This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com
Close to a year ago, while we were focused on building our home preparedness items, I wrote about toilet paper substitutes in this post. These days we are focusing on “bug out” supplies.
Houston residents still talk about their nightmare trips right before Hurricane Rita, when people were trying to leave the city all at once. Thousands of people were stuck in traffic for hours, as freeways turned into parking lots. Drivers just abandoned their cars by the side of the road.
What if you had to leave town in a hurry, in the middle of the night, and could not stop for a long time? Or, what if you are stuck in traffic and someone in the car has to make #1? Having gone on road trips with kids, someone will invariably need to go to the bathroom or throw up. That is easily done when rest stops, restaurants or gas station bathrooms are safe and functional. But in an extreme emergency, they may not be available.
Is holding your pee in an option?
The answer is an emphatic “NO!” Maybe once or twice on a road trip if fine, but not to the point of discomfort or pain. Keeping your bladder full for a long period of time can permanently damage it. You’ll also have an increased risk for urinary tract infection, which only makes your situation worse especially your are in the midst of a disaster.
Some ideas for dealing with liquid waste while bugging out
- If it is possible, you can find a safe and well-secluded area by the side of the road where you can do can go. Women would have to be extra careful while squatting to avoid getting splashed or stung by pests.
- Men can use a bottle.
- For women, the Go Girl or a similar portable funnel device plus a container would work. Great care must be taken to avoid spilling. On the plus side, one of these would come in handy anytime you need to use a public restroom or porta potty and don’t wish to sit on the toilet seat.
- A friend suggested Depend incontinence underwear, but I don’t think I can bring myself to try this.
- Another option is the Travel John disposable urinal online. A lot of campers swear by this product for disposing of liquid waste while outdoors or on long trips. I will conduct a test and post the results next time.
© Apartment Prepper 2017
to be honest…if all else fails, i would as the say ..just hang it out & go….
Also remember that it could be dangerous to get out of the vehicle to go. Especially if you are female and/or alone. During combat we always went in pairs, one standing guard while the other went. A cut off jug or bottle with the cap secured can be used, then just pour out the door or window. We always used a cutoff milk jug in the boat.
JAS, Yes, it can be dangerous to go outside the vehicle in a SHTF bug out situation. Thanks for the comment!