Surviving with No Power - A Comprehensive Post

Surviving without Power

Taught by Shalyse Clayton - E-mail me at shalyse.clayton@gmail.com with any questions or SelfReliance2014.blogspot.com.

SHELTER/WARMTH

Photo Source: http://www.ase.org/blog/top-5-ways-keep-warm-and-save-energy-winter

WINTER:

·         Begin by conserving body heat by putting on extra clothing. Your bed may be the warmest place in the house. Use extra blankets and covers to trap body heat; this is an especially good way to keep children warm. Cover any drafty doors/windows. Stay in a room with inside walls, if possible. Outside walls are colder in the winter. Play games or read a book together as a family. Eating food can also help you stay warm.

·         Find or improvise an alternative heat source: Your possibilities may include a fireplace (electric ones can sometimes be click started from underneath manually, even when the power is out), space heater, catalytic camp stove, wood, gas or oil heater, or a gas-fired hot water heater...While the chances of freezing to death in your home are small, there is a greater danger of death by fire, lack of oxygen or carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety is of extreme importance in heating emergencies. Follow these precautions: Do not burn anything larger than a candle inside your home without providing adequate ventilation to the outside. Any type of heater (except electric) should be vented. You can also cross-ventilate by opening a window an inch on each side of the room. It is better to let in some cold air than to run the risk of CO poisoning. Do NOT use a gas or electric oven or surface units for heating. Do not use charcoal inside, even in a fireplace. One person should ALWAYS stay awake to watch for a fire and to make sure ventilation is adequate. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand nearby, just in case. Lots more info on this post, so check it out (link is above). (*I have and recommend a Mr. Buddy or Mr. Big Buddy heater - ~$100 + propane with hose to connect. Can be found on Amazon or at Walmart.)

·         What to Do If the Power Goes Out in the Winter - Great step-by-step to print out now -  http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/winter_lightsout.html

·         How Will You Stay Warm Safely If The Power Goes Out? - http://selfreliance2014.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-will-you-stay-warm-safely-if-power.html

·         6 Emergency Essentials for Surviving 72 Hours Without Power - http://inhabitat.com/6-emergency-essentials-for-surviving-72-hours-without-power/snowed-under/

    1.) Shelter  2.) Heat to cook/warm with  3.) Water  4.) List of everything if you need to grab it and go  

    5.) An assembled preparedness kit including some comfort items  6.) An easy to find 1st Aid kit. 

SUMMER:

1.       50 Tips to Keep Cool When the Power is Out - http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2014/07/08/50-tips-to-keep-cool/ - *Print out now

WATER

Photo Source: http://blog.emergencyoutdoors.com/water-storage-the-basics-to-storing-water-part-ii/

·         Store a 2 week’s supply of water (1 gallon per person per day). Buy 55 gallon barrels, get several 5-6 gallon jugs, or fill up empty soda/juice bottles. Make sure it is food grade plastic, but not milk jugs as they deteriorate too quickly! http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babysteps/step-2-water/

·         Water Saving Tips - *Print out now - When you lose your water supply, you quickly assess what water needs are most important. First off, it’s important to have drinking water. After that, cooking probably takes a close second. Laundry and personal hygiene can take the back burner for a few days, but after that – you need to start figuring out how to make the most out of your stored water. http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2010/10/04/water-saving-tips/

·         Have some flats of water bottles on hand that are easy to grab and put in your trunk or shove in a backpack.

·         You can also rinse out and refill 2-liter soda bottles with water. Rotate water in soda bottles every 6 months. You can recycle the water by watering your garden/house plants/etc.

·         55 Gallon drums filled with water - If you put some bleach in it, you won't have to refill for a few years for drinking.

·         Rain Barrels - Pickle barrels on Craigslist (cheap), turn into a rain barrel and have water for garden, flush toilets , etc.

·         Have something to filter/purify/clean water for when you run out of everything else. I have and recommend the Sawyer Mini and Sawyer 2-Bag Water Filtration Systems on Amazon. Cheap coffee filters work great as a first filter for dirt, twigs, etc. There are bleach tablets, iodine, and other things. You can get a WAPI here: http://www.amazon.com/Sunflair-Water-Pasteurization-Indicator-WAPI/dp/B00F7104EY. This water pasteurization indicator (WAPI) tells you when your water is safe to drink. Suspend the WAPI, wax end up, in a container of water and place in the SUNFLAIR solar oven. The wax inside melts at water pasteurization temperature (149 F). When the wax has melted down to the bottom of the tube, the water is safe to drink. Flip it over and reuse again and again. Ideal for campfires, stove tops, and other methods too!

