How prepared are you for a disaster?

[jack sparrow]

It's likely that most of us don't live below sea level, so the chances of experiencing a disaster like NO is very slim, but is anyone prepared for a freak storm/blackout like the one that happened in 2002? I wasnt here, so I don't know what was said or how it was discussed.

I have a 7000w generator that I can plug into a 10 circuit manual switchbox (7 of which I have wired to key circuits), 15 gallons of fresh gas, lots of canned food, a full LP tank for my grill, several flashlights and a shitload of batteries. I always keep at least two cases of bottled water on hand as well.

Any thoughts?

 

[1_more_rep]

damn jack you sound really ready for an emergency. We have a few flashlights (most of which don't work) and some cans of food. Not much else though. But here in southern ca whats the worst that can happen? biggest threat for us is a big quake (we're too far from the ocean - about 30 min drive)

 

[seizer]

I stash an indian cheif in my toolbox just incase I need someone to help me survive. His name is Cheif John Cherooke, and ironically, he prefers suzuki to jeep.

 

[Sub-Zero]

i carry wetwipes incase public toilets dont have TP

 

[ziggyziggy]

It's likely that most of us don't live below sea level, so the chances of experiencing a disaster like NO is very slim, but is anyone prepared for a freak storm/blackout like the one that happened in 2002? I wasnt here, so I don't know what was said or how it was discussed.

I have a 7000w generator that I can plug into a 10 circuit manual switchbox (7 of which I have wired to key circuits), 15 gallons of fresh gas, lots of canned food, a full LP tank for my grill, several flashlights and a shitload of batteries. I always keep at least two cases of bottled water on hand as well.

Any thoughts?

I have made similar preparations. 40 days of MRE's, 4 cases of water, flashlights and extra batteries (including flashlights that use a capacitor and magnet to charge), Iodine tabs for water, various firearms and ammunition, handheld shortwave radio, 4500 watt generator, waterproof and cold weather clothing (bivywear), sleeping bags, air mattresses, slow burning candles and waterproof matches, and a shitload of porn (and extra socks of course ).

I'm going to be a hell of a lot better off than my neighbors if we get hit in DC.

Zig

 

[foreigngirl]

I have matchboxes and cans of veggies

 

[SoKlueles]

in 1993 i dont know if any of you remember
the south was covered in snow....like 20 inches or something....and noone was prepared for it. The only heat i had and my then 2 year old son was with me and i was pregnant, we used a gas grill for heating and cooking until we could dig out

 

[jack sparrow]

I have made similar preparations. 40 days of MRE's, 4 cases of water, flashlights and extra batteries (including flashlights that use a capacitor and magnet to charge), Iodine tabs for water, various firearms and ammunition, handheld shortwave radio, 4500 watt generator, waterproof and cold weather clothing (bivywear), sleeping bags, air mattresses, slow burning candles and waterproof matches, and a shitload of porn (and extra socks of course ).

I'm going to be a hell of a lot better off than my neighbors if we get hit in DC.

Zig

I forgot to include my Kimbers and my Cor Bon. I also have a Sportcat 180 scanner along with heavy winter clothing and 4 sleeping bags that would keep you warm in Alaska.

I need to burn my porn on a more stable medium though...thanks for the tip!

 

[nycgirl]

I have made similar preparations. 40 days of MRE's, 4 cases of water, flashlights and extra batteries (including flashlights that use a capacitor and magnet to charge), Iodine tabs for water, various firearms and ammunition, handheld shortwave radio, 4500 watt generator, waterproof and cold weather clothing (bivywear), sleeping bags, air mattresses, slow burning candles and waterproof matches, and a shitload of porn (and extra socks of course ).

I'm going to be a hell of a lot better off than my neighbors if we get hit in DC.

Zig

There will likely be an unofficial EF D.C. Meet-up @ Zig's house when all of this happens.

Oh, you are a lot more prepared than I am. As of right now my plans involve hoping on a train heading to NYC. Yes, I know. I should know better (especially after experience Hurricane Isabel).

Due to the Katrina Disaster, I started thinking about this last week. Actually, I am going to use my next grocery delivery to stock up on canned goods, bottled water, etc.

 

[ziggyziggy]

I forgot to include my Kimbers and my Cor Bon. I also have a Sportcat 180 scanner along with heavy winter clothing and 4 sleeping bags that would keep you warm in Alaska.

I need to burn my porn on a more stable medium though...thanks for the tip!

Firearms are a necessity during a disaster. How else are you going to keep people from looting your stockpile?

Zig

 

[jack sparrow]

in 1993 i dont know if any of you remember
the south was covered in snow....like 20 inches or something....and noone was prepared for it. The only heat i had and my then 2 year old son was with me and i was pregnant, we used a gas grill for heating and cooking until we could dig out

I remember I was in Virginia in 95 and 5 inches shut down the state...but damn, 20"? I don't remember that one...sounds like a total drag.

 

[HumorMe]

What state do you live in JacK?

 

[jack sparrow]

What state do you live in JacK?

