Power Outage Tips

Power Outage

During virtually any disaster, you will eventually experience a power outage. The large majority of power outages only last for a few hours and are usually caused by smaller storms. This does not mean you should not be prepared for longer-term power outages however. Hurricanes and other disasters have been known to create power outages that can last the better part of a month.

What to Do

It is a good idea to unplug large electronics and other devices that are not protected by a surge protector. You also need to make sure that you are disconnected from your main electrical grid if you are using a back-up generator. Check your neighbor’s houses as well to see if your power outage is an isolated event. Avoid opening your refrigerator; keeping it closed will keep the food colder for a longer period. Food typically will last between four and six hours once the power is disrupted. Frozen foods will be good up to 48 hours if you do not open the freezer door continually.

Driving During a Power Outage

If power is out and you decide to evacuate, you need to make sure you take a few precautions.  First, unplug all the electronics and power systems before evacuating. You should try to take a route that has a small amount of traffic lights. Traffic is going to be a disaster in and of itself especially with traffic lights not operational and possible damage to roads, bridges and highways. Also, be on the lookout for downed power lines and trees along with other debris on the roadways.

Generators

Gasoline/Diesel/Propane

If you do not already have a generator, you should really consider buying at least a small starter generator. Generators are ideal during disasters and having the ability to generate even a small amount of power can increase your overall odds of survival dramatically.

Fuel Types

Gas generators are very flammable and need to be operated outside or in a highly ventilated area.  Gasoline is very hard to store and some laws actually prevent you from storing gasoline containers indoors, so be sure to check your local laws if you are going to be storing large amounts of gasoline at home. Propane and diesel on the other hand are easier to store and can be stored for several years before they begin to deteriorate in any way. Once again, you need to check with local laws and your home insurance companies for any storage rules and guidelines for these fuel sources.

What Generator Size Do I Need

The size of your generator will depend on your goals and what you want and what you need to operate during a power outage. Sizes will range from small, which can power a few smaller devices, all the way up to large which can power your whole house or RV.

Small Generators

Small starter generators are great for camping or you want a smaller generator to use during a disaster. These generators are ideal because they are relatively inexpensive and can produce between 1000-4000 watts of electricity, which is enough to power a few small appliances. They are lightweight and easy to carry and subsequently move around.

Medium or Mid Size Generators

The next step on the generator scale is the mid-sized unit. These can range anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 watts of power. This amount of electricity can operate larger appliances such as your refrigerator and air conditioning and heating units. These units are larger and usually have wheels to make them easier to move around, but they are by no means considered portable.

Fixed Generators

These generators are responsible for generating huge amounts of electricity.  Some are considered in line or stationary units. They can produce between 15,000-30,000 watts of electricity, which is enough to power a small home for an extended period. These generators usually need to be professionally installed and the power company must be made aware that you have one.

Generator Supply Kit

One mistake some Preppers make is by not having a generator supply kit. Once the power goes out then you have to try to find the parts needed to get the generator up and running. This puts you in a perilous situation when the generator breaks down or needs a spare part. Make sure your generator supply kit is always nearby and stocked with parts that you can change out yourself.

Generator Usage

Make sure you test your generator and practice using it before disaster strikes. Test out how much power you need and what appliances you can operate using just the generator. Make sure you regularly change the oil and always check fluid levels before starting it up. Always use your generator in an openly ventilated are and never use it indoors. Do not overload your extension cords and never pour fuel directly into a hot engine.

Why Less Is More

When operating your generator, you always want to apply the motto less is more. First, you never know how long a power outage will last and fuel is a precious resource. Additionally generators are loud and they will make it easier for others to find your location. The main purpose of your generator should be to keep your freezer/refrigerator running. Your refrigerator will still keep your food cool if it operated just five percent of the time. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature and power up as needed because you should always try to keep your generator use to an absolute minimum.

Cricket Chirps Nature’s Thermometer Formula

Did you know that you can figure out the temperature by counting a crickets chirps? So the next time you hear a chirping cricket and want to know what the temperature is, you can use the formula below.

This is the formula that is endorsed by The Old Farmer’s Almanac 

To convert cricket chirps to degrees Fahrenheit, count number of chirps in 14 seconds then add 40 to get temperature.

Example: 30 chirps + 40 = 70° F

To convert cricket chirps to degrees Celsius, count number of chirps in 25 seconds, divide by 3, then add 4 to get temperature.