 FOOD

Photo Source: http://www.theprepperjournal.com/2013/09/21/food-storage-knowing-important-buying-something-new/

 The Power is Out: Cooking with No Electricity - http://selfreliance2014.blogspot.com/2014/11/3b-power-is-out-cooking-with-no.html

·         No-Cook foods - See what you have in your kitchen and pantry. You should always have plenty of food you can eat without having to cook: fruit, cereal, nuts, bread, veggies, crackers, chips, cheese, canned tuna, canned fruit/veggies, dried fruit, sprouts, etc. (Make sure you have at least one extra hand can opener.)

·         Freeze Dried Meals and Dehydrated Meals (easy and quick to prepare) - These need some heating and minimal cooking (ex. Thrive Express meals - http://sclayton.thrivelife.com/parties/index/cms/id/thrive_express/, Mountain House Meals, other food storage company meals, or try and make your own to save money.)

·         Meal in a Bag - Everything you need for one meal in one bag. See the It's In the Bag book or Google for ideas.

·         Alternative cooking fuels - Most are not safe to be used inside your home (BBQ grill, camp stove and propane or butane, etc.). Chafing fuel/Sterno canisters are safe to use indoors to cook.

·         Fuel Efficient Cooking - Solar ovens (can make a cheap one from a car windshield reflector, make one from a box, or buy a fancier one (price range $100-400), Wonder Oven, Thermos (bring to boil, then finish cooking over time), Rocket Stove, Sterno/Chafing Fuel canisters (use for reheating or very quick cooking), Tuna can with homemade fuel, Wood, Pellet Stove, BBQ Grill, Box Oven, Dutch Oven.

·         I would recommend having paper plates/cups/silverware/bowls so you don't have to wash dishes that would use up your water storage quickly. Have at least a week or more worth on hand. On another note, make sure you have a few weeks of pet food too!

LIGHT

Photo Source: http://wallpapershddesktop.com/wallpaper/archives/534/lantern-wallpaper-ikea-flashlight-candle-light-window-evening-night-bokeh-lights

·         Flashlights or battery-operated lanterns w/ lots of extra batteries

·         Wind-up Flashlights, radios, and other things - Many require no batteries. Some can even charge elec. devices.

·         *Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern  - $12-14.95 on Amazon  - http://selfreliance2014.blogspot.com/2014/12/product-recommendation-luci-inflatable.html

·         Oil lanterns

·         Candles - Fire hazard, but an option. Also look into 100 Hour Emergency Candles (liquid) ~$3-4/each; you can get a plastic wind screen to fit on top.  

·         Open your drapes during the day for natural light and to warm the house a little.

COMFORT ITEMS

Photo Source: http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/02/emergency-preparedness-week-8-the-reveal-link-party.html

These are important too!  

·         Chocolate, candies, snacks for little ones and pets too.

·         Board Games/Card Games, Sudoku/Word Find/Crossword Books & Books to read to help pass the time.

·         For Kids: Colored pencils, crayons, coloring book, play dough, matching game, little toys, pacifier, small blanket, etc.

RESOURCES AND BOOKS I RECOMMEND

Great Food Storage/Emergency Preparedness Websites:

·         SelfReliance2014.blogspot.com

·         FoodStorageMadeEasy.net - sign-up for their Free Emergency Checklists (e-mailed every 2 weeks) to get started.

·         EveryDayFoodStorage.net - so many great recipes on her website and in her cookbook below

Great Food Storage Cookbooks/Resource Books:

·         I Can't Believe It's Food Storage: A Simple Step-By-Step Plan forUsing Food Storage To Create Delicious Meals

by: Crystal Godfrey

·         100 Day Pantry: Quick and Easy Gourmet Meals by Jan Jackson

·         It's In The Bag: A New, Easy, Affordable, and Doable Approach toFood Storage by: Michelle & Trent Snow

·        *Start your own binder with printed food storage recipes your family likes or wants to try. On the computer or internet is of no use with no electricity.

·         Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family by: Arthur T. Bradley

·         It's Time To Plan Not Panic: Emergency Evacuation Preparedness andCoping Skills by: Barbara Salsbury

How to prepare for 72 hours without power

How to prepare for 72 hours without power

 http://inhabitat.com/6-emergency-essentials-for-surviving-72-hours-without-power/snowed-under/

Although power failures can be irritating to contend with, they're a lot more tolerable if you've planned (and packed) ahead for the situation. Extreme weather can knock out power for several days, so it's important to have essentials on hand.

-          A camping stove and cooking pots that can double as bowls/pots are vital emergency supplies.

-          Bottled water: Buy at least a few flats of water bottles that are small and easy to grab or throw in a backpack  or in the trunk of your car if you have to leave. You can also refill 2-liter soda bottles with water (rotate every 6 months). It is SO important to have extra water on hand.

-          Write down a list of everything you  need to pack, and then check them off as they go into your bag or container. Most people will have similar items in their preparedness kit, although some may have necessities that others don't. One person might need lip balm and minds, another might need comic books and chocolate almonds...

-          Murphy's Law dictates that accidents will happen at the worst possible time. Keep first aid supplies handy so you don't have to fumble in the dark for things like alcohol swabs or ibuprofen if they're if they're needed during the blackout.

-          If the power is out for a couple of days and there's really nothing you can do about it, take the opportunity to relax and indulge in a good book. The power will be back soon. 

Meeting 4c: Food Storage Inventories

Food Storage Inventory Resources

 How to track what you have, what you use, and remember where you bought it and for what price.

What do you want to inventory?:

      - Short-term food storage items

      - Long-term food storage items

      - Non-food items (ex. paper towels, tp, paper plates/cups, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)

      - Emergency Prep. Inventory of Equipment (ex. dehydrator, solar oven, extra can openers, sterno or other fuel & stoves, etc.)

      - Valuables in your home in case of a house fire or natural disaster. You can include this list in your emergency binder and/or safe or safety deposit box. This is a must for insurance purposes.

      - Location of your food storage and other items on the spreadsheets. You can also add where you have found the best price and what the best price is.

    

A few meal planning food storage ideas:

*FoodStorageMadeEasy.net - 3 month food supply spreadsheet (FREE)

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babysteps/step-3-three-months-of-normal-food/

·         Click to download the worksheet. They also have a great basic tutorial on how to use the worksheet.

·         The spreadsheet also has tabs for "non-food items". The extra tutorial on this website will explain how to use that.

*Watch these awesome videos by Wendy DeWitt!! Seriously, you must if you haven't already! Here is the 1st one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBOyg3t6zdw&list=PLC008D1829032378D. Once you watch this one, it should suggest the next one. There are 9 short videos. She is funny and has great ideas. She is very motivating for me too. Take notes while you watch. She has a great way to plan meals and track that on note cards until you make a master list. 

Different Inventory Options:

*FoodStorageMadeEasy.net - Long-Term Food Storage Calculator Spreadsheet (FREE) http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babysteps/step-4-long-term-food-storage-planning/

·         These are the spreadsheets I use to keep track of what I have. There are tutorials for this one too. You can download the spreadsheet from this page as well (toward the bottom of the post).

*CookingWithMyFoodStorage - Beautiful colored inventory you can print out. She also has lots of recipes and other great things on her website. Definitely check out for a simpler approach to your inventory.

*Stock Up Food - Stockupfood helps you find out how much food storage you need and easily keeps track of what you have. You can set goals too.  (Basic for FREE, nominal fee to customize and inventory non-food options)

http://www.stockupfood.com/

*Android and iPhone apps for your phone or other devices (*Search in your app store for "food storage inventory" , "food storage", or "inventory" for more ideas.)

·         Free Apple apps - *Home Food Storage (Pantry, Prep, or Grocery) App, Expiration Tracker, eFoodStorage (you can scan the barcodes of food you buy), DispensaMini, etc.

·         Free Android apps - Food Storage Assistant, Food Storage Management (scan barcodes and say how many on hand and goal amount), etc.

*Microsoft Excel has various inventory spreadsheets available. Click "New" and type inventory in the search bar. They also have meal planning and grocery shopping spreadsheet templates you can customize OR make your own!!

*AreWeCrazyOrWhat.net - Purchase their Preparedness Planner for $19.99 @ http://arewecrazyorwhat.net/introducing-the-preparedness-planner/ .

Tips:

*Keep your inventories in an easy to access place - inside of pantry door or kitchen cupboard.  Write a date when you last updated your spreadsheet. You can hang a pencil on a string with it so you can update when you used something and need to replace. You can also keep a grocery list nearby that you check before going shopping. If you order anything online, you can keep those receipts in a folder or something until you can add them to your inventory for lbs. (or # of cans, price, and where you bought it). Write down where you are storing things (especially if things are scattered around your house/under beds/in closets/etc.)

