We're bugging in

[zzzippper]

Its just me and my wife, she doesn't drive but does work. If the SHIF in an apocalyptic way we're screwed, we have nowhere to go and no way to get there (props to Smokey and the Bandit). We're prepping for a seven day minimum at home. We have a gallon of water each for seven days and two large bottles of Gatorade per day. We have canned food for three meals a day for seven days. Nothing needs to be cooked. Eating straight from the can nothing needs to be washed which conserves water. I still need a chemical toilet and glow sticks. The best case scenario in case of a blizzard or other natural disaster is that we are both at home. Worst case is we are both at work and I have to get her and come home. Any comments? Anything I'm over looking?

[TFOGGER]

Heating and medical come to mind.

[stoner01]

Also do you have the needed supplies to get home from work. And tools.

[zzzippper]

Yes, medical is on my list, I forgot to add it. I'm torn about what to do about heat, I don't think storing a bunch of propane is safe. Other alternatives? The house we're renting does not have a fireplace. I have a Toyota RAV4 4WD but from last winter I know I need a more aggressive tread and maybe chains if it is really bad.

[StagLefty]

Cheap cook stove and lantern would make all the difference in your scenario. No need to eat out of cans or use glowsticks IMHO. Those methods are for real SHTF.
I keep several 20 pound propane tanks and a Mr. Buddy heater for heat in case of power failure.

[hatidua]

I still need a chemical toilet

Get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Bucket-Portable-Toilet-Standard/dp/B004KLY5CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378402591&sr=8-1&keywords=5+gallon+bucket+toilet+seat

- a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot

-and one of those HUGE rolls of garbage bags at Costco. Bag individual incidents. Chemical toilets tend to be less 'fresh' than advertised...

[crays]

- a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot

-and one of those HUGE rolls of garbage bags at Costco. Bag individual incidents. Chemical toilets tend to be less 'fresh' than advertised...

And don't forget extra supply of TP, and possibly some baby wipes.


Sent via my Mobile Work Avoidance Device

[zzzippper]

This is more expensive but has better reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Fold-2dTo-2dGo-Portable-Toilet/dp/B00CIJEZY8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_9
Get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Bucket-Portable-Toilet-Standard/dp/B004KLY5CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378402591&sr=8-1&keywords=5+gallon+bucket+toilet+seat

- a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot

-and one of those HUGE rolls of garbage bags at Costco. Bag individual incidents. Chemical toilets tend to be less 'fresh' than advertised...

[Dave]

First aid kit, sandbags, camping stove. If you have a propane grill or heater keeping some extra Blue Rhino tanks around is perfectly safe as long as you are not welding on them. If you have a back yard get a chord of firewood and a cheap camp fire ring or some sand and some big rocks to make a circle. Starting with a 7 day kit is great, and I recommend that for anyone as a bare minimum. But, after seeing what happens after large events like Sandy, Katrina and even the OK and MO tornadoes it can take well past 7 days for services to be restored. Even for a 1 or 2 weeks scenario a heat source is a great thing to have. Even if it's summer cold canned food can get old quick and a hot meal can lift your spirits, even if it's warm beans instead of cold. You may want to consider MRE's as well, only a couple tablespoons of water to activate the heater and most come with a treat of some kind.

[Irving]

Renting an apartment or home. Basement? Gas or electric stove?

[hatidua]

Keep warm: Depending on how you heat your home/apartment, a really warm sleeping bag isn't a bad thing to have. If your method of heating went down in February during one of our cold snaps, it would be pretty nice to crawl into a -40* bag. Good sub-zero down bags aren't cheap but will last a LONG time if properly cared for.

Keep cool: I've used these (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=46748&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50667&subdeptNum=50675&classNum=50676#.UijbEEIiKIU) for weeks on end in 90* heat/humidity when the power was out and they work really well (you need one per person and use it close to your head when sleeping). They are intended for people who live on sailboats but work very well anywhere you need them. The previous version had foam rubber blades so if you stuck your finger in them while you slept it was no big deal. I'm sure they've kept that in mind with this version. At 300 hours per set of batteries, it's good for a solid five weeks of 8hr nights.