I live outside of Detroit MI. I was in the middle of the 2002 blackout with my pants down. If it wasnt for my sister who had the full gambit of backup scenarios, I would have been in bad shape.

Live and learn I guess.

 

[nycgirl]

Firearms are a necessity during a disaster. How else are you going to keep people from looting your stockpile?

Zig

Never mind about the unofficial EF meet-up @ Zig's place. He may confuse me with one of his "neighbors" in the hood and shoot me.

I need to think of an alternative plan.

 

[needtogetaas]

like y2k

 

[HumorMe]

Right now, Hurricane Ophelia is knocking at my door in SC. Don't really know where she is going and the meterologists don't seem to know either. Will just have to watch and wait.

Going to Sams tomorrow and stock up on some essentials though just in case. I have a few things I keep around but I need to replenish my supplies of batteries. Seems the kids electronics eat those thing up pretty fast.

I think if I was you, I would look at maybe storing some more gas or maybe cycle the gas in and out of the containers regularly to prevent it from losing its effectiveness. Generators really eat that stuff up quickly.

I'm looking at one of those whole house generators but I live about 70 miles inland from the beach and usually we don't get too much damage except Hurricane Hugo passed right over us and tore us up pretty bad in 1989.

I really need to be better about being prepared. I do have a basement though and used it during Hugo. My parents were without services for about 3-4 weeks during Hugo.

Sounds like you were a Boy Scout.

 

[ziggyziggy]

There will likely be an unofficial EF D.C. Meet-up @ Zig's house when all of this happens.

Oh, you are a lot more prepared than I am. As of right now my plans involve hoping on a train heading to NYC. Yes, I know. I should know better (especially after experience Hurricane Isabel).

Due to the Katrina Disaster, I started thinking about this last week. Actually, I am going to use my next grocery delivery to stock up on canned goods, bottled water, etc.

Ass, gas, or cash, girl. Nobody rides for free..............

Zig

 

[jack sparrow]

Right now, Hurricane Ophelia is knocking at my door in SC. Don't really know where she is going and the meterologists don't seem to know either. Will just have to watch and wait.

Going to Sams tomorrow and stock up on some essentials though just in case. I have a few things I keep around but I need to replenish my supplies of batteries. Seems the kids electronics eat those thing up pretty fast.

I think if I was you, I would look at maybe storing some more gas or maybe cycle the gas in and out of the containers regularly to prevent it from losing its effectiveness. Generators really eat that stuff up quickly.

I'm looking at one of those whole house generators but I live about 70 miles inland from the beach and usually we don't get too much damage except Hurricane Hugo passed right over us and tore us up pretty bad in 1989.

I really need to be better about being prepared. I do have a basement though and used it during Hugo. My parents were without services for about 3-4 weeks during Hugo.

Sounds like you were a Boy Scout.

Nah, not a boy scout, I just suffered the 2002 blackout and didn't realize how much I relied on free electrons.

Far as the gas goes, I recently used up the 15 gallons I had labeled from last August, 5 gallons per half tank at a time in my truck. I refilled them and used Sta-Bil treatment again. My truck ran fine too.

As far as the whole house generators go...it might cost you more money than its worth, for example, the 10 circuit manual switchbox that I have allows you to go from line to generator on any given circuit...sump, television, kitchen etc. so whatever you aren't using, you can switch it to the neutral position or dont use anything on that circuit.

I think I paid like 400 bones for the switchbox and exterior 30A plug, and wired it into the house myself in a few hours.

 

[needtogetaas]

Nah, not a boy scout, I just suffered the 2002 blackout and didn't realize how much I relied on free electrons.

Far as the gas goes, I recently used up the 15 gallons I had labeled from last August, 5 gallons per half tank at a time in my truck. I refilled them and used Sta-Bil treatment again. My truck ran fine too.

As far as the whole house generators go...it might cost you more money than its worth, for example, the 10 circuit manual switchbox that I have allows you to go from line to generator on any given circuit...sump, television, kitchen etc. so whatever you aren't using, you can switch it to the neutral position or dont use anything on that circuit.

I think I paid like 400 bones for the switchbox and exterior 30A plug, and wired it into the house myself in a few hours.

 

[HumorMe]

Nah, not a boy scout, I just suffered the 2002 blackout and didn't realize how much I relied on free electrons.

Far as the gas goes, I recently used up the 15 gallons I had labeled from last August, 5 gallons per half tank at a time in my truck. I refilled them and used Sta-Bil treatment again. My truck ran fine too.

As far as the whole house generators go...it might cost you more money than its worth, for example, the 10 circuit manual switchbox that I have allows you to go from line to generator on any given circuit...sump, television, kitchen etc. so whatever you aren't using, you can switch it to the neutral position or dont use anything on that circuit.

I think I paid like 400 bones for the switchbox and exterior 30A plug, and wired it into the house myself in a few hours.

That is pretty neat. I will look into that. I don't know squat about electricity though so I would hire someone to install that. I can flip breakers and stuff and install minor sockets and switches but after that, I value life too much.

