Weather preps

[thughes]

While I am not a hardcore prepper (yet), I have begun to put some stuff together based upon real world scenarios. I don't foresee a major economic collapse or zombie apocalypse any time soon but one thing I can count on is Western NY weather, especially in the winter. That said, without getting too crazy with it, here's where I am at:

- wind-up powered radio (flashlight, AM/FM/WX channels, and USB charge port for cell phone)
- several oil lamps
- 23,000 BTU kerosene heater (I had the furnace crap out during the sub-zero February cold spell last year, house went from 70 to 50 overnight)
- butane powered burner/hot plate and a small alcohol camp stove
- 5 gallons kerosene for lamps and heater
- hand-held HAM radio (which I need to get a license and learn how to use)

Still need to pack in some food (Ramen, peanut butter, crackers, canned fruit and vegetables, protein bars, etc.). Really can't justify the expense of a B/U generator at this point and I figure water should not be a problem short term (I am on city water) although I always fill a couple of 5 gallon containers if I know things are going bad.

What are you guys and girls doing to prep for a storm, power outage, etc. where you might be stuck in place for a few days?

[24Pink14Stink]

Thug,

If you want to get serious about H2O, I've got 2x55 gallon plastic blue drums, taps and a storage rack I'm happy to give to you.

With the well, pool and creek, my water worries are minimal at the moment.

[dwa12479]

Last year I put in a Reliance Controls transfer switch to handle a backup generator, mainly for heat after the harsh cold last year. I had a thread on it here, can't find it now. Must have been lost in our transfer or one the many vBulletin faq ups last year. I'll work on another one, power is one of the single biggest needs during a winter emergency. Also stocked up on some fuel for the genny, and can deploy the whole setup in under 10 minutes.

Recently bought a 10.2 cubic foot locker freezer for my basement and a vacuum sealer for longer term food storage. That'll compliment the kitchen fridge and the full size garage fridge.

At some point during the 2016 year, I'll start stocking up on long term storage dry goods. I know it can be done cheaper, but I really like the Augason Farms food pails. The 30 day supply is less than $100, so I'll start buying them a couple at a time.

[usmcveteran]

What kind of ham radio did you get Thughes? I could probably program it for you.

[thughes]

I've got a couple Baofeng uv-5r's. You already sent me a CHIRP file, I just haven't got around to doing anything with them yet.

[WARFAB]

Speaking of weather events.....

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/pow...ry?id=36010574

[usmcveteran]

I was looking at some of those kerosene heaters and they say not to use them in living spaces?

[WARFAB]

Guessing that's due to the risk of CO buildup.

[usmcveteran]

I have smoke/co2 detectors so I could use it then? Anyone recommend either the traditional vertical type of jet type?

http://www.amazon.com/Dyna-Glo-RMC-9...erosene+heater

http://www.amazon.com/Delux-KFA80DGD...erosene+heater

[WARFAB]

The jet type torpedo heaters seem to move more heat faster and create a lot of moving air. I used to use a torpedo heater to initially warm up my father's workshop, then I'd light a convection heater to maintain the temperature. Torpedo heaters are also noisy, while the convection heaters don't make any noise.

If the plan was to use one of these heaters inside a house I'd choose the convection heater. I don't necessarily have a very technical explanation of why though. They just seem more appropriate.

[thughes]

I've got a Kerosun Omni 230, 23000 BTU convection. It's for indoor use, the instructions say to simply keep it 3 feet from combustibles, don't use it in a small space that isn't vented well (like a bathroom), and crack a window. According to reviews it will sufficiently heat up to 1000 sq feet. YMMV.

[Meketrefe]

This is good advice. Thanks for posting.

I have a check list of things I bought prior y2k paranoia and many are still good and valid today.
One of the things I did for example was to have a large stash of rechargeable and also lithium batteries. Just with the lithium batteries alone I have guaranteed months of emergency lighting. I also consolidated the amount of devices and make sure they can take both aa and aaa batteries that are the most common. For large cells the rechargeable ones meke more sense.
I found great ebay bulk deals for both types. The lithium were the best bulk deals and they are lighter last up to 10 times longer and have up to 25 years shel life so all I do now is keep rotating the emergency stock of 400-500 lithuum batteries.
Relodoable stock doesnt have to be huge and no more than one can reload anyway.

The food reserve can also be greatly simplified with smat planning. I don like REMs, they are chit.