Emergency preparedness

[WaterholeWally]

Every year at this time I start getting out the latest project that I never finished.

Since the mid-nineties when the NE (PA, NJ, DE) got socked with back-to-back bad winters, I always get a new scheme started. Last year I got my deep-cell batteries, and a few different inverters. At least, I can charge the batteries from the cars if we go into a few days of no power. I always keep a couple of kerosene heaters ready for heat and cooking.

The biggest problem with my current mish-mash is that I'm only good for a few days max. If we ever get hit with (G-d forbid) terror or earthquake, we'd all be in trouble.

My latest idea is a multi-fuel generator. I've studied CNG and although quite interesting, it's probably a few dollars a gallon (gasoline prices) off for now. Propane is possibly the best mid-range fuel. I can store as much LPG in BBQ style containers indefintely, and they don't go bad. With the right combination of back-up systems, I could go the distance.

With the price of oil coming down it just about killed the incentives for alternative fuels. We shouldn't keep getting lulled into this stupor. BP cancelled the huge LNG plant they were building in South Jersey, with a little help from Delaware. Can't figure that one out.

Comments welcome.

 

[Freon]

I just rode out hurricane Ike. So I'll give you one point to consider: The power was out, the gas stations were closed, but we never lost our natural gas service. So instead of keeping 50 gallons of unleaded in my gagage, I ordered a multi-fuel generator. (Gasoline, propane or natural gas).

Freon

 

[Capt Worley PE]

My Dad bought a generator he runs off the PTO of his Ford tractor. It'll run his whole house.

 

[WaterholeWally]

Good points. I would want a tri-fuel MG.

I'm always storing a few days worth of food and fuel, but I was more concerned about a long term plan.

We are lucky to have NG, but a few blocks away, they don't have gas service. I was looking for a good mix. If our gas service was disrupted a lot of people would be in trouble especially during the winter months. I've noticed some of the neighbors storing firewood, but they don't have fire places. They probably have some sort of stove just in case of outages.

I took PV training and plan on putting up a solar array, but the money ran out. Maybe I should put up at least one module just to charge batteries.

This is good a time as any to buy emergency gear. Just have to get another guard dog.

Wally

 

[Dleg]

Which fuel would be most useful in a zombie apocalypse?

 

[mudpuppy]

Napalm.

 

[Dleg]

Good answer.

Now, which medical supplies would be most useful in the zombie apocalypse?

 

[Supe]

Visine.

I'd inject it into my bloodstream to create a zombie diarrhea epidemic!

 

[Chucktown PE]

Visine.
I'd inject it into my bloodstream to create a zombie diarrhea epidemic!

You are too smart for me. I don't know what I'd do in a zombie apocolypse.

Seriously though, my contingency plan has always been to have enough fuel to get to my parents' place. If I could get there, in a real emergency, then I think I could be okay.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

I don't think fuel would be the problem, the clogged roads would be. My advice would be avoid 26 and get on 176 to Columbia.

 

[Chucktown PE]

I don't think fuel would be the problem, the clogged roads would be. My advice would be avoid 26 and get on 176 to Columbia.

A boat is also an option. As long as the locks through Lake Marion and Moultrie are operating I could make it to Columbia fairly easily. If they aren't then I guess I can mow over the zombies with my gas guzzling SUV.

 

[wilheldp_PE]

A gun and plenty of ammunition will get you anything you need in an emergency. Just make sure that the people around you are adequately stocked up.

 

[Chucktown PE]

A gun and plenty of ammunition will get you anything you need in an emergency. Just make sure that the people around you are adequately stocked up.

Definitely no problem there. We're some of those crazy *** people that cling to our guns and religion.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

That didn't go over so well in sunny SC, did it?

 

[Wolverine]

It was very interesting and educational to be on storm duty for two weeks in Mississippi after Katrina. I had never imagined an AOG (Act of God) so powerful, nor considered the aftermath, and we were stationed 60 miles inland. The coast was worse. It gave me pause to consider what if one had to go a MONTH without power, fuel, or groceries? After the third day, everybody was BBQing everything from their fridge in the front yard.

Pretty much the main stuff was back on after a week, but then it took another week for the grocery, gas, and restaurants to get restocked. It made me realize how spoiled I am to live on a Hi-Rely circuit, two miles from the mall, in a large metropolis within 5 minutes of twenty gas stations.

There's nothing wrong with prepping for the Z.A.

 

[Chucktown PE]

It gave me pause to consider what if one had to go a MONTH without power, fuel, or groceries?

Easy answer there, loot some mother ******* flat scren televisions.

 

[Dleg]

IN answer to my question about which medicines to stock, well obviously antibiotics and first aid supplies are necessary, but the only medicine that works for the zombie infection is 12 guage shotgun cartridges.

 

[Capt Worley PE]

Easy answer there, loot some mother ******* flat scren televisions.

I like the way you think.

 

[Chucktown PE]

I like the way you think.

Just callin it like I see it. The next time we get a hurricane down here I have no doubt that it'll be the same ****.

 

[WaterholeWally]

Not sounding totally selfish, I know a number of older people in the area that are using medical devices. They need to have a reliable source of power. I try to work them into my equipment plans. Last major outage, I had a half-dozen neighbors plopped at my house. That will never happen again. Like the Katrina fiasco, I'll give them cardboard boxes if they complain about my formaldahyde insulated trailer.

Having a nice variey of ammo certainly is a good thing. I've slowly catching-up there.