After an emergency, it can be difficult to find running water. However, it is still important to wash your hands to avoid diseases. It is best to wash your hands with water and soap; but when there is no water available, alcohol based products can be used to wash your hands. Below you will find some tips to wash your hands with water and soap and alcohol based products.

When should you wash your hands?

1.    Before preparing or eating foods.
2.    After using the bathroom.
3.    After changing a child’s diaper or cleaning a child after using the bathroom.
4.    Before and after aiding a sick person.
5.    After handling uncooked food, especially red meats, poultry or raw fish.
6.    After wiping your nose, coughing or sneezing.
7.    After being in contact with animals or animal feces.
8.    After being in contact with garbage.
9.    Before and after treating a cut or wound.

Techniques for cleaning your hands with alcohol based products

If the hands are visibly dirty, you should wash them with water and soap, if available.

However, if there is no water and soap available, you can clean your hands with alcohol based products. When using a rub-in product, apply it on the palm of the hand and rub each hand so it covers every surface in the hands and fingers until both hands are dry.  Note that the amount necessary to reduce the number of bacteria in the hands varies according to the product.
Rub-in, alcohol based products of fast reaction and reduce the number of germs in the skin considerably.

Techniques for washing your hands with soap and water

Correct techniques for washing your hands with soap and water:

1.    Placing your hands under running water (hot water, if possible).
2.    Rub both hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds (with soap, if possible). Wash every surface thoroughly, without overlooking the wrists, palm and back of the hands, or fingers and area beneath the fingernails.
3.    Remove filth lodged under the fingernails.
4.    Rinse your hands to remove the soap.
5.    If possible, dry your hands with a clean towel (this helps to eliminate germs). However, if no towels are available, you can air dry your hands.
6.    Dry yourself by patting instead of rubbing to avoid cracking your skin.
7.    If you use a disposable towel, throw it away.