Example: 48 chirps /(divided by) 3 + 4 = 20° C

Nations Run on Just in Time Supplies

Cities and Towns Run On Just In Time Supplies

It is common knowledge and a very common business practice that virtually all retail stores including grocery stores run on “just in time” deliveries. What this means is that food, water and other essential supplies are many times delivered daily in order to remain fresh. Super markets and other retail stores only have enough inventories to last between 24 and 48 hours. Even worse, when a disaster does occur many people panic and begin to “stock up” even though they may already have a stockpile of food and water.

Food and other vital resources are depleted almost immediately when there is word of a disaster. People panic and begin hoarding items they may never need, and some may not even have any idea of how to use some of the items. The point being is that you need to be able to survive these disastrous situations and learn how to survive without relying on other people for help. Preparing ahead of time is crucial to survival.

Stores Cannot Be Relied On

Once a disaster occurs, you will need to have your own supply of food, water, and survival equipment. Stores will quickly sell out of all supplies or they will be looted. Trying to purchase last minute supplies that you should already have can put you in harm’s way.  The streets and roadways will be clogged with panicked citizens and this can be a crisis in and of itself. In most cases, if you wait until there are warnings or alerts you will probably not be able to obtain all of the vital supplies you need.

Government Aid 

Government aid is not something that you should rely on. It can take the government weeks to provide aid to victims. In some circumstances, disaster relief agencies may close up shop because of inclement weather. During a disaster, you will need to be aware that the government may not be coming or providing any aid whatsoever. When aid does show up, it may be rationed, without enough food and water to supply your family. You need to learn how you can provide food, shelter, and protection to yourself and your family. You need to become self-sufficient and rely only on yourself when disaster strikes.

Have a Plan for Every Situation 

When a disaster does occur, your fight or flight instincts will kick in and your body will naturally be pumping large amounts of adrenaline. It can be difficult for you to act rationally during a disaster, especially if you are trying to locate your friends and family. Having a solid plan in place for any disastrous situation will help resolve this problem.

You and your family need to have multiple plans in case of different disaster scenarios. What happens if a disaster occurs when you are at work and your children are at school? What happens if a disaster strikes on a weekday or weekend?  What are you going to do and how are you going to execute your plan?  Brainstorming different survival plans and educating your family is a great exercise that will ensure you are ready for any disaster that may come your way.

Survival Uses for Cattails

Cattails can be found virtually anywhere in the wilderness where there is a water source. They can be found growing along streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. The plant is not only edible it has other uses such as cordage, bedding, insulation, baskets and even hats.

As Survival Food

The stems a few inches above the soil line in early summer are young and tender and can be peeled and eaten raw or boiled. The roots are great as well, simply pull the lower stalks until the roots break free, peel and eat raw or boil. The cattail will also develop flower heads that can be eaten by roasting as if you would an ear of corn. By mid to late summer, pollen will collect on the heads and it is easily shaken loose into any container to be used like flour to make breads, pancakes and can be used for thickeners in gravies and sauces. The roots in late fall and early winter can be mashed and soaked in water to release the starch. The starch will settle on the bottom and will resemble wet flour. Drain the water off and make bread, by adding a little pollen or add to clean water to make soup. Cattails are an ideal survival food because they are easily recognizable and grow practically anywhere there is water.

As Shelter Material

The green leaves can be cut and woven together into shingle like squares for covering a shelter roof. The material will provide protection from the rain, snow and wind even after it has dried. Weave a sleeping mat by making two long mats. Connect the mats on one side so it can be folded like a sleeping bag. Before folding over fill one side with pine boughs or other material suitable for sleeping on and then fold the empty half over and tie off so the “stuffing” is secured inside. You can fold the mat up and carry it with you if you have to break camp for another location.

Medicinal Uses

Cattails are truly a survival plant in the truest sense of the word. They not only provide, food, material for shelters and cordage cattails have medicinal uses as well. To treat burns, scrapes, insect bites and bruises split open a cattail root and “bruise” the exposed portion so it can be used as a poultice that can be secured over the injured area.

The ash of burnt cattails is said to have antiseptic properties and many people have used the ashes to treat wounds and abrasions. If you look closely at the lower stems you will notice an amber or honey like substance that seeps from the stem, use this secretion to treat small wounds and even toothaches, because it also has antiseptic properties.

Baskets or Packs

You can get creative and weave baskets or small packs for carrying food or other items. Cross a number of leaves together and once you have the base the size you want you would fold the pieces up and then weave around the sides to secure the shape. You can easily weave handles or straps into the basket/pack. The basket will become stronger as the cattail leaves dry and harden.