I did work with 220 the other day (took out a drop in oven and installed a free standing one) and I was real nervous but it went off without a hitch but you can bet I made sure my smoke alarm batteries were working before I went to bed.

I am going to update my supplies this weekend because of this thread. Thanks man.

 

[SoKlueles]

I remember I was in Virginia in 95 and 5 inches shut down the state...but damn, 20"? I don't remember that one...sounds like a total drag.

lol yeah it was awful, we went to bed and we had power....i had clothes in the washing machine(they ended up staying in water for 2 weeks)
we woke up with no power and snow up to the windows......was awful

 

[jack sparrow]

That is pretty neat. I will look into that. I don't know squat about electricity though so I would hire someone to install that. I can flip breakers and stuff and install minor sockets and switches but after that, I value life too much.

I did work with 220 the other day (took out a drop in oven and installed a free standing one) and I was real nervous but it went off without a hitch but you can bet I made sure my smoke alarm batteries were working before I went to bed.

I am going to update my supplies this weekend because of this thread. Thanks man.

No prob bud...never hurts to be prepared. I work with electrical, so it was right up my alley. If you are even a bit unsure, ask or hire someone that does it for a living. Most people get hurt from house current (110V) than any other voltage.

And good luck with Ophilia maing.

 

[ziggyziggy]

Never mind about the unofficial EF meet-up @ Zig's place. He may confuse me with one of his "neighbors" in the hood and shoot me.

I need to think of an alternative plan.

Somehow I doubt that.

By the way....... ouch, that hurt

Zig

 

[nycgirl]

Somehow I doubt that.

By the way....... ouch, that hurt

Zig

I'm sorry. I was trying to be funny. I know you aren't like that.

BTW, I will start stocking up on some cash. I doubt I will be able to bring gas on the metro. As of right now, ass is out of the question.

 

[ziggyziggy]

I'm sorry. I was trying to be funny. I know you aren't like that.

BTW, I will start stocking up on some cash. I doubt I will be able to bring gas on the metro. As of right now, ass is out of the question.

We'll work something out......

If you could get here, you'd be welcome.

Zig

 

[jack sparrow]

On more quick note on this thread:

Anyone considering buying a generator, get a Honda...not a Coleman with a Honda motor, but a genuine Honda generator with a Honda motor marketed by Honda. They are the quietest, most fuel efficient portable generators money can buy.

(Don't flame me here, Honda really is a good product.)

 

[ziggyziggy]

And for the perfect home defense shotgun, I highly recommend the Benelli model M4, with a Trijicon reflex optic, loaded with 3" magnum slugs.

Zig

 

[jack sparrow]

And for the perfect home defense shotgun, I highly recommend the Benelli model M4, with a Trijicon reflex optic, loaded with 3" magnum slugs.

Zig

A Remington 870 Express Magnum loaded with 9 pellet 00 buck probably wouldn't let you down either.

Not saying I have any of that stuff or anything

 

[ziggyziggy]

A Remington 870 Express Magnum loaded with 9 pellet 00 buck probably wouldn't let you down either.

Not saying I have any of that stuff or anything

I have some additional long weapons if it comes down to ranged combat. But I'm not going to get into that here.

Zig

 

[Razorguns]

It's likely that most of us don't live below sea level, so the chances of experiencing a disaster like NO is very slim, but is anyone prepared for a freak storm/blackout like the one that happened in 2002? I wasnt here, so I don't know what was said or how it was discussed.

I have a 7000w generator that I can plug into a 10 circuit manual switchbox (7 of which I have wired to key circuits), 15 gallons of fresh gas, lots of canned food, a full LP tank for my grill, several flashlights and a shitload of batteries. I always keep at least two cases of bottled water on hand as well.

Any thoughts?

I don't need all that shit. If it's not a life-threatening disaster in which all the preperation in the world is futile as an individual aspect...

I'll just go outside, grab a guitar, some food and chill. People for thousands of years survived quite fine w/o electricity, tv's, cars, etc. It won't kill me to live w/o the "essentials" for a bit.

Floods, Meteors, Earthquakes, etc. -- well, can't exactly prepare myself for that. If it happens, it happens.

 

[Judo Tom]

also think about a plan to rescue or get to some of your loved ones who might not be living with you if a disaster happened. you might have to protect more than just the people living in your household or your household may be destroyed and you would have to become mobile.

im paranoid...

 

[ziggyziggy]

also think about a plan to rescue or get to some of your loved ones who might not be living with you if a disaster happened. you might have to protect more than just the people living in your household or your household may be destroyed and you would have to become mobile.

im paranoid...

I have made contingency plans for that possibility. "Fortune favors the prepared."

Zig

 

[GoldenDelicious]

depends on the disaster. there are all manner of boats, all terrain vehicles, generators and weapons in the family, and all of us are very able. flooding would be next to impossible, since it would take at least a 25 foot surge on top of the largest tide of the year to even get my toes wet, and the lower level of the house is built like a bomb shelter. im sure it would be fine