help-web.org

Open-source, low-tech knowledge base for communities in crisis. Simple technologies to improve life, hygiene, and autonomy.

Project Status: MVP / Alpha Testing. We are building a lightweight, text-first repository of vital instructions that can be downloaded and shared offline. This page is currently gathering initial traffic statistics to validate global demand.

Module 1: WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)

1. Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS)

Target: Water Purification | Cost: $0

An institutional, WHO-approved method to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites using just sunlight and plastic bottles.

  1. Find clean, transparent PET plastic bottles (under 2 liters).
  2. Fill the bottle with contaminated water and shake for 20 seconds to oxygenate.
  3. Place the bottle horizontally on a dark surface (like a tin roof) under direct sunlight.
  4. Time required: Leave for 6 hours (or 2 full days if the sky is cloudy). The UV-A radiation and heat will make the water safe to drink.

2. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

Target: Emergency Medicine | Cost: <$0.10

A simple formula to prevent fatal dehydration caused by severe diarrhea and waterborne diseases.

  • Clean Water: 1 Liter (boiled or treated via SODIS).
  • Sugar: 6 level teaspoons (pure white sugar acts as a carrier for hydration).
  • Salt: 0.5 level teaspoon (replenishes vital electrolytes).
  • Preparation: Mix until completely dissolved. Give to the patient in small, frequent sips. Do not store the mixture for more than 24 hours.

Module 2: Off-Grid Energy & Power

1. DIY Emergency Power Bank

Target: Autonomy & Communication | Cost: Low

How to harvest cells from discarded electronics to keep communication devices alive when the grid fails.

  1. Salvage old 18650 lithium-ion cells (commonly found in dead laptop batteries or discarded e-cigarettes).
  2. Check for structural damage. Cells must not be dented or leaking.
  3. Connect them parallelly using a cheap, widely available 5V USB step-down/boost module (TP4056 or similar).
  4. Use this block to safely recharge smartphones or low-power LED emergency lights.

2. The "Tippy Tap" Handwashing Station

Target: Hygiene / Zero-Contact | Cost: $0

A hands-free washing station made from trash, critical for preventing the spread of pathogens without running water.

  1. Take a empty 5-liter plastic jerrycan or bottle.
  2. Make a small hole near the cap and insert a hollow pen casing or tube as a spout.
  3. Hang the container from a wooden tripod by its handle.
  4. Tie a string from the neck of the bottle down to a stick on the ground (the foot pedal).
  5. Stepping on the pedal tilts the container, releasing water without touching it with dirty hands.

Future Roadmap