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Post by northernboy on Jul 6, 2021 2:47:25 GMT
This is a topic that sometimes evokes negative reactions from some people, but it's something I've been taking a lot more serious the last few years. Having been through a few disasters now, as well as this past year and a half being 'interesting', you definitely live and learn. As far as I'm concerned, it's just simple common sense. I always have non-perishable food on hand, bottled and a jug of water, adequate propane for the bbq, some cash (I learned this the hard way during the blackout in 2003, which is a story in itself), some good flashlights (I'm a big believer in Olight flashlights), a battery powered radio, extra batteries, basic first aid kit, portable phone chargers, and probably a number of other things I'll think of later.
I'm not a prepper by any stretch, but just having these things on hand can make things a little more comfortable even if the power is out for a few hours (like this morning).
Do any of you guys keep things on hand if the need suddenly presents itself?
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Post by george on Jul 6, 2021 3:09:21 GMT
Yes.
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Post by Colchar on Jul 6, 2021 3:25:07 GMT
I had cash but spent it (too lazy to go to the bank machine) so have to replenish that. I have a ton of canned food, but should probably rotate in new stuff. I always have a couple of cases of water here because I drink so much of it. Not sure my flashlights are still working so could probably do with getting new ones. Definitely need to fill the propane tank as I ran out last week. But my BBQ is about dead so I should probably buy a new one of those too.
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Post by keto on Jul 6, 2021 4:24:39 GMT
We stocked up the groceries pretty good during the pandemic, if just us 2 and access to water, good for a long time on most other essentials. Keep a decent stack of various batteries on hand, and many flashlights around the house. Pretty big garden, for suburbanites. Etc.
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Post by johnreardon on Jul 6, 2021 10:24:23 GMT
Not really. We have candles & torches in case of powercuts and we tend to keep our fridges and freezers stocked. I must admit though when the virus started last year, I started to stock up on tinned goods. Didn't fill supermarket trolleys like some people did and I certainly didn't panic buy on toilet paper. I just bought a couple of extra tins of things like beans. We were 'lucky' in that our Gov delivered weekly food parcels to those on a highly vulnerable list, which sadly my wife is, so we began to pack our garage with tinned food. In the end we stopped the deliveries and told them to give to more deserving cases. Wife likes bottled water so we tend to have a fair bit of that in the garage. In fact more than bottled beer. As for weapons, we don't have the gun culture over here, so the only things I keep in the house are a couple of baseball bats.
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Post by george on Jul 6, 2021 12:05:28 GMT
Not really. … so the only things I keep in the house are a couple of baseball bats. A couple of telecasters will work just as well.
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Post by Die Bullen on Jul 6, 2021 12:54:47 GMT
We take a middle-of-the-road perspective.
We buy large quantities of canned goods, use the stock up and then buy another large load. The pandemic made me switch from fresh milk to shelf-stable, which is actually better because we don't use tons of milk anyway and I buy several cases and it lasts me 9+ months. We didn't go crazy with toilet paper but I have several 20 packs downstairs. Bottled water and AA batteries we do need to stock up on. We typically don't drink bottled water except on gigs because you can screw the lid on and it doesn't spill on the equipment. We now buy much more meat for freezing because of the pandemic. I have a fairly large store of various kinds of ammunition, but I will leave it at that because I know people get uncomfortable about that being talked about.
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Post by Bill h on Jul 6, 2021 14:27:18 GMT
In Alaska only the fools aren’t ready. Continuous power outages, earthquakes and extreme weather are the norm up here. Keeping food, water and alternative heat sources are a must along with the little stuff, batteries, flashlights.......... it would be complete insanity not to do so in my opinion.
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Post by Die Bullen on Jul 6, 2021 14:38:24 GMT
Not really. … so the only things I keep in the house are a couple of baseball bats. A couple of telecasters will work just as well. Only with a U profile neck!
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Post by highdeaf on Jul 6, 2021 15:13:32 GMT
One of my emerg backups was a hot water tank. It was earthquake braced and 50 gal of potable water. Recently replaced it an on-demand system because of carbon taxes going up every year. So I have to store water now. And keep the beer fridge extra stocked.
I usually do have other things on hand. Two freezers loaded, lots of canned goods, batteries, fresh acoustic strings. I've even got a pretty good slingshot and a big roll of surgical tubing to keep it going in case of the Zombie Apoc.
I also try to not let my car's gas gauge drop below half way, because you just know that's gonna be a big shitshow 2 hours after the big one hits. I expect to go weeks without electricity and all that that entails (like fuel stations operating). Of course, I keep a few bicycles well tuned so I can get around OK. You know, unless it's raining out. LOL
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Post by Die Bullen on Jul 6, 2021 15:55:21 GMT
And keep the beer fridge extra stocked. I did forget that one. When they threatened to close NJ liquor stores I ran out and bought 3 or 4 cases of beer. Now I keep that much stocked in the basement
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Post by highdeaf on Jul 6, 2021 16:03:34 GMT
And keep the beer fridge extra stocked. I did forget that one. When they threatened to close NJ liquor stores I ran out and bought 3 or 4 cases of beer. Now I keep that much stocked in the basement LOL
When the pandemic started, I saw a meme that spoke to me:
"I'm just on the way to the liquor for the 3rd time this week for my two week supply of beer."
