Talk About “Preparedness”
Local news just this morning has one of the nearby police departments recommending 72 hours of preparedness. Seems this is a common topic these days – I wonder if “someone” knows something or if the fear is feeding on itself. I think the fear is feeding itself but with a grain of truth behind it. I do expect more troubles before the transition in January and probably even more after.
In any case, being prepared for only 3 days of “Uh-oh” is a good idea – although if “they” are recommending 3 days, 3 weeks may be better.
Being prepared is not stockpiling large quantities of supplies or arming one’s self for armageddon (are you really going to survive true armageddon?) but more along the lines of the power outages or large storms hitting your area and knocking out services or blocking roads.
The past few days of technology outages – Microsoft, FAA, weather service, etc – have highlighted just how dependent most people are on electronic banking, shopping, travel, and almost all aspects of day-to-day living. How do you pay your bills if the bank’s computer systems go down? What if cell service goes down?
What if NAD is not available????
So I’m going to suggest a book that covers the more likely scenarios.
Available at Amazon for $25
Just so you know – I knew the author once – a good work buddy – but I’ve long since lost touch with him. As an author myself (ha!), I can tell you that one doesn’t get rich – or even buy a cup of coffee – on royalties for such a publication so I’m not trying to steer anyone to help Arthur get rich (he’s probably already rich on his own efforts though).
Carry on …
Our crew can survive far more than three weeks. We may get tired of rice, peanut butter and mac-n-cheese but we won’t be hungry.
Ammo? You never have too much ammo. If the hordes come, Lord let me die in a deep pile of empty brass.
It starts with a mindset, which most people these days seem to be lacking.
Did you know that with a 1000 watt sine inverter and a construction grade extension cord you can turn your vehicle into a generator?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx3cC1y23JY
That idea works but I’d want more than 1000W (1kW) inverter if wanting to run any heavy duty induction motors like many refrigerators, freezers, dryers and the like use. These motors require roughly 3-5x the rated running current during start-up. While they may only use 2-3A running, it could require 12-15A for start-up. This would damage a 1kW inverter with a possible fire risk.
Don’t forget the alternator is not an unlimited source of electricity. Although modern alternators may produce up to 2000W (check your brand), they do not produce maximum output at idle; they require higher RPMs to reach their rated capacity, part of which is necessary to run the vehicle. You need to keep the vehicle operating at higher-than-idle RPMs to get maximum power.
A 1kW inverter would be sufficient to operate a modest computer set-up with peripherals and maybe an LED light or two.
You don’t want to run such inverters at full rated power – 75-80% of rated is a good maximum; 50% is better. Don’t forget that marketing has sometimes been known to exaggerate the capabilities of what they want you to buy.
Also, there can be a significant voltage drop across a long extension cord. The lower than expected voltage may cause failures or damage to some equipment.
1000W is roughly 10A (watts = voltage x current) and you want a cord rated for twice the power used: 14 gauge min for a 50ft run of 110V. For a 100ft run, you want 10 gauge wire. 20A (a 2kW source) requires 8 gauge wire for a 100 ft run. How far is your car (not running in a garage of course) from the stuff you want to power?
Heating/cooling, hot water heaters, and refrigerators usually require the most electricity. Don’t forget to consider kitchen stoves and ovens. If your system doesn’t need to run these items, you can get by with lower rated equipment, but you’ll probably still find a 1kW system is inadequate for your needs. Lights can use more electricity than expected as can computers and peripherals.
On the other hand, you can consider 12V or 24V RV equipment for emergency use …
240V equipment needs further more involved consideration.
Better to spend the $600-$1100 on an actual 7.5kW-15kW generator
https://www.amazon.com/7500-watt-portable-generator/s?k=7500+watt+portable+generator
holy sh*t, DT. You’re a walking encyclopedia…or whatever is a higher level than that.
For those who have places out of the city, I recommend buying The Humanure Handbook. It explains how to collect and dispose of human wastes when you have no pressure in your water supply, and using stored or collected water for flushing the toilet is a foolish waste of a resource.
Three or more 5-gallon buckets (need not be food compatible, eh)
Lumber for constructing 2 or more 5′ x 5′ x 4′ (or smaller) compost bins
Sawdust
LONDON BROIL
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1.705 lb for $10.21
Did I pay too much?
Never bought one before.
Remember the goal for 2030 is
“You’ll own nothing and be happy”
The inscription on the Georgia Guidestones read as follow.
Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature.
Guide reproduction wisely – improving fitness and diversity.
Unite humanity with a living new language.
Rule passion – faith – tradition – and all things with tempered reason.
Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts.
Let all nations rule internally resolving external disputes in a world court.
Avoid petty laws and useless officials.
Balance personal rights with social duties.
Prize truth – beauty – love – seeking harmony with the infinite.
Be not a cancer on the Earth – Leave room for nature – Leave room for nature.
With all the respect that I can muster and more than they deserve, the Georgia Guidestones can kiss my hairy ass.
“Guide reproduction wisely….” Oh, rilly? You, who declare yourself as “wise”, are going to decide who can reproduce and in what numbers? Why don’t you save yourself some time and just tell us that you’re developing a “Master Race”?”Unite humanity…..” Pardon me for a minute while I laugh in your general direction.”Balance personal rights with social duties.” Commie much?”Rule passion – faith – tradition – and all things with tempered reason.”….and….”Prize truth – beauty – love – seeking harmony with the infinite.” So you’re going to use reason to temper our faith and traditions while at the same time encouraging us to seek harmony with the infinite. Am I the only one seeing your oxymoron?You can count me as having come down with a giant case of Marco-momentum. We don’t cede anything to anyone–internal or external–who threatens American interests or our sovereignty. The Georgia Guidestones can piss right off.
Rubio’s full speech is here. Give yourself an hour.