Which ratio correctly states the required number of restrooms for an emergency shelter relative to residents?

• A. One restroom for every 25 residents and one sink for every 20 residents.
• B. One restroom for every 10 residents and one sink for every 10 residents.
• C. One restroom for every 20 residents and one sink for every 15 residents.
• D. One restroom for every 50 residents and one sink for every 30 residents.

Answer: (C)

Ensuring adequate sanitation resources in an emergency shelter is the key idea. The recommended setup—one restroom for every 20 residents and one sink for every 15 residents—provides enough toilet capacity to prevent long lines and run-of-the-mill delays while also supporting essential hygiene through frequent handwashing. Handwashing is crucial in crowded shelters to reduce the spread of illness, so sinks are provided at a higher ratio than toilets to meet daily hygiene needs.

Other options either underprovide or overprovide facilities. Too few restrooms can create bottlenecks and unsanitary conditions, while too many would waste limited resources. Similarly, having too few sinks would hinder handwashing, whereas having too many sinks isn’t efficient for shelter operations. The chosen ratios strike a practical balance between safety, comfort, and resource use.