As Cordage

Peel strips from the leaves and allow to dry somewhat. Once dried braid at least three strips together to create a line for fishing or use in shelter building.

Fire Starting and Insulation

The head of the cattail after it has turned dark brown will have “fluff” inside, which is excellent tinder. Even after a rain the tinder may still be dry inside the head and if not remove and place in a pocket to dry out by allowing the clothing to absorb the moisture as long as the weather is warm. The fluff can also be used as insulation for hats and shoes and if you have enough of it, you could make pillows and even stuff a poncho or tarp to make a mattress.

The head can also be covered in pine resin to make a torch. Cut off enough of the stalk for a long handle with the head attached. Roll the head in pine resin and light when needed.

The Ultimate Emergency Car Kit

If you have a vehicle, I recommend you prepare an emergency car kit specifically for your vehicle. If you’re ever on the road and end up with a break down and stranded you’ll be glad you have this kit with you, it could save your life. You might even be able to help someone else out of a jam too. A basic emergency vehicle kit should include the following items:

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1. Craftsman 154 pc Mechanics Tool Set # 35154

2. Coleman Cable 08662 25-Feet Heavy-Duty Booster Cables, 4-Gauge

3. Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor

4. Spare Tire

5. Clore JNC660 ‘Jump-N-Carry’ 1,700 Peak Amp 12-Volt Jump Starter

6. Siphon Pump

7. Pry Bar

8. Tow Strap

9. Tire Plug Kit

10. Nato Jerry Gas Can

11. Sleeping Bag

12. Heavy Duty Water Container

13. BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife

14. The 2013 Road Atlas (Rand McNally Road Atlas: United States/Canada/Mexico)

15. Auto Repair For Dummies

16. BaoFeng UV-5R 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM Ham Two Way Radio

17. Kelly Kettle Camp Stove

18. Gerber Folding Shovel

19. Medical Kit

20. Toilet Tissue Single Roll

21. Hatchet with Leather Sheath

22. Mountain House Just In Case Food

23. UltraFire 1000 Lumens LED Flashlight

24. 12×16-Foot 5-Mil Tarp

25. Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter

26. Batteries

27. Black 550LB Military Nylon Paracord Rope 100 Feet

Bugging Out With Your Family

Bugging Out With Your Family

Having to leave your home during a crisis will be one of the hardest decisions you make. Essentially, once you decide to evacuate your survival and that of your family depends on your knowledge, mindset and the materials, tools and supplies you have in your packs. Typically, most experts will recommend that each person in your group or family have identical items, in their bug out bags. This insures that if someone is separated they have what they need to survive and that they do not have essentials in their pack you would need.

Redundancy is important so make sure each pack is a standalone survival. If one person is carrying food, one is carrying water and so on, and you become separated this is problematic and will jeopardize everyone’s survival. If you have, children make sure, each pack has items that the child needs and if one parent or the other becomes separated with the child they have what the child will need.

Carrying Children When Bugging Out

You want your child where you can see them and where they can see you, but carrying a child in a front pack may not be the best option in a survival situation. Carry the child in an approved pack on your back, and carry your survival gear in a front pack. Your spouse or partner can then monitor the child from the back as you essentially walk point.

Confrontations will be frontal and you need to be able to bring weapons to bear and then use them. You cannot fire a weapon with a baby strapped to your chest. You cannot go through a door that may slam against your front or break brush with a baby strapped to your front. Always have the baby facing your back. Protect the child’s ears and face. You must dampen the sound of gunshots and prevent gunshot residue from getting in the child’s eyes.

Use front packs and instead of another backpack, you will be carrying the child in a child backpack. The front packs will not hold as much gear so it is important you also have a load-bearing belt on that allows you to clip on canteens, knives, hatchets, machetes, flashlights and weapons.

If in a confrontation, have your spouse or partner put their back to your back to help shield the child. You will be facing in different directions to monitor for multiple threats. Always have the child between both of you and always away from the threat. Be mindful of ejected shells that can fly back and strike the child. Crouch slightly with your weak foot forward, feet shoulder width apart, bring your head down, and weapon up slightly. Learn to shoot over the sights, (point shooting) because it may be difficult or impossible to shoulder the weapon or to bring up to sight along the barrel.

This combat stance lowers your profile and makes you less of a target, allows you to move and shoot and provides balance to absorb any recoil. Move in this position toward cover. Move as if you are holding a full glass of water and are trying to move as quickly as possible without spilling it. You will naturally hold the glass (weapon) away from the body for balance and stability and yet you can move your upper body and arms left to right to shoot as you move. Be mindful of where the child’s head is because you do not want it exposed above your shoulders.

