Pouring into the bowl just bypasses the tank on the top. Plus, last I saw, the bowl was a lot wider than the tank, makes it easier to pour water in.

I would find an alternative to using the toilet anyway, because if the power is out in your area, the pumping stations will also be out, and your stuff won't get where it needs to be. In fact, if you're in a low lying area, you could have sewage backup into your home/apartment. That is something to be more concerned about. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />