what did you do this week to prepare

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Originally Posted by grokh5499

Ms B. have your tried that brand? I haven't tried that brand and was wondering if you actually like them.

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I tried a couple of free samples Wise sent me as a promotion last year. Liked them but didn't buy any until now. The price is right, the sealed bucket to hold it all is a great idea and I love the fact that I can forget about it for +-25yrs. Rotating is fine but can be a pita with my type of setup where it's not easy to get to stuff.

The only negative I see with this type of food is that the sodium content is excetionally high; (that's why it tastes good) but in a SHTF scenario that'll be the least of your problems.

Picked up some tether cord & mini sol lights from County Comm
new to me Randall #15 Airmen knife (Awesome Blade)
MH & Coleman meals
Misc First Aid supplies
3k of Zombie ammo (never enough)
4 HP Streamlights for mounting on AR's

Purging 3 bedroom house full of crap to fit into a small cabin, again. That has to count for some type of preparedness!

Yes that does and a job it is.......
Spent some time yesterday cleaning out and checking water collection system on the taj ma shed....cleaned and flushed both barrels, bleached, and flushed again.....transferred 50 gal from collection drum to pump equipped drum, flushed water heater, and lines....made sure mice hadn't eaten wiring.

Installed solar shed light, started up 4 wheelers, gen sets and mowers......needed battery service on a couple of units........

It has come to my attention that the more stuff you have the more time and money is needed to keep up with it all..........

That's what I love about cabin dwelling. You only can keep something if it is really, really important, and you can find a space to put it. Cuts down on the detritus of life.

Hunter, I looked in my 55 gallon water barrel and it looked clean. Do you think I should bleach it out before using it for drinking water? It was about 1/3 of the way full and I would hate to waste that water since I am hauling it in by 5 gallon jugs. I also put a board over the top. Wouldn't want any varmints falling in. They tend to try to come inside when it gets cold.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...16338378_n.jpg

Actually it looks just like the ones I use, but I'm getting my water for this system from the shed roof and gutter system.

I wouldn't think it would have near the problems of keeping it clean as I do, mine being out side and all.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...3/PICT0082.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...3/PICT0066.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y13...3/PICT0065.jpg

As long as the water is clean when you put it in the drum,.....should stay that way, I think you are good to go.

Would you think electrical that close to water should be GFI? I am pretty sure thats building code around these parts, all outdoor outlets and any near a sink are that way for years now.

Nice setup H. We just sit buckets in the corners of the valleys and collect that way.
I need to set up something like this that will reach the garden.

What is this "building code" of which you speak? Bwahahahhaaaa!

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Originally Posted by 1stimestar

What is this "building code" of which you speak? Bwahahahhaaaa!

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Building Codes, Alaskans don't need no stinking Building Codes.

Yeah well, there 'really" isn't any electricity in the shed either......that's just an illusion.....besides my electric company guy says that the fog in the valley trips the GFI anyway....if you know what I mean......Thats when the mice don't chew the wires.

Oh yeah, you can take as long of shower as you want....but you will only have 2-1/2 gal of hot water.......

moved some of our preps to the mag leaders house,, we are going to be staying there for awhile while things get changed ... tightening up and tweaking tomorrow and creating soup mixes for the stash..

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Originally Posted by 1stimestar

Hunter, I looked in my 55 gallon water barrel and it looked clean. Do you think I should bleach it out before using it for drinking water? It was about 1/3 of the way full and I would hate to waste that water since I am hauling it in by 5 gallon jugs.

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Hey 1TS, think about getting a 12V RV waterpump. You can plug it into the electric of your vehicle and pump water directly from one tank to the other. No hauling of 5gal containers at 50 pounds each.

I once had a system like yours/hunter's only with 2 barrels outside and one inside, one barrel stayed empty for the transport duty. Even a plastic garbage can would work for the hauling. 150 gallons would last me 2-3 weeks.

I pumped from my spring into barrel #1, transported and placed in tower tank #2. The whole system gravity fed from there.

I found that my Zodi shower unit would give a very good shower on 2 gallons of water. Soak down, lather up, spray off and you are good for another month!

You want to learn how a shower unit works take it to a rondy mid summer in TN! I know exactly how many showers you can get from a single 1# propane can, how much water it takes for shower/hair washing (as seperate or continuious activities) and the exact temperature it needs to be to prevent the Misses from smacking you up side of the head when she comes out of that little tent!

1stimestar - unless you know for sure - I would recommend disinfecting the barrel.

Mine get doused with chlorine from time to time....just did that.....These weren't made to drink but for the shower.
Shower started with "The hanging solar bag", moved to the Zolar, in the location the present set up is in.....slanted roof was to clear the propane Zolar heater....(you can't shut it off, or it will over heat, so in between hose and nozzle get dropped back in bucket to recirculate).

My Zolar pump was powered by 4 D-cells, and was self contained.

The progression from the "pump in the bucket" to "pump in the drum"...12 volt sprayer pump (w/addaptor from 120 to 12 v)with pressure shut off, shut off nozzle, pump would shut down(shut off not working right now)....water from drum with long hose..but still used the Zolar heater......

Next moved to the electric water heater, w/out mixing valve.......worked well and still does very well.
You can see the shower curtains that closed off the "shower porch"

I used to transport water from neighbors pump and fill the drum.....then added the rain catchment gutters.

Didn't use it last year, so had to do the service work, and make sure it still was working well.

My transport drum went with the Zolar kit and was sold to the neighbor to the east.....he hasn't used it yet.

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Originally Posted by Jimmyq

Would you think electrical that close to water should be GFI? I am pretty sure thats building code around these parts, all outdoor outlets and any near a sink are that way for years now.

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The switch in the pic is 12v and is in a Bell box now, runs the pump.......yeah does look odd.....

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Originally Posted by kyratshooter

Hey 1TS, think about getting a 12V RV waterpump. You can plug it into the electric of your vehicle and pump water directly from one tank to the other. No hauling of 5gal containers at 50 pounds each.

I once had a system like yours/hunter's only with 2 barrels outside and one inside, one barrel stayed empty for the transport duty. Even a plastic garbage can would work for the hauling. 150 gallons would last me 2-3 weeks.

I pumped from my spring into barrel #1, transported and placed in tower tank #2. The whole system gravity fed from there.

I found that my Zodi shower unit would give a very good shower on 2 gallons of water. Soak down, lather up, spray off and you are good for another month!

You want to learn how a shower unit works take it to a rondy mid summer in TN! I know exactly how many showers you can get from a single 1# propane can, how much water it takes for shower/hair washing (as seperate or continuious activities) and the exact temperature it needs to be to prevent the Misses from smacking you up side of the head when she comes out of that little tent!

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I thought about an actual tank that could just ride around in the back of my 4 runner and one of those little pumps. My main problem with that is that in the winter, my back window doesn't work. I think it needs a new switch. But yea, I will be looking into the pump because these stairs are steep to haul water up and it's only going to be more difficult after it snows.
http://cloud9doula.files.wordpress.c...pg?w=420&h=315

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Originally Posted by crashdive123

1stimestar - unless you know for sure - I would recommend disinfecting the barrel.

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Yea, I've pretty much resigned myself to add bleach to existing water, use it for cleaning and run it out. Then start with fresh water that I can be sure of.

Here's my old shower set up. I also belonged to the gym and took most of my showers there.
http://cloud9doula.files.wordpress.c...3/img_2423.jpg

The transfer pump i use to pump one drum to the other, is actually a 120 v pump for emptying water beds.....
Now if you were to pull up as close as you can, drop a hose in the drum in the truck, then plug in in the house, transferring the water to your inside tank.

Before gutters, I hauled a drum in a trailer behind the 4 wheeler, then transfer it with that pump....like this one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt...ump-94639.html

Mine is 120 volts, this one is 12 volt so could plug into vechical to load and un load water.

Funny on how little water you use in a shower....if you have to haul it 5 gal at a time....LOl

Hunter, gotcha.

1stimer, cool, I think I have 3 of those 5 gallon showers and a one gallon one for backpacking, they have been handy in years past for a warm cleanse of camp funk.

Well I got my Jeep running, (Electrical issue). I picked up 3 more five gallon water containers for water storage. bought more ammo.

Prepping as a state = good.

Remote Alaska to stockpile food, just in case

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska is known for pioneering, self-reliant residents who are accustomed to remote locations and harsh weather. Despite that, Gov. Sean Parnell worries a major earthquake or volcanic eruption could leave the state's 720,000 residents stranded and cut off from food and supply lines. His answer: Build giant warehouses full of emergency food and supplies, just in case.

For some in the lower 48, it may seem like an extreme step. But Parnell says this is just Alaska.

In many ways, the state is no different than the rest of America. Most people buy their groceries at stores, and rely on a central grid for power and heat. But, unlike the rest of the lower 48, help isn't a few miles away. When a fall storm cut off Nome from its final fuel supply last winter, a Russian tanker spent weeks breaking through thick ice to reach the remote town.

Weather isn't the only thing that can wreak havoc in Alaska, where small planes are a preferred mode of transportation and the drive from Seattle to Juneau requires a ferry ride and 38 hours in a car. The state's worst natural disaster was in 1964, when a magnitude-9.2 earthquake and resulting tsunami killed 131 people and disrupted electrical systems, water mains and communication lines in Anchorage and other cities.

"We have a different motivation to do this, because help is a long ways away," said John Madden, Alaska's emergency management director.

The state plans two food stockpiles in or near Fairbanks and Anchorage, two cities that also have military bases. Construction on the two storage facilities will begin this fall, and the first food deliveries are targeted for December. The goal is to have enough food to feed 40,000 people for up to a week, including three days of ready-to-eat meals and four days of bulk food that can be prepared and cooked for large groups. To put that number into perspective, Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, has about 295,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and Juneau, its third largest, about 31,000.


Read the rest of the story here:

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-...d-just-in-case

I started up both generators and let them run for a few minutes, filled up a bunch of gas cans along with 5 gallons of kerosene.

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Originally Posted by Wildthang

I started up both generators and let them run for a few minutes, filled up a bunch of gas cans along with 5 gallons of kerosene.

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While starting them ensures that the engine runs - plug something in to them to make sure the generator part is still working.

Yeah, and make sure it not surging with volt meter.

Started the small 2.5k gen set in shed last week, old gas, started up but would only run on have choke, light plugged in bright /dim, bright/dim.....
Drain it out (did have Stable in it)....freash gas and ran just fine.....
Left it run for 1/2 hour.

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Originally Posted by crashdive123

While starting them ensures that the engine runs - plug something in to them to make sure the generator part is still working.

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I have a generator receptacle on my pole barn that back feeds into the house and barn electrical system, so I just open the main breaker in the pole barn panel, and let the generator run the pole barn lights and whatever else is on at the time. So I did do a load test as well.
My pole barn is super insulated and heated, so even in the winter, it never gets below 45 degrees. This keeps the gas in my generators and motorcycle from the moisture and temperature changes that happens in a noninsulated building, so gasoline with stanilizer lasts a very long time in there.

Well, I wrapped a few more things with orange duct tape. I dropped by the local CAP ranch st sqore and found a deal on an orange beenie and vest (the old ones were pretty old). I finished the set up on what I think will be my new primary knife).
Oh, I stopped by thr trading post and bought some snakeshot for my new 22LR Mare's Leg...I was meaning to do it, but it kept skipping my mind.
I have been having a running argument with a really old buddy of mine about my basic first aid kit...its a long story...I've got some more advanced stuff coming
(Amazon), cause if I don't, he's not going to shut his mouth.
God bless him...

Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Bulk up that 1st aid kit!

Canned and canned and canned this past weekend. Tomatoes, jam and apple sauce. Still need to do beets and some other veggies. I also bought a 22lr pistol hopefully will shoot this coming weekend.

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Originally Posted by wareagle69

for what ever lies ahead, i want this thread to get thousands of posts and veiws i would like everyone every week to say what they have done no matter how big or small, did you store one more bag of beans or did you purchase the 30,000 dollar wind and solar package or like me i started at a new church this week first time in a long time and i am not religous and this is a non denominational church but it is full of folks who are farmers and such so for me it is about networking and bartering with my plumbing and heating background i can possibly trade offf some of these skills for a calf or someting like that
so what did you do this week to prepare?

