Additionally, although the specific storage method is unknown, there have been cases where mold grew when the product was stored in a workplace toilet.
If stored correctly, there are very few problems with sanitary products.
It is important to regularly replace sanitary products stockpiled as disaster preparedness supplies and maintain them in a condition that allows for safe use in the event of an emergency.
3. Store in an airtight bag
If you are stockpiling sanitary products for disaster preparedness, it is recommended that you store them in airtight bags.
By storing them in an airtight bag, the effects of moisture and dust are reduced, making it easier to maintain the quality of sanitary products .
Also, storing them in an airtight bag will protect your sanitary products in the event of flooding or bad weather.
Products that are sealed and can be stored for a long time are also sold, so it's a good idea to prepare them in case of an emergency.
Items you should have on hand for disaster preparedness other than sanitary products
By stocking up on items that will be useful in the event of a disaster along with sanitary products, you may be able to reduce stress while living in an evacuation shelter.
Be fully prepared so that you can take appropriate measures even in situations where water and toilets are limited.
Plastic bottle cap with a hole in it
A plastic bottle cap with about six holes drilled in it with a drill bit can be useful in an emergency.
For example, by attaching it to a provided water bottle, it can become a simple cleaning bottle, allowing you to keep your intimate areas clean even in environments where water is limited. [1]
Also, lightly rinsing your sanitary napkin when changing it will reduce discomfort and make it easier to maintain hygiene.
Maintaining good hygiene during your period is important for maintaining your health, so it's a good idea to prepare some in your disaster preparedness backpack in advance.
Plastic bags that make it difficult to see the contents
It's a good idea to prepare opaque plastic bags to dispose of your sanitary waste.
It is not uncommon for shelters or people living outdoors to not have sanitary boxes.
Throwing away used sanitary products is a concern from a hygiene perspective, and can also be a mental burden, as people may feel uncomfortable if someone sees them.
Using opaque plastic bags can reduce the psychological burden, and if you use deodorizing or odor-resistant bags, you will have less to worry about the smell spreading.
Sanitary shorts
When preparing for a disaster, be sure to prepare not only regular shorts but also sanitary shorts.
Unlike regular shorts, these are designed to fit snugly to prevent the pad from slipping.
It reduces the risk of menstrual blood leaking and staining your clothes, making it a safe choice even during disasters when you can't change clothes frequently .
In the event of a disaster, it is rare for sanitary shorts to be provided. It is a good idea to prepare a pair that fits snugly and is black so that stains are not easily noticeable.
Panty liners
Panty liners are useful not only during menstruation, but also when you can't change your underwear.
Simply changing the sheet will keep your delicate areas clean, and it is thin and not bulky, so be sure to keep it on hand as an item to improve your comfort during evacuation.
Wet wipes for delicate areas
Even in environments where water is unavailable, it is a good idea to have wet wipes on hand to keep your delicate areas clean. In particular, we recommend wet wipes specifically designed for delicate areas to avoid excessive strain on the skin.
During a disaster, opportunities to use the toilet or take a bath will be limited, so you will need items that can be easily wiped to prevent discomfort and itching in sensitive areas.
painkillers
It is a good idea to prepare painkillers in case you experience menstrual cramps during a disaster.
When living in evacuation shelters , access to medical facilities is limited and painkillers may not be readily available .
Even for those who do not normally experience menstrual cramps, the stress of long journeys, sleeping on hard floors, and an unfamiliar environment at evacuation shelters can make changes in your physical condition unpredictable.
Therefore, keep some painkillers you are familiar with in your emergency preparedness pouch.
Daily preparations for menstruation
Disasters don't always happen when you're at home.
It's important to prepare for your period on a daily basis so that you can respond calmly in the event of a sudden disaster.
Always carry sanitary products with you
Make it a habit to carry sanitary products with you even on days when you are not on your period.
It is impossible to predict when a disaster will occur, and there is a possibility that you may be affected by a disaster while you are out and about.
If a large-scale disaster suddenly occurs and it becomes difficult to return home, it will not be easy to retrieve your disaster preparedness bag.
If you carry sanitary products with you at all times, you can respond immediately even if your period comes suddenly, and you can spend your time worrying less about your period.
To prepare for the unexpected, always carry sanitary products with you so that you can act calmly in an emergency.
Try out different sanitary products than usual
In preparation for a disaster, it's important to try out different menstrual products than usual, such as tampons, menstrual cups, and absorbent panties.
It is not guaranteed that the sanitary products you normally use will arrive in the disaster-stricken areas.
Being familiar with a variety of menstrual products will give you more options and make it easier to be flexible.
For example, menstrual cups are useful in emergencies because they can be used for long periods of time, but they require some getting used to when inserting and removing them the first time you use one.
If you practice beforehand, you will be able to use it smoothly in the event of a disaster.
Try out a variety of sanitary products beforehand so you can choose flexibly even with your limited items.
Also worth reading: Where to buy a menstrual cup? Explaining how to prepare for your first use
Frequently asked questions about disaster preparedness sanitary products
We answer frequently asked questions about emergency sanitary products.
If you know the solution, you will be able to deal with the situation without panicking when it happens.
Are there any substitutes for sanitary products in the event of a disaster?
If you cannot obtain sanitary products during a disaster, you can use a handkerchief or hand towel instead .
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[How to make a simple napkin]
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However, handkerchiefs are not originally designed as sanitary products, so they must be changed frequently to prevent problems.
Please use it only as a substitute until your sanitary products arrive.
I've heard that a rolling stock of disaster supplies is a good idea. What is a rolling stock?
Rolling stock is a method of always having a certain amount of supplies in stock by buying more of the things you use regularly and using older items to replenish them as you go . [2]
Although sanitary products don't spoil like food, they can still go bad if not stored properly.
By adopting a rolling stock system, you can prevent situations where you have stored items for many years in preparation for a disaster, only to find that they have deteriorated when you try to use them.
By purchasing a little more than usual and stockpiling as you go, you will be able to use sanitary products with peace of mind even in the event of a disaster.
summary
It's a good idea to prepare at least one cycle's worth of sanitary products for emergencies.
However, since the capacity of a disaster preparedness backpack is limited, it is recommended to store supplies compactly by using compression bags or combining them with tampons and menstrual cups.
In addition, by managing expiration dates and keeping a rolling stock, you can avoid the risk of using deteriorated sanitary products when the time comes.
By stockpiling the right supplies and being creative, you can reduce anxiety in the event of a disaster and create an environment where you can deal with the situation calmly.
