Disaster Ready

**Stress_Test** · 02-28-2021, 07:22 PM

I have used a simple heating pad to warm myself up when I didn't want to run a space heater or the main unit. The heating pad I've got is big enough to cover my thighs, or most of my chest/stomach area.

It only uses 40 watts so that's a pretty efficient way to warm yourself. Put the pad against your shirt, then overlap your coat or a blanket on top of that to seal in the heat, and you'll be toasty warm soon. Heating your core like that makes a big difference.

If you've got some automotive or other large batteries to use with an inverter, you'd probably get hours of use per charge.

**scout24** · 03-01-2021, 06:27 AM

Poppy- I am sorry to hear we're thinking alike...

I like the idea of trash cans with liners for water, hadn't thought of that. I have two clean metal cans with chicken supplies and food in them which could be repurposed, and usually have a box of contractor bags somewhere. Bykfixer: The idea of a big tent in a small room really makes sense from a conserving energy standpoint, I need to give that some more thought. As long as I could fit a queen sized matress or the entire bed in it, Mrs. Scout may be receptive. Sleeping bags on the floor might be a tough sell, lol. Idleprocess- I found a two burner Coleman camp stove that needed some cleaning on FB Marketplace cheap, one of the green metal clamshell or "suitcase" ones . Great for boiling water, making coffee, and light cooking. I was gifted a white gas version, but that's for outside use. No need for liquid fuel indoors...

**Poppy** · 03-01-2021, 07:42 AM

scout, I have a suitcase white gas style stove too. When I wasn't allowed to bring liquid gas camping anymore, I bought a propane adapter for it. Sometime over the past 50 years, the pump/tank has been discarded. The adapter can be had for 15-$20.

Shortly after, or during Sandy, I gifted a single burner propane cook top that I got at Kmart, or Walmart for about $15-20.
I see that butane ones are more prominent, but propane ones are available. There are adapters to run camp stoves off of 20lb BBQ tanks.

**orbital** · 03-01-2021, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by Stress_Test

That is excellent advice about the list. In my line of work we have written procedures (for pretty much everything) that we're supposed to follow. The procedure serves as a checklist to make sure you don't forget anything; it's easy to forget or miss steps when you're highly stressed and under pressure.

Same reason pilots have checklists that they supposedly follow.

+

I realize that one may not have time to go and read through steps in a disaster,, I get it.
Having a list knocks the off rust off between the ears & makes you think of what needs to be done,,, reading them a couple times a year for a refresher.

__________________________________________________ _______________

My very favorite phrase is a French culinary one:

Mise en place

..it literally means 'everything in place' not just physical things in place, but more mental organization in place.

**turbodog** · 03-01-2021, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by scout24

... No need for liquid fuel indoors...

Hah! I used to cook on one back in college... indoors. Was doing ok till it malfunctioned, started pouring black smoke, and set off bldg fire alarm.

**scout24** · 03-01-2021, 12:12 PM

Ha! Good story, Turbodog.

After our house burning down, I'm leery about liquid fuels indoors. Oil lamps scare me too. Fire wasn't related to either, but I'm skittish. And I bought a bigger fire extinguisher.

**turbodog** · 03-01-2021, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by scout24

Ha! Good story, Turbodog.

After our house burning down, I'm leery about liquid fuels indoors. Oil lamps scare me too. Fire wasn't related to either, but I'm skittish. And I bought a bigger fire extinguisher.

FYI, there was a recall on kiddie extinguishers going back like 3-4 DECADES. I let the kids use them for practice and trashed the remaining ones.

Bought 5 brand new ones, size large. Keep 3 in the house (hall, kitchen (away from stove), and laundry), and 1 each (combustible liquid rated) in each outbuilding.

Almost lost a house to a brushfire myself. Forestry service sent out the dozer and cut a trench to save our place.

https://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en...-extinguisher/

**scout24** · 03-01-2021, 02:53 PM

Great recall info, thanks! I wasn't aware.

**markr6** · 03-01-2021, 03:15 PM

You mentioned the 2-burner stove. I have the classic green Coleman propane. $40 on Amazon a few years ago and only used it once. But still worth the money just in case. Very handy to have and well worth the money.

I think I'll buy another 20lb propane tank to just keep around for emergencies.

And then the wood backpacking stove, man, I could run that thing boiling water for months. Wouldn't really want to, but I could.

**turbodog** · 03-01-2021, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by markr6

...
I think I'll buy another 20lb propane tank to just keep around for emergencies.

...

20lb tank holds 4.5 gallons propane, weighs 37lb full
30lb tanks holds 7.0 gallons propane, weighs 55lb full, and takes up practically the same space

**markr6** · 03-04-2021, 01:17 PM

What do you guys think about keeping cash at home? Maybe a fireproof bag (never heard of such a thing until today)...inside a fireproof safe for double protection?

**turbodog** · 03-04-2021, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by markr6

What do you guys think about keeping cash at home? Maybe a fireproof bag (never heard of such a thing until today)...inside a fireproof safe for double protection?

Grandfather kept cash in coffee cans hidden in the barn. I just keep a reasonable amount of cash on my desk, next to the stamps, letter openers, and assorted lights.