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Newbie novice,I've joined the forum and started reading up on all the great ideas here so I can get started. Wow so much to learn. Appreciate any pointers. What should i focus on first

I dusted off my pressure cooker to cook some rice in a hurry for my daughter who is sick only to have my presto pressure interlock assembly gasket break when I went to put it all together. So everyone get out your pressure cookers if you haven't used them for a while and check your rubber! And buy extra so you won't be stuck in the middle of a bad situation frustrated that your gaskets won't seal because they have dried out!

http://www.pressurecooker-outlet.com...interlocks.htm

Good advice. I know that several members use the All American Pressure Cooker/Canner that does not use a gasket.

did a last minute 2 night camp out with my son this weekend, BOB's with a few extra groceries. had fun and did fine, he didnt know it wasnt just a last minute camping trip :) Attachment 8264

In a couple of weeks Mr. B and I will be taking a six hour "Boots On The Ground" course on Basic Wilderness Survival. (gotta start somewhere)

Here's a description of what we're supposed to learn:

SHELTER - A debris hut, works in 90% of the wilderness and is 90% effective in most weather. Learn how to build it. Just one of the many survival shelters.
WATER - Simply - location and purification
FIRE - ‘Fire-by-friction’ is truly a great skill to have. Fire keeps us warm, cooks our food, guides us through the dark and keeps us company.
FOOD - Learn some of the resources out in the wilds, whether it be plant or animal.
PLANTS/TREES - WE will discuss some of the medicinal and utilitarian uses of the plant life around us.
PRIMITIVE SKILLS - These are the skills one must learn while in the bush. Example - cordage, proper knife techniques, baskets, traps, etc...
TRACKING - Patterns, sign tracking, and the science of ‘pressure releases’.
AWARENESS - Nature observation, meditation, concentric rings of communication.
MOVEMENT - Learn to be stealth. Stalking, Fox Walk, Weasel Walk, and more!

So excited!!!

A bit about the school:
http://money.cnn.com/video/smallbusi...ney/?iid=HP_LN
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/28/ar...n+scout&st=cse

That is pretty cool, I guess I wondered about stuff like this in the cities........Good on you.

How did you find it?

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Originally Posted by hunter63

That is pretty cool, I guess I wondered about stuff like this in the cities........Good on you.

How did you find it?

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Didn't even know this school existed until one of those Groupon deals showed up on my radar.
They have enough stuff to keep me busy for a long time. At least now I don't have to fly to South Dakota to practice.

I hear ya......Very cool, should be fun.

I watch the paper, seems a lot of outdoor programs at the local museum, library and wildlife areas......mostly for kids, but take how I good hooked up with the archaeological society.

Checked out the Groupon deal....giving it a try....Thanks

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Originally Posted by BENESSE

In a couple of weeks Mr. B and I will be taking a six hour "Boots On The Ground" course on Basic Wilderness Survival. (gotta start somewhere)

Here's a description of what we're supposed to learn:

SHELTER - A debris hut, works in 90% of the wilderness and is 90% effective in most weather. Learn how to build it. Just one of the many survival shelters.
WATER - Simply - location and purification
FIRE - ‘Fire-by-friction’ is truly a great skill to have. Fire keeps us warm, cooks our food, guides us through the dark and keeps us company.
FOOD - Learn some of the resources out in the wilds, whether it be plant or animal.
PLANTS/TREES - WE will discuss some of the medicinal and utilitarian uses of the plant life around us.
PRIMITIVE SKILLS - These are the skills one must learn while in the bush. Example - cordage, proper knife techniques, baskets, traps, etc...
TRACKING - Patterns, sign tracking, and the science of ‘pressure releases’.
AWARENESS - Nature observation, meditation, concentric rings of communication.
MOVEMENT - Learn to be stealth. Stalking, Fox Walk, Weasel Walk, and more!

So excited!!!

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Oh my God, now Nessie will be able to sneak up on us:scared: But seriously, good for you girl!