*Please share any tips you have with us!

Meeting 4a: Tips for buying food storage and other items in bulk

Erin Benhke shared some great tips on buying food storage and other items in bulk.  Here is what she shared with us:

    Bulk Buying Rules:

1.  Calculate the price-per-unit (Value Tracker for iPhone, and Grocery Tracker for Android or price book)
2. Never buy bulk if you have not used it before
3. Never Bulk Buy Perishable Goods Unless You’re Going to Process All of it Immediately
4. Have a place to store your items already planned
5.   Keep an eye when you are low, so you can replenish before you run out
6.  Bulk buy over time, not all at once 
7.   Split bulk purchases with others if that makes sense 

Places to Look For Bulk Foods:

1.    Amazon Subscribe and Save (five items in one month saves an additional 15%)
2. Amazon (search for bulk), just be sure to add shipping into the price
3. Google search for bulk items (use specific name brands)
4. Wilderness Family Naturals for anything coconut
5. LDS Storehouse (although price check items)
6. Aldi (beats prices on LDS Storehouse on many things)
7. Walton food orders, Montana Wheat food orders
8. Farmer’s Market bulk food section
9. Local farm to buy a cow to split the meat (same for other types of meat)
10. Agri supply or farm store
11. Costco
12. Target online (via Ebates [2.5% back],with their card [5% off & free shipping or store pick up] along with their subscription program [usually 5%]).  

   Items to think about buying in bulk:

1.  Shampoo by the gallon ($39/128oz vs.  $8.39/18oz= about half the price)
2. Conditioner by the gallon
3. Laundry soap
4. Toilet paper
5.  Paper
6.  Pens and pencils
7.  Toothbrushes
8.  Coconut oil
9.  Towels
10. Canned goods (larger sizes vs. smaller ones)
11.  Freeze dried food
12. Grains and beans
13.  Freezer bags, disposable baking pans
14.  Silverware (from Ikea)
15. Small appliances (group buy)
16. Almost anything can be bought at wholesale when you buy enough!

     Tips Shared by those who were in attendance:

1. (Will Be updated Soon)

Meeting 4b: Long-term Food Storage How-to

Long-term Food Storage

Can anyone tell me the difference between long-term and short-term food storage?

-        

              - Short-term food is usually highly processed (boxed meals), stored in liquid (canned goods) or has a high fat content.  It needs to be used and rotated regularly. 

-      

               -Long-term food is usually dried, dehydrated, or freeze dried.  The majority of long-term, if stored properly, can be stored indefinitely.

Short-term food storage ranges from 6 months- 18 months when it comes to shelf life.  One thing to remember about canned goods, as long as they are not dented, rusted or damaged, they can last up to 5 years.  The quality will probably not be as good but they are still edible!

There are several long-term food items that can last indefinitely.  It’s all about how they are stored.  The five things to keep in mind when storing food are:

Oxygen- conditions to enhance the growth of microorganisms.

Moisture- Excessive moisture can result deterioration and spoilage by creating an environment with which bacteria can grow and chemical reactions can take place.

Light- Exposure to light can result in the deterioration of fats, proteins, and vitamins.

Temperature- Excessive temperature fluctuations are damaging to food storage.  With increased temperature, proteins breakdown and vitamins are destroyed.  The color, flavor and odor will be affected.  To enhance shelf life, your food should be stored at or below room temperature; never in your attic or garage.

Pests- If insects or mice get into your food storage they will not only contaminate your food storage but can expose you food storage to moisture, light and oxygen.

Storage Containers:

#10 cans

Pros:

-Great for storing in small places.

- Sturdy and airtight

-Can store in pantry.

-Smaller amount of food to use up once opened.

-Keeps food safe from insects and rodents.

Cons:

-Can rust when exposed to water.

-Need a special tool to seal the lids on.

Mylar bags

Pros:

-Least expensive food storing option.

-They are airtight and keep moisture out of food.

- Great to use as a second shield in buckets.

-Easily sealed.

Cons:

-Mice can chew through them.

- Can be easily punctured, so not as sturdy.

Buckets  

Pros:

-Great for bulk food storage.

-The keep mice and other animals out of your food.

-Protects from moisture.

-Reusable.

- Stackable, so great for storing.

-Easily sealed.

Cons:

-Hard to open and reseal.

- Must use food grade plastic.

- Can be most expensive option.