[Irving]

In addition to the sleeping bag, sectioning off rooms with sheets will help keep body heat to a smaller space. Take this to one more level by setting up a tent in your living room.

[zzzippper]

Renting a house, no back yard, unfinished basement, everything is electric.
Renting an apartment or home. Basement? Gas or electric stove?

[zzzippper]

Thanks, the fans look great. I hadn't considered sleeping bags assuming we would still have our beds. I've re-thought storing propane. I haven't used it in years because I was overseas and now I remember that they have safety pressure release if there is a fire.
Keep warm: Depending on how you heat your home/apartment, a really warm sleeping bag isn't a bad thing to have. If your method of heating went down in February during one of our cold snaps, it would be pretty nice to crawl into a -40* bag. Good sub-zero down bags aren't cheap but will last a LONG time if properly cared for.

Keep cool: I've used these (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=46748&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50667&subdeptNum=50675&classNum=50676#.UijbEEIiKIU) for weeks on end in 90* heat/humidity when the power was out and they work really well (you need one per person and use it close to your head when sleeping). They are intended for people who live on sailboats but work very well anywhere you need them. The previous version had foam rubber blades so if you stuck your finger in them while you slept it was no big deal. I'm sure they've kept that in mind with this version. At 300 hours per set of batteries, it's good for a solid five weeks of 8hr nights.

[Irving]

If the basement has a window, you could pretty easily plumb in a barrel stove down there and run the chimney pipe through a window sized sheet of durarock. Get the barrel set up and ready, and just stand it up in the corner so your landlord doesn't think you're using it.

[Great-Kazoo]

Its just me and my wife, she doesn't drive but does work. If the SHIF in an apocalyptic way we're screwed, we have nowhere to go and no way to get there (props to Smokey and the Bandit). We're prepping for a seven day minimum at home. We have a gallon of water each for seven days and two large bottles of Gatorade per day. We have canned food for three meals a day for seven days. Nothing needs to be cooked. Eating straight from the can nothing needs to be washed which conserves water. I still need a chemical toilet and glow sticks. The best case scenario in case of a blizzard or other natural disaster is that we are both at home. Worst case is we are both at work and I have to get her and come home. Any comments? Anything I'm over looking?

Is your wife a shooter? If not she needs to have a comfort level with driving, AND basics of hand, shot or long gun. I'd lean towards a 20ga pump.
I understand you are prepping for 7 days. However, You are way under stocked on food, not enough meds, or water. Your next problem is AURORA. The metro area will be over run with the FSA dead beats, gang bangers and other newly converted predators.
Come day 7 you will be hemmed in by the opposing team, making your evac that less possible. IF you have other like minded folks in your area, i suggest a get together and game plan that gives you strength in numbers.
Regarding your current vehicle. IF it gets that bad weather wise, you will not be the only one unable to move.


Get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Bucket-Portable-Toilet-Standard/dp/B004KLY5CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378402591&sr=8-1&keywords=5+gallon+bucket+toilet+seat

- a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot

-and one of those HUGE rolls of garbage bags at Costco. Bag individual incidents. Chemical toilets tend to be less 'fresh' than advertised...


Too much money.
THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE AND WHAT YOU / EVERYONE NEEDS. You store 12 rolls of TP inside the bucket and 5 bags. the rest goes in what ever else toiletries you take. Wally world carries them.
http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Luggable-Portable-Gallon/dp/B000FIAPXO

http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Double-Doodie-Toilet/dp/B0024O0W94/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

[zzzippper]

I see your points but it smashes my plan to conserve water by not having to wash any dishes.
Cheap cook stove and lantern would make all the difference in your scenario. No need to eat out of cans or use glowsticks IMHO. Those methods are for real SHTF.
I keep several 20 pound propane tanks and a Mr. Buddy heater for heat in case of power failure