It's just after 9AM here, liquor store opens in 25 minutes and guess what I'm getting ready to do. Yup, heading to the beer store (the only time this week, I hope).
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Post by northernboy on Jul 6, 2021 16:26:06 GMT
Yes, keeping beer on hand is a must.
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Post by Die Bullen on Jul 6, 2021 19:11:00 GMT
Yes, keeping beer on hand is a must. Golly, it is fresher than the water!
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Post by laristotle on Jul 6, 2021 20:47:07 GMT
Not really. … so the only things I keep in the house are a couple of baseball bats. A couple of telecasters will work just as well.
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Post by highdeaf on Jul 7, 2021 13:51:16 GMT
Yes, keeping beer on hand is a must.
Every now and then, I get a Sleemans that gives me 'beer on hand'. It just randomly foams and overflows. Random enough that I'm prepared for it now each time I spin the cap, ready to clamp my mouth over it and suck up the foam.
That said, I'm less of a fan of 'beer on hand' than 'beer remaining in bottle until transferred efficiently to mouth'. But I get your point.
My beer fridge is an old clunker (wire shelves, even). It probably costs me $20/month to run it. But what the hell, I can't take it with me. And worst case scenario, they could bury me in it. It smells like beer so I'd be happy. The dozen guitars I get buried with, maybe not.
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Post by northernboy on Jul 7, 2021 14:16:11 GMT
Yes, keeping beer on hand is a must.
Every now and then, I get a Sleemans that gives me 'beer on hand'. It just randomly foams and overflows. Random enough that I'm prepared for it now each time I spin the cap, ready to clamp my mouth over it and suck up the foam.
That said, I'm less of a fan of 'beer on hand' than 'beer remaining in bottle until transferred efficiently to mouth'. But I get your point.
My beer fridge is an old clunker (wire shelves, even). It probably costs me $20/month to run it. But what the hell, I can't take it with me. And worst case scenario, they could bury me in it. It smells like beer so I'd be happy. The dozen guitars I get buried with, maybe not.
My grandparents had an ancient Kelvinator that would dim the lights when it revved up, and would gently shake at the same time.
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Post by zontar on Jul 8, 2021 6:28:42 GMT
Any time I try & do this --it ends up being--well if we use that we can put off grocery shopping for another week.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2021 13:45:45 GMT
I keep a stock of daily consumables that would last this household about 8 weeks. I also have a family member close to me on a farm with larger capacity for cold storage which I have have access to as well.
I keep 3 jerry cans of gasoline and stabilize them...I installed a 10,000 watt duel fuel generator last year with transfer switch.
I`m thinking about a moat with alligators...just waiting for the local building officer to approve...
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Post by highdeaf on Jul 16, 2021 15:30:05 GMT
I keep a stock of daily consumables that would last this household about 8 weeks. I also have a family member close to me on a farm with larger capacity for cold storage which I have have access to as well. I keep 3 jerry cans of gasoline and stabilize them...I installed a 10,000 watt duel fuel generator last year with transfer switch. Niiiiice! Which fuels, nat gas and gasoline? 10 kw is a great size, you should hardly notice and outage. I'm tempted ever now and then, but I'm in the 'burbs with underground services and we get very few outages (knock on wood LOL). But even a two hour outage when it's cold out can be a concern. So what's your address, just in case ......... Good luck with that. I suspect motes would attract more attention to what you have than they would resist the intruders coming after it. I'd consider sharks - and sell tickets if the looky-loos do show up en masse.
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Post by Bill h on Jul 16, 2021 15:33:13 GMT
I keep a stock of daily consumables that would last this household about 8 weeks. I also have a family member close to me on a farm with larger capacity for cold storage which I have have access to as well. I keep 3 jerry cans of gasoline and stabilize them...I installed a 10,000 watt duel fuel generator last year with transfer switch. Niiiiice! Which fuels, nat gas and gasoline? 10 kw is a great size, you should hardly notice and outage. I'm tempted ever now and then, but I'm in the 'burbs with underground services and we get very few outages (knock on wood LOL). But even a two hour outage when it's cold out can be a concern. So what's your address, just in case ......... Good luck with that. I suspect motes would attract more attention to what you have than they would resist the intruders coming after it. I'd consider sharks - and sell tickets if the looky-loos do show up en masse. Man, just think of the maintenance cost on a moat, then you have to feed whatever your keeping in there.
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Post by highdeaf on Jul 16, 2021 15:40:53 GMT
Niiiiice! Which fuels, nat gas and gasoline? 10 kw is a great size, you should hardly notice and outage. I'm tempted ever now and then, but I'm in the 'burbs with underground services and we get very few outages (knock on wood LOL). But even a two hour outage when it's cold out can be a concern. So what's your address, just in case ......... Good luck with that. I suspect motes would attract more attention to what you have than they would resist the intruders coming after it. I'd consider sharks - and sell tickets if the looky-loos do show up en masse. Man, just think of the maintenance cost on a moat, then you have to feed whatever your keeping in there.
