By Jen Astion, Red Cross volunteer

Perhaps you are saying to yourself, how did I not know about World Toilet Day? Well take a seat, and let me introduce you to a holiday that the United Nations observes on November 19. World Toilet Day was founded in 2001 to raise global awareness of the importance of sanitation.

Here are answers to your most urgent questions:
Are there memes about World Toilet Day I can use on social media? Of course. Many memes.

Is there a point to this story? Yes. According to the United Nations, “World Toilet Day celebrates toilets and raises awareness of the 4.2 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation. Everyone must have sustainable sanitation, alongside clean water and hand washing facilities, to help protect and maintain our health security and stop the spread of deadly infectious diseases such as COVID-19, cholera, and typhoid.”

How should I celebrate World Toilet Day? In Washington state, most folks have access to toilets but we live with the possibility of earthquakes that can shut down our water and sewage systems. You can celebrate this holiday by collecting supplies to create a portable toilet for your home in case you ever need one. King County has supplied instructions and guidelines for making an emergency toilet.

Video: Local Red Cross preparedness expert explains how to create an emergency toilet

Haven’t we talked enough about toilet paper in 2020? Apparently not.

Isn’t November 19 also World Men’s Day? Yes. Please insert your own joke here.
In all seriousness, earthquake preparedness is essential in the Pacific Northwest. For more information on being prepared for emergencies visit the Red Cross website.