Good Morning S2k, Let's get through this

[Eye10TX]

I'm staying, too, in SW Houston--Meyerland. Still vascillating between scared to death and Zenlike calm (not quite like Ray Nagin's Zen, but my own).

Not finished with all my last-minute preps, as far as taping windows that leak and barricading front picture window with a mattress. Thought I'd save that for last, lol. Might need a nap or two between now and then! I keep wearing myself out.

Darn bathtub plug failed me again (3rd test), even with the new rubber plug siliconed in place, with plenty of time to cure. I swear the water went down FASTER this time!

Ah well, I have plenty of containers to fill.

~~~~~~
VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION - the answer will help my calmness!

When the water is turned off and the toilet needs flushing (because of being used--sorry!), where do you pour the water that's needed for flushing?

In the tank or in the bowl?

How much do you pour in?

What is the exact procedure, sequence of events for this to work, on an ongoing basis (not just one-time flushing)?

TIA!!!!

[angelwing]

Will keep all the folks down there in prayer. Philly is with you,

Mary

[caribepr]

Ah well, I have plenty of containers to fill.

~~~~~~
VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION - the answer will help my calmness!

When the water is turned off and the toilet needs flushing (because of being used--sorry!), where do you pour the water that's needed for flushing?

In the tank or in the bowl?

How much do you pour in?

What is the exact procedure, sequence of events for this to work, on an ongoing basis (not just one-time flushing)?

TIA!!!!

In the bowl (don't be sorry, everyone does it!) You pour in enough to clean it out, it doesn't take much. HOWEVER...just a suggestion, and if you feel rude expressing the need to *use the toilet* you might not like this, but you will use less water, much less, if you just use a bucket with a small amount of water in it (and a little bleach, not much, the fumes can burn your butt; it helps with smell and cleanliness) for your needs. You can either empty it outside somewhere until you can no longer go outside or use another container with a lid (like a diaper pail? Trash can?) until you have water again. I know it may sound gross, but you'll use MUCH less water and achieve the same purpose. (if you do this, have a few grocery bags, the plastic sort, to put your TP in - it can all be bagged up later and tossed. Eliminating TP in a regular toilet with no water is where you can get plugged up)

[PhillyWX]

Just woke up. I live in Southeast Houston and I will be posting conditions until We lose Power. Others in the strike area feel freel to check in.

Good luck and god speed to all Houstonians who are staying...

[Eye10TX]

In the bowl (don't be sorry, everyone does it!) You pour in enough to clean it out, it doesn't take much. HOWEVER...just a suggestion, and if you feel rude expressing the need to *use the toilet* you might not like this, but you will use less water, much less, if you just use a bucket with a small amount of water in it for your needs. You can either empty it outside somewhere until you can no longer go outside or use another container with a lid (like a diaper pail? Trash can?) until you have water again. I know it may sound gross, but you'll use MUCH less water and achieve the same purpose. (if you do this, have a few grocery bags, the plastic sort, to put your TP in - it can all be bagged up later and tossed. Eliminating TP in a regular toilet with no water is where you can get plugged up)

Thank you. I assume that after a few normal flushings, but with water turned off, the tank will have been emptied, since it couldn't refill with the water supply off, right?

So, you do this water pouring thing *as if* you are the tank, right? And just pretend there is no tank after that, right?

I don't have the other option, actually, nothing appropriate on-hand here to use. Thanks again!

[jlauderdal]

In the bowl (don't be sorry, everyone does it!) You pour in enough to clean it out, it doesn't take much. HOWEVER...just a suggestion, and if you feel rude expressing the need to *use the toilet* you might not like this, but you will use less water, much less, if you just use a bucket with a small amount of water in it for your needs. You can either empty it outside somewhere until you can no longer go outside or use another container with a lid (like a diaper pail? Trash can?) until you have water again. I know it may sound gross, but you'll use MUCH less water and achieve the same purpose. (if you do this, have a few grocery bags, the plastic sort, to put your TP in - it can all be bagged up later and tossed. Eliminating TP in a regular toilet with no water is where you can get plugged up)

Thank you. I assume that after a few normal flushings, but with water turned off, the tank will have been emptied, since it couldn't refill with the water supply off, right?

So, you do this water pouring thing *as if* you are the tank, right? And just pretend there is no tank after that, right?

I don't have the other option, actually, nothing appropriate on-hand here to use. Thanks again!

fill your bathtub with water and use this to fill the toilet with water for number two. Number 1 find a corner of the yard and go there and in a few weeks watch how much faster the grass grows. Seriousely if they turned the water off and you decided to stay you are going to have to rough it for awhile. Good Luck. Alos have all your flashlights, radiso etc in one place so when the power goes out you know where it all is. During frances, katrina and rita i kept a small flashlight in my pocket. Good Luck.

