How to Handle #2 During a Hurricane: The Messy Truth About Toilets and Storms
💩 “A Muddy Situation: What to Do When You Can’t Flush During a Hurricane”
Because Mother Nature doesn’t care when nature calls.
When it comes to hurricane prep, everyone talks about water, food, flashlights, and sandbags—but no one wants to talk about poop. We get it. It’s gross, it’s uncomfortable, and honestly, it’s easier to pretend it’s not a thing. But when you're riding out a major storm and your plumbing is at risk of backing up, trust us—you’re gonna wish you thought ahead.
Why Flushing During a Hurricane Can Be a Disaster
Whether you’re on city sewer or a septic tank, hurricanes can wreak havoc on wastewater systems. Here's why:
For Sewer Systems: Heavy rain can overwhelm municipal systems, causing them to backflow. That means if you flush, you might be inviting raw sewage back into your house through toilets, showers, and sinks.
For Septic Tanks: When the ground becomes saturated with stormwater, your tank and drain field may not be able to process wastewater properly. Flushing during this time can overfill the system and result in—you guessed it—sewage backing up into your home.
It’s not just a gross inconvenience—it’s a biohazard, and it could leave you with thousands in cleanup costs that many insurance policies won’t fully cover (or won’t cover at all if caused by a named storm).
Our Family’s Emergency #2 Setup
Let’s be real: #1 is simple. Pee, close the lid, don’t flush. Yes, it stinks—but grin and bear it.
#2, on the other hand, is a little more... delicate.
We’ve been through enough hurricanes to have a system. And with kids in the house—who go on their schedule, not the storm’s—you need a plan that works. Here’s ours:
Camco Toilet Waste Bags
A must-have for power outages, car kits, or hurricane shelters. Safe, sanitary, and surprisingly handy.
Supplies We Swear By:
5-Gallon Bucket (aka the emergency throne)
TRIPTIPS Bucket Toilet Seat – Fits right on the bucket, making it way more comfortable.
Biodegradable, Double-Sealed Toilet Bags – These contain waste and odor, and are easy to dispose of later.
You’re probably wondering: how do you dispose of this after the storm?
Good question!
Check With Local Sanitation Services – Most municipalities can handle this type of waste if it's properly sealed. Make sure to use the bags as directed, and store them somewhere safe until collection resumes.
Flush After the Storm – If the bags are flushable and your plumbing is intact post-storm, this is an option. But always be cautious—your system may still be overwhelmed even after the skies clear.
Our Upgrade: The Composting Toilet
Recently, we added a an additional composting toilet to our RV setup. It’s more comfortable, odor-free, and ideal for longer-term situations. While we hope we never need to use it during a hurricane, it gives us peace of mind that we’re covered (literally and figuratively).
Don’t Forget the Essentials
No matter which method you go with, stock up on:
Dude Wipes
Stay fresh when it counts. Great for hurricane kits, camping, or just feeling human again post-storm.
Toilet paper
Biodegradable or flushable wet wipes
Clorox wipes and disinfectant spray
Soap and hand sanitizer
Disposable gloves
And remember, water is a precious resource during a hurricane, especially if you get flooding or lose access to clean tap water.
We recommend:
Filling bathtubs and waterproof containers with water for hygiene use
Using pool water for non-drinking needs like washing hands or flushing (if your system allows post-storm)
⚠️ Know Your Insurance Policy—Really Know It
Here’s a hard truth: Insurance companies are not in the business of handing out checks—they're in the business of minimizing risk and loss. After a named storm, many policyholders find that claims are reduced, delayed, or denied due to fine-print clauses or overlooked exclusions.
Tips:
Read your policy thoroughly
Understand if sewage backups are covered (often they’re not, unless you pay extra)
Store a copy in the cloud AND a printed copy in a waterproof container
Keep emergency contact numbers on hand
And if you hit a wall on your claim? You’re not alone. Consider speaking with a lawyer who specializes in property or disaster-related insurance claims.
Final Thoughts
Going #2 might be the last thing you want to think about while bracing for a hurricane—but it’s one of the most critical. Trust us, it’s better to deal with a 5-gallon bucket than raw sewage flooding your floors.
Prep smart, stay safe, and may your toilet alternatives be temporary.
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