-Overtime oxygen and other gasses can travel through the plastic.

You can do ‘Super Pails,’ which are buckets lined with Mylar bags.  These are the most expensive option but will last the longest!

Removing Oxygen:

There are 3 ways to remove the oxygen from your containers when storing you food long-term.

Oxygen Absorbers

Pros:

-Simple and easy to use.

-Can be stored easily.

-Fairly inexpensive.  Most Mylar bags come with oxygen absorbers.

-Best for Mylar bags and #10 cans.

Cons:

-If used in plastic buckets it causes air to flow through the pores of the buckets faster.

-You will most likely not be able to replant your grains.  The seeds will die without oxygen.

Dry Ice

Pros:

-Least expensive option.

-Great for using in buckets.

Cons:

-Can burn you if not handled properly.

-Can be harder to store.

-Cannot use in Mylar bags or #10 cans.

How-To:

When using oxygen absorbers you will need 2000 cc for 5 gallon Mylar bags and 300 cc for 1 gallon Mylar bags and #10 cans.  When sealing a Mylar bag you can use a clothing iron or a hair straightener.  When sealing the bag you will need to leave 1-2 inches unsealed to place your oxygen absorber.  If placing the Mylar is a bucket you will want to leave 4-6 inches from the top of the bucket to make placing the lid easier. Once you have placed the oxygen absorber and sealed the Mylar closed, if in a bucket leave overnight to allow oxygen absorption.  If sealing just the Mylar bag lay it out flat over night.  When using #10 cans place the oxygen absorber at the top of the can, place lid and use canner to seal.

You can use a hair straightner or iron if you do not have the Mylar bag sealer.

2000 cc oxygen absorbers

Wheat being stored in 'super pails.'

When using dry ice you will need ¼ lb of dry ice for every 5 gallon bucket. You will want to place a little bit of grain on the bottom and then place in your dry ice, fill to the top. You will place the lid on the bucket but not sealed.  After 3-4 hours you will come back and snap the lid on tight.  Come back in a few more hours to see if they are bulging.  If they are, you will ‘burp’ the bucket by pulling up one side and gases escape and then seal bucket.

Your goal should be to cycle through your food storage every 5 years.  This can be accomplished by learning to use every item you store and using it out a daily basis!  

Recommendation- Tick Key

 

At the last meeting a recommendation was given for a tick key. The Tick Key is used to safely and quickly remove ticks.  They are great to have in a 72 hour kit, a car kit or even just on your car keys.  They can be found at several different stores and online.

Product Recommendation - Luci inflatable Solar Lantern (no batteries needed!!)

Do you worry that if you needed to use your batteries in an emergency that you might run out? I worry about it all of the time. Sure we have flashlights with batteries in them, but by the time we need to use them, will they still be working. I heard somewhere you should have at minimum enough batteries to give each flashlight/headlamp/etc. 3 cycles of batteries each. So, if one flashlight needs 2-4, you'll need 6-12 batteries for that one flashlight + enough for your others. This is a minimum. More is always better. Anyway, check this out...

Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern - Amazon.com $12-14.95/each

This solar power lantern is awesome! I did a lot of research online and stumbled up it. It was between this and the LuminAid. Luci won because it rated better. Here's what I like about the Luci:

- Solar powered (It has a handle on both sides, so you can carry it, or attach that to the outside of your backpack and it will charge while you are out camping/hiking/doing whatever.) 

- Inflatable and Packable (takes up no space when deflated)

- Rechargeable (I recharge mine by having it deflated and inbetween my blinds and the window so it is always charging and ready until I need it) and I know right where to find it! 

- Waterproof Lantern (Fine to use in the rain, on a boat, etc.)

- Maintenance free

- It is light (My kids drop flashlights and lanterns all of the time, sometimes they stop working because of it. This won't. That's awesome! 

**Here is a great Q & A on the Luci website to answer any additional questions you have about it: https://www.mpowerd.com/frequently-asked-questions-and-information-booklets

This would make a great night light! No fire risk or use of expensive batteries

This would be a great addition to a car kit! I know our flashlights are always dead when we need them to change a tire or something. We always have to whip out a phone and that's not as helpful sometimes. Our goal is to have one in each 72 hour kit so we'll always have a light source. At this price, that is doable. 

When else could you see this as being helpful?

*I am not a paid endorser of this product. I just bought one and love it, so I wanted to share with others a neat product that would be great in an emergency or non-emergency situation that isn't too expensive.*