Nobody saw THIS coming! Tens of thousands wake up in the 'Stone Age'!

In emergency situations, here's a simple way to handle hygiene:

Use a garbage bag in the toilet. Double bag it, then dispose of it in the trash. Wet wipes can be used to wash up.

If you're living outside or without access to proper facilities, a 5-gallon bucket with a pool noodle for a seat works well. Put dirt or cat litter at the bottom to absorb waste and keep a bucket and scoop handy to cover it with more dirt after use. For urination, just squat outside when possible. If it’s raining and you don’t have water, start collecting and saving as much rainwater as you can.

Fun Fact: Florida is the only state where the sewer system doesn’t rely on gravity; it’s entirely dependent on electricity. During Hurricane Ian, houses were hit with over 30 inches of rain in 24 hours. Twenty hours into the storm, the toilets stopped flushing because the pump station in my neighborhood flooded. In Florida, you’ll see these pump stations all over—they’re fiberglass cubes about 4x4x4 feet in size.

A lack of showers and toilets can cause real stress, especially for those used to conveniences like 20-minute showers. Without functioning toilets, mental breakdowns can occur. But stay calm and be prepared. Better days are ahead.