'Black sky event' could cause major toilet issue as people warned how to prepare

Brits preparing for a potential national emergency may want to add another item to their stockpile as flushing the loo might become temporarily impossible.

Official guidance warns that if a major emergency knocks out the country's electricity and sewage systems, households could be left unable to flush their loos – and may even have to collect their poo in plastic bags before disposing of it with their normal household waste.

The advice comes as the UK government promotes its 'Be Ready' campaign, urging people to stock up on essentials such as water, non-perishable food and medication in case the country is hit by major disruption, including extreme weather, online outages or a cyber attack.

Speaking last month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham told BBC Radio 5 that people need to become more 'resilient' in the face of potential events that could completely upend everyday life.

"We’re having the conversation with people about being better prepared because we’re living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common," he said.

“It is just having those supplies in the house to get you through those moments. So we are having that conversation about resilience.”

But while you might have already started stockpiling tins, batteries and bottled water, have you thought about what you would do if you suddenly couldn't flush the loo?

Brits may not be able to flush the loo during a 'black sky event' (Getty Stock Image)

The term 'black sky event' is used to describe a catastrophic failure of critical infrastructure, particularly the national electricity grid, which could have a knock-on effect on other essential services.

Such a scenario could leave households without running water, electricity, internet access or even access to digital wallets and online banking.

And, according to the guidance, one of the less glamorous consequences could be a toilet that simply won't flush.

"Do not try to [flush the toilet] in any way as the sewage system will not be working," the advice states.

Instead, households are advised to keep a large bowl of water and some soap or disinfectant handy so they can wash their hands.

If you need the loo, however, you'll need to have some plastic bags to hand.

The guidance states: "You should collect your poo in plastic bags, which should be sealed and disposed of with normal household waste, ideally in an outside bin.

"If anyone in your house has diarrhoea, keep a separate bowl of water and soap or disinfectant for them to use to wash their hands.”

Of course, if the nation's electricity grid has been knocked offline, having to bag up your poo and put it in the bin might be the least of your worries.

The 'Be Ready' checklist

The government has shared advise on what to keep at home in the case of an emergency (Tyla)

The government's checklist recommends essentials including bottled water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered or wind-up torch, a charged power bank, spare batteries and essential medication.

A battery-powered or wind-up FM radio is also particularly important, as it could allow people to hear emergency broadcasts without relying on mobile data or internet access.

Other suggested items include first aid supplies, blankets, warm clothing, cash, baby formula and pet food where needed.

For drinking water alone, the recommendation is three litres per person per day, meaning one person would need nine litres for three days.

However, it's important to stress that the government has not announced an imminent nationwide blackout.

The preparations are intended to make sure people and essential services are better equipped to cope with a range of emergencies, should they ever occur.