Thank you : ) I do want to correct a couple of things, though. After I posted, I read that the generator was in the basement and failed. There's also a carbon monoxide problem with running generators in enclosed spaces. There must have been a way to have several generators running in tandem on the upper floors. I have never used a generator, so I don't know the logistics of that, but I do know someone would figure it out.
Then there was the toilet situation. There was a big rock concert called Cal Jam II, held at the old Ontario Motor Speedway, back in '78. It was a couple of days long, I don't remember how many people were there, but let me tell you about overflowing porta-potties. The sludge sucked the sandals right off my feet, and I told my best friend to get everyone because we need to leave. We hosed our feet down at the closest gas station. The smell sobered me up instantly.
The difference is that we chose to be there. Can you imagine being pregnant, having small kids, or being elderly, and have to deal with that? We were outside too, not stuck in a building with no cool air. I forgot all about Cal Jam, until I read some of the Super Dome accounts.
I know we can't depend on government, but this is ridiculous.
Since you raised the issue and I have time now, for future reference:
1. When central sanitation fails, septic systems still work. Toilets will flush with a gallon or two of water hand poured into the tank. Septic systems in flooded areas will not function properly, and will back up into residences.
2. If no septic system is available, liquid waste should be scattered and will generally not hurt plants.
3. Solid waste can be deposited in 5 gallon buckets, and many toilet seats will balance on top.
4. Solid waste can then be collected in 55 gallon drums and burned. Kerosene speeds the process, which should be carried out downwind of any field kitchens or sleeping quarters. Gasoline is risky but will substitute.