Do not shoulder a weapon when the barrel is hot because the child could touch the hot surface. Most shotguns can be fitted with heat shields to protect against burns. Learn to carry a long gun in the port arms position across your chest if there is a possibility of a confrontation. This means one hand on the forearm and your trigger finger/hand on the receiver. Once in this position you can bring the weapon to bear quickly. Never fire from the prone position with a child on your back because there are too exposed in this position.

Get Home Bag

What It Takes To Get Back Home during a Crisis

Emergencies and disasters by their very nature are never convenient. Certain disasters can be predicted or forecasted to some extent such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards and even ice storms, but then others come unexpectedly. Given the state of the world today manmade disasters should be expected. It is not a matter of if anymore, but simply a matter of when.

What happens when you are at work or simply away from home when disaster strikes? Have you thought about how you would get back, and have you thought about what you need to survive so you can get back to your family?

Not the Typical Bug out Bag

No one is usually in one place 24 hours a day every day, so plans have to be made for when you are not at home. Your home is where the bulk of your emergency supplies would be stored. It is assumed in most cases you would shelter in place.

Some call it their “every day carry” those items needed to assist you if you are caught up in a crisis away from home. Some may keep the items in their vehicle, their office and in some cases on their person. You have to consider however, you may not be able to get to or use your car if a disaster strikes while at work so to be fully prepared you can carry your supplies in a satchel, briefcase or even an over sized purse. Carry the items into your workplace, and secure properly where you have complete access in the event of an emergency.

There are some things, you must first consider however. When disaster strikes and you are away from your home you do not want to become a target of looters and others as you make your way back, so avoid backpacks that standout and “scream” bug-out-bag. Individuals not prepared will be looking for those that are.

Emergency Essentials to Get You Back Home 

Staying put is not an option when you have a family to get back to, and it is likely you will have to make the trek on foot. Highways, bridges and roads may be damaged and if not they are likely to be clogged to point where they are a disaster in and of themselves. On foot, you can maneuver around obstacles and take routes unavailable by vehicles. Life’s essentials are the same regardless of your situation and they are shelter, water, fire and nutrition.

1. Water for 24 hours which is at a minimum two quarts/liters for hydration, add more if you have the room because you simply cannot have too much water but space and weight is a consideration
2. Emergency shelter such as a lightweight all weather blanket, rain poncho and/or emergency thermal blankets, shelter in this type of situation may be simply wrapping yourself up as you walk
3. Food for 24 hours which can be two Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s) high protein bars, trail mix, beef jerky and small containers of peanut butter and crackers. You will burn more calories than normal and to maintain your energy levels you must replace them
4. Personal protection, consider a firearm, pepper spray and stun batons that extend up to 48 inches versus the smaller ones that require physical contact and/or a collapsible walking stick that can fold up and be placed in the pack
5. Maps of the area and a compass
6. Waterproof matches and a magnesium stick/Ferro rod, always have more than one fire starting method
7. First aid kit
8. Knife and multi-tool
9. Canteen and empty water bottle for water collection and water purification tablets such as chlorine dioxide or iodine tablets
10. Extra socks, you cannot walk in wet socks/feet
11. Flashlight
12. One two-way radio and make sure there is one at home and both are always tuned to the same channel
13. Cell phone and extra battery
14. Coffee filters for emergency water filtration
15. Face masks to protect from dust, contaminates and debris in the air
16. Work gloves, hat, bandanas and sunglasses
17. Optional items if space allows may include 50 feet of paracord, small camp axe and pry bar for extraction from a damaged structure and heavy duty shoes

Adapt the list to include prescription medications, extra glasses, contacts and so forth. Make sure you know how to start fires using a magnesium stick or Ferro rod. Learn proper water purification methods because you may need to replenish your supply. You can collect water from public fountains, swimming pools, reservoirs, public lakes and ponds. Do not consume any water you have collected until it has been filtered and purified.

The average adult can walk at about three miles per hour on a relatively flat and even terrain. However, having to backtrack around obstacles and possibly elude others will slow your average pace.

Things you can do to prepare include walking the route from work to home or various other places you may be at when disaster strikes. Street level views will look different from what you would see while driving or as a passenger on a bus or in a taxi. Landmarks will look different so make sure you actually know the route you would take while traveling on foot. Ensure you are physically capable of it as well.