I'm thinkin', if you get enough looky-loos and you put sprinklers heads under the far bank, feeding may be controlled at your own whim. I think alligators could be a good choice here. They seem to love dragging things off muddy banks. And think of the tourist attraction (food source) that would provide. Perhaps even self-sustaining.
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Post by Bill h on Jul 16, 2021 15:47:54 GMT
Man, just think of the maintenance cost on a moat, then you have to feed whatever your keeping in there.
I'm thinkin', if you get enough looky-loos and you put sprinklers heads under the far bank, feeding may be controlled at your own whim. I think alligators could be a good choice here. They seem to love dragging things off muddy banks. And think of the tourist attraction (food source) that would provide. Perhaps even self-sustaining.
All it takes is for one “looky loo” to fall in the moat.
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Post by highdeaf on Jul 16, 2021 15:53:14 GMT
I'm thinkin', if you get enough looky-loos and you put sprinklers heads under the far bank, feeding may be controlled at your own whim. I think alligators could be a good choice here. They seem to love dragging things off muddy banks. And think of the tourist attraction (food source) that would provide. Perhaps even self-sustaining.
All it takes is for one “looky loo” to fall in the moat.
I was thinking one every few days (just when you decide to turn the sprinkler on). Enough to keep them fed but not enough to make them full. You wouldn't want them so satiated that people could swim across. Defeats the purpose.
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Post by Bill h on Jul 16, 2021 16:18:23 GMT
All it takes is for one “looky loo” to fall in the moat.
I was thinking one every few days (just when you decide to turn the sprinkler on). Enough to keep them fed but not enough to make them full. You wouldn't want them so satiated that people could swim across. Defeats the purpose.
If you really want to make it exciting, install ad diving board and open a beer stand out front. Make the drunk lookys sign a waiver to use the diving board and charge admission, nah, that’s going to far.
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Post by Die Bullen on Jul 16, 2021 18:10:34 GMT
I'm thinkin', if you get enough looky-loos and you put sprinklers heads under the far bank, feeding may be controlled at your own whim. I think alligators could be a good choice here. They seem to love dragging things off muddy banks. And think of the tourist attraction (food source) that would provide. Perhaps even self-sustaining.
All it takes is for one “looky loo” to fall in the moat. Just think, those alligators would also control the racoon population- might even snag a deer now and then...
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2021 18:52:16 GMT
I keep a stock of daily consumables that would last this household about 8 weeks. I also have a family member close to me on a farm with larger capacity for cold storage which I have have access to as well. I keep 3 jerry cans of gasoline and stabilize them...I installed a 10,000 watt duel fuel generator last year with transfer switch. Niiiiice! Which fuels, nat gas and gasoline? 10 kw is a great size, you should hardly notice and outage. I'm tempted ever now and then, but I'm in the 'burbs with underground services and we get very few outages (knock on wood LOL). But even a two hour outage when it's cold out can be a concern. So what's your address, just in case ......... Good luck with that. I suspect motes would attract more attention to what you have than they would resist the intruders coming after it. I'd consider sharks - and sell tickets if the looky-loos do show up en masse. Yes, the generator burns gasoline, or propane/natural gas, and 10,000watts makes things comfortable for a longer outage. I live under a canopy of very large, old, soft maple trees...downed lines and power outages happen a couple times a year, so a generator makes sense. When Covid hit, I was concerned that response and repair times would be effected, hence the outlay of cash for a little piece of mind. I also have some asshole thieves that live not too far from me....so I like my lights and cameras to have power, especially when all else is dark in the neighborhood. Police presence is a joke here.
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Post by northernboy on Jul 16, 2021 19:22:32 GMT
I'd rather have piranhas in the moat. Much more inconspicuous and probably less maintenance.
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Post by Die Bullen on Jul 16, 2021 19:28:49 GMT
Niiiiice! Which fuels, nat gas and gasoline? 10 kw is a great size, you should hardly notice and outage. I'm tempted ever now and then, but I'm in the 'burbs with underground services and we get very few outages (knock on wood LOL). But even a two hour outage when it's cold out can be a concern. So what's your address, just in case ......... Good luck with that. I suspect motes would attract more attention to what you have than they would resist the intruders coming after it. I'd consider sharks - and sell tickets if the looky-loos do show up en masse. Yes, the generator burns gasoline, or propane/natural gas, and 10,000watts makes things comfortable for a longer outage. I live under a canopy of very large, old, soft maple trees...downed lines and power outages happen a couple times a year, so a generator makes sense. When Covid hit, I was concerned that response and repair times would be effected, hence the outlay of cash for a little piece of mind. I also have some asshole thieves that live not too far from me....so I like my lights and cameras to have power, especially when all else is dark in the neighborhood. Police presence is a joke here. I've been meaning to get a natgas whole house generator for years. Something always get in the way of undertaking this project. We don't lose power that often, but when we do, it goes out for a week.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2021 12:02:11 GMT
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