If you haven't already checked it out, have a listen at Off Grid Survival about the big snow storm that hit Ontario and Michigan. There's an interview there with one fellow who was stuck in his truck over 24 hours, all he had was a blanket, and he'd started his trip with only a quarter tank of gas in his truck.
I have two words for you: Car Kit. Brandon Junkin mentions in the interview that by midnight, he was unable to open his vehicle doors because the snow had drifted in so deep. My friends, he is one lucky hombre to be able to tell his story. But think how much better off he would have been with a survival mindset. One thing I will bet on: Brandon is probably going to put together a car kit, and he'll probably listen to weather warnings in the future.
The one item that Off Grid Survival's recommended car kit list doesn't mention is personal sanitation. If you can't open the vehicle doors, you can't step out for a potty break. And for the ladies, a bottle is not going to do it. For the car, when you can't step out, a plastic bed pan or a portable urinal may be just the ticket.
You may also want to consider some waterproof bed-pads if there are children with you.
This would also be useful if you have your dog with you. If it's not safe for you to step out, it certainly is not safe for Rover to do so either.
Finally, if you have your car kit in the trunk of your car, you may want to think about putting it in the back seat if you set out on a trip and the weather is iffy. Your kit won't be of any benefit if you can't get it out of the trunk because the snow is so high that you can't open the doors.
December 15, 2010: Looks like 327 people were rescued altogether. Reports indicate many were not dressed for the weather, and some were stranded for almost 24 hours. Check it out:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2010/12/15/traffic-now-moving-on-some-areas-of-highway-402/
Showing posts with label emergency sanitation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label emergency sanitation. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
More About Emergency Sanitation
Found a really good article on how to prepare for emergency sanitation over at Self-Reliance Central. One of the suggestions is to have a bucket with a toilet seat, bags and kitty litter. And if you already have a cat, it's no biggie to buy an extra bag every time you pick up some up. Whoever uses the kitty litter, it is disposed of in the same fashion.
Of course, if you live out in the country, it might be prudent to locate a spot where you can dig a discreet outhouse disguised as a garden shed. There are so many fake outhouses out there, no one will give it a second thought as long as you are stealthy about digging the hole and scattering the dirt around the garden.
For that matter, it occurs to me that until you actually need to use the hole for matters sanitary, it could very well serve as storage. Just a nebulous thought. The details I leave to your imagination.
Of course, if you live out in the country, it might be prudent to locate a spot where you can dig a discreet outhouse disguised as a garden shed. There are so many fake outhouses out there, no one will give it a second thought as long as you are stealthy about digging the hole and scattering the dirt around the garden.
For that matter, it occurs to me that until you actually need to use the hole for matters sanitary, it could very well serve as storage. Just a nebulous thought. The details I leave to your imagination.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Toilet Paper and Beyond
On the weekends, I'm able to spend more time reading all of the blogs and sites I follow, and ran into a very interesting article on toilet paper. I don't know about you, but the thought of being without TP is daunting. I always have a good stock on hand, but let's face it, who has room for a year's supply of toilet paper, let alone a month's supply. It takes up a lot of space. Survival News Online has an interesting article on the topic.
I have actually given it some thought and I believe that a supply of wash cloths from the dollar store would be a good thing to have on hand, assuming you have a good water supply to wash them out with.
There have been times in my life where an outhouse was the only place to go for that 20 minute read, and regular paper does work, once it's been "softened". There's a trick to working the paper so that it doesn't rip, but nevertheless still be able to do the job without causing an injury, if you know what I mean. You definitely need to practice this skill. The first step is to crumple the paper and unfold it several times. Then, using both hands, just start working it in circular motions. I do not recommend using paper in a regular toilet, as there is no real way to soften it sufficiently to allow it to flush cleanly.
For the short term emergency, a bucket and plastic bags, and some sort of disinfectant can work for emergency sanitation. For the longer term, a composting toilet seems like a good thing to have. Heck, as an environmentally friendly technology, it seems like a good thing to have.
I have actually given it some thought and I believe that a supply of wash cloths from the dollar store would be a good thing to have on hand, assuming you have a good water supply to wash them out with.
There have been times in my life where an outhouse was the only place to go for that 20 minute read, and regular paper does work, once it's been "softened". There's a trick to working the paper so that it doesn't rip, but nevertheless still be able to do the job without causing an injury, if you know what I mean. You definitely need to practice this skill. The first step is to crumple the paper and unfold it several times. Then, using both hands, just start working it in circular motions. I do not recommend using paper in a regular toilet, as there is no real way to soften it sufficiently to allow it to flush cleanly.
For the short term emergency, a bucket and plastic bags, and some sort of disinfectant can work for emergency sanitation. For the longer term, a composting toilet seems like a good thing to have. Heck, as an environmentally friendly technology, it seems like a good thing to have.
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