[caribepr]

In the bowl (don't be sorry, everyone does it!) You pour in enough to clean it out, it doesn't take much. HOWEVER...just a suggestion, and if you feel rude expressing the need to *use the toilet* you might not like this, but you will use less water, much less, if you just use a bucket with a small amount of water in it for your needs. You can either empty it outside somewhere until you can no longer go outside or use another container with a lid (like a diaper pail? Trash can?) until you have water again. I know it may sound gross, but you'll use MUCH less water and achieve the same purpose. (if you do this, have a few grocery bags, the plastic sort, to put your TP in - it can all be bagged up later and tossed. Eliminating TP in a regular toilet with no water is where you can get plugged up)

Thank you. I assume that after a few normal flushings, but with water turned off, the tank will have been emptied, since it couldn't refill with the water supply off, right?

So, you do this water pouring thing *as if* you are the tank, right? And just pretend there is no tank after that, right?

I don't have the other option, actually, nothing appropriate on-hand here to use. Thanks again!

Yep - you are the tank. I would still put the TP in a bag though, as the pouring in of water will not give you the same pressure as water going through the system. Anyone with better ideas on this, chime in.

[bvigal]

Use your 33gallon outside trash cans to store water for toilet. If no room in bathroom, set them directly in the tub.

I usually clean out one plastic trash can really good with soap and bleach, then fill and put on the lid. This water becomes good for bathing and cooking, just not drinking.

[bvigal]

Another item which has proved useful... when shut up inside with no fresh air, electricity, and gas turned off, and I don't want to burn propane due to fumes.

I made a little bunson burner with small coffee can and 4" diameter candle, which fits perfectly inside. To adjust the distance of flame from what I'm heating, I cut out the bottom of the can and can then put something under candle to push it higher. I just set it on the stove, then I don't have to worry about it. A small pot will sit nicely on top. It boils water for coffee, tea, soup - takes a while, but it works!

[Miss Mary]

Another item which has proved useful... when shut up inside with no fresh air, electricity, and gas turned off, and I don't want to burn propane due to fumes.

I made a little bunson burner with small coffee can and 4" diameter candle, which fits perfectly inside. To adjust the distance of flame from what I'm heating, I cut out the bottom of the can and can then put something under candle to push it higher. I just set it on the stove, then I don't have to worry about it. A small pot will sit nicely on top. It boils water for coffee, tea, soup - takes a while, but it works!

What a smart idea! I will save my next empty coffee can, instead of recycling it!

Thanks for the tip, should I ever need it. We also have a gas burner on our gas grill. But if it's pouring, you don't want to work it (our deck isn't covered). We could always wheel it into the garage.....not that I have to worry about it. But who knows what could happen in this crazy world we live in. We have had 12 hour power outages before, in the Ohio Valley. A freak ice storm could really wreak havoc someday.....hope I haven't jinxed myself.

Mary

[Eye10TX]

fill your bathtub with water and use this to fill the toilet with water for number two. Number 1 find a corner of the yard and go there and in a few weeks watch how much faster the grass grows. Seriousely if they turned the water off and you decided to stay you are going to have to rough it for awhile. Good Luck. Alos have all your flashlights, radiso etc in one place so when the power goes out you know where it all is. During frances, katrina and rita i kept a small flashlight in my pocket. Good Luck.

Thank you! My bathtub is the problem right now. The plug I bought and even siliconed in place has failed, tub emptied. I will try to go get the bigger size, but did not want to leave house after right now. I think I need a plug that covers the metal ring part around the drain, too--that's where the water seems to be seeping down the drain, now that I have observed it in action.

Oh, I have water and power now, but am just trying to anticipate the worst. I have plenty of food, ice, drinking water, flashlights, batteries (maybe not "plenty," depending on period of power outage), battery-op TV, radio, all that. Thanks again.

[orchid]

[~~~~~~
VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION - the answer will help my calmness!

When the water is turned off and the toilet needs flushing (because of being used--sorry!), where do you pour the water that's needed for flushing?

In the tank or in the bowl?

How much do you pour in?

What is the exact procedure, sequence of events for this to work, on an ongoing basis (not just one-time flushing)?

TIA!!!![/quote]

You pour it in the bowl with a bucket!! the faster you pour the faster it goes down!! And by the way don't get scared if after the hurricane you start hearing strange noises from your toilet.

[Eye10TX]

Another item which has proved useful... when shut up inside with no fresh air, electricity, and gas turned off, and I don't want to burn propane due to fumes.

I made a little bunson burner with small coffee can and 4" diameter candle, which fits perfectly inside. To adjust the distance of flame from what I'm heating, I cut out the bottom of the can and can then put something under candle to push it higher. I just set it on the stove, then I don't have to worry about it. A small pot will sit nicely on top. It boils water for coffee, tea, soup - takes a while, but it works!

Thanks for the idea. I couldn't find any Sterno left yesterday, anywhere, which is what I wanted. I remember making little burners for Y2K out of coiled up corrugated cardboard strips, soaked in paraffin, then put in empty, washed-out, tuna cans. The coffee can was then used for the rest of the "stove." I just didn't do the preps for that, this time.

I have a sturdy Dutch oven, so I think I could use that to hold the candle container. We also have a community BBQ pit in an outdoor commons area that we can heat things over, wrapped in foil or probably boil water and so forth.

[orchid]

Thank you! My bathtub is the problem right now. The plug I bought and even siliconed in place has failed, tub emptied. I will try to go get the bigger size, but did not want to leave house after right now. I think I need a plug that covers the metal ring part around the drain, too--that's where the water seems to be seeping down the drain, now that I have observed it in action.

Oh, I have water and power now, but am just trying to anticipate the worst. I have plenty of food, ice, drinking water, flashlights, batteries (maybe not "plenty," depending on period of power outage), battery-op TV, radio, all that. Thanks again.

[/quote]

I use the stackable plastic bins( the large sturdy ones since i had a shower) and I fill them and stack them but fill the empty one on top of the full one, it can break your back. good luck!!

[Sally Ann]

Being a Newbie and pretty much weather ignorant, I rarely post, but wanted to say to all of you in the storm zone that there are literally millions of people all over the world who are concerned and watching and praying/sending good vibes to you, and trying to think what they would do if they were walking in your shoes. That thought doesn't help a whole lot when you're under the gun, but since we live in a world that is ultimately vibrations, maybe all the good vibes will help a little bit.

Consider yourself hugged.

[msbee]

Good luck to you all!
Our thoughts are with you.
We in the Caribbean know what you are about to go through and we wish you all the very best!

[Eye10TX]

You pour it in the bowl with a bucket!! the faster you pour the faster it goes down!! And by the way don't get scared if after the hurricane you start hearing strange noises from your toilet.

Thanks! I was worried about the air pockets in the drains, whether I would be causing problems if I put the water in the wrong place! It seemed like I should be keeping the tank level the same, by adding water to it, and flushing would take place like always. Guess not.

Yeah, I know about the noises--just had a new hot water boiler put in and had to turn off water, then on again - WHHOOOSSH BOOM!!

[Doc Seminole]

I agree with you guys. Evacuations need to be reevaluated. There is no need for folks on high ground with sturdy structures to leave. Better to hunker down.

Florida learned that lesson during Floyd 1999. Evacuation zones were reevaluated but I don't remember exactly how.

[Pebbles]

fill your bathtub with water and use this to fill the toilet with water for number two. Number 1 find a corner of the yard and go there and in a few weeks watch how much faster the grass grows. Seriousely if they turned the water off and you decided to stay you are going to have to rough it for awhile. Good Luck. Alos have all your flashlights, radiso etc in one place so when the power goes out you know where it all is. During frances, katrina and rita i kept a small flashlight in my pocket. Good Luck.

Thank you! My bathtub is the problem right now. The plug I bought and even siliconed in place has failed, tub emptied. I will try to go get the bigger size, but did not want to leave house after right now. I think I need a plug that covers the metal ring part around the drain, too--that's where the water seems to be seeping down the drain, now that I have observed it in action.

Oh, I have water and power now, but am just trying to anticipate the worst. I have plenty of food, ice, drinking water, flashlights, batteries (maybe not "plenty," depending on period of power outage), battery-op TV, radio, all that. Thanks again.

Take a garbage bag or small plastic bag and fold it into a square big enough to cover the drain area.. then tape the HECK outta it with duck tape or electrical tape or some other waterproof type tape. THis should hold so you can at least fill your tub to flush the potty with.

You only need 1 to 2 gallons to flush your potty with. Pour it fast not slow. I reccommend practicing before power/water goes out to see just how much water your potty needs to flush by pouring in the bowl of the potty. Tell everyone to go easy on the TP or just have baggies for peeps to throw the TP in and I know it's gross but right now a clog wouldn't be a good thing .. if water gets low only flush when someone number 2's or a female needs to use the bathroom. Pouring a capful of bleach after flushing into the bowl can help with sanitation issues too

[azskyman]

Indeed, let's get through this TOGETHER...wherever we live. Thoughts and prayers go out from around the world. Hang tough, and stay safe!

I am proud of the role S2k plays in the lives of so many, and although emotions run high, we all have the same goal.

To support those who have a need or an interest in the ways that weather can affect us all.

Steve