Disaster Body Bags: 18 Mil PVC vs Polyethylene for Mass Fatality Planning
A disaster pouch has to survive rough terrain, repeated handling, long storage and fluid-heavy cases. That is why most mass-fatality plans specify heavy supported PVC rather than light poly.
What makes a disaster bag
- 18 mil or heavier supported PVC vinyl
- Heat-sealed seams, leak proof
- A heavy #10 curved zipper
- Riveted handles with a stated rating per opposing pair
- Toe tags and a pouch for paperwork
The 2XL Disaster Bag, 8 Handles (54 × 108 in.) and the Child Disaster Bag, 4 Handles (36 × 60 in.) are both built this way.
Where polyethylene fits
Poly bags are lighter, cheaper and chlorine-free, which matters if cremation will follow. A leak-proof poly bag like the Diamond Chlorine-Free Bag, Oversize XL is a good second tier in a cache.
Stocking a cache
Plan by size and type, not just a total count. Include adult, XL, 2XL and child sizes, a few water recovery bags if there is water nearby, and chlorine-free stock for cremation. Bags store flat in cases of 5, so rotate them and check zippers every year. See the mass fatality response equipment guide for the storage side.
Shop the line
See every model, size and case price on the American Mortuary Equipment body bag page or in the body bags and disaster pouches collection.
More body bag guides: Body bag sizes: child, adult, XL and bariatric · Chlorine-free body bags and cremation · Water recovery body bags for dive and rescue teams · Envelope vs straight vs perimeter zippers · Body bag handles and lifting capacity
Funeral home PPE to order with body bags
Gown up before every removal and transfer. Our blue thumb loop isolation gowns and pink thumb loop isolation gowns are impervious polyethylene embalming gowns, 100 to an AME case from $97.02. Compare both on the isolation gown and embalming gown page, and add exam gloves by the case, extended-cuff gloves, disposable coveralls and DuPont Tychem. See the funeral home PPE guide, all mortuary PPE, or shop Funeral Source One and the funeral supply store for the rest of your order.
