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:

✅ Supplies We Swear By:

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through our links.

• 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:

• 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 your friends. They’re businesses, and many will look for any excuse to reduce, delay, or deny your claim—especially after a named storm.

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 do file a claim and get nowhere? Don’t go it alone. Find a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims. Yes, they’re expensive. But sometimes, they’re your only shot at getting what you’re owed.

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.