Frequently more hazardous than the disaster itself (earth shaking, storms blowing) are the disgusting circumstances that follow the occasion. A hazardous environment that can result in illness and even death can be created by the combination of contaminated drinking and bathing water, insufficient toilet facilities, and the absence of sterilizing agents and cleaning supplies. However, following a disaster, when toilets, showers, and sinks may not function and emergency assistance may not be available, a small collection of supplies for sanitation and hygiene can assist you and your family in remaining clean and healthy. Hygiene kits are the primary line of defense against the spread of ailment and can assist with preventing the spread of infection.

Keeping clean is an important part of staying healthy, but it's often hard for families who have fled their homes because of disaster or war to pay for the supplies they need. In order to encourage children to develop healthy habits, hygiene kits are also distributed through schools or orphanages.