Some RI communities have limited access to running water or clean running water for hand hygiene.

Strategies to consider:

Increase the awareness of individuals and families in RI communities for alternative means for effective hand hygiene if they lack clean running water.

Where tap water is not immediately accessible, a closed water container with a spigot can be used to store water for handwashing.

• It is recommended that the container be cleaned prior to filling (no special disinfectants are required for cleaning the container - regular household or commercially available cleaning products are sufficient). The container should be dedicated to water used for hand washing (and not drinking).
• Hold hands under the spout of a water container, wetting, washing with soap and rinsing.
• A pail can be placed below the container to catch the flowing water.

When clean water is not available (e.g. during a boil water advisory or when water quality/source is unknown) consider boiling available water (e.g. boiling for one minute to a rolling boil and allow to completely cool).

• In this case, use two separate containers (e.g. container for holding water supply and bowl for washing one's hands).
• Moving hands around to mimic running water to wet, wash with soap and rinse (additional water may be required for rinsing).
• The container used for hand washing should be cleaned and dried after each use.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) containing at least 60% alcohol can be used for hand hygiene if soap and water is not available. However, if hands are visibly soiled, hand wipes should be used to remove any such soil or organic material; this should then be followed by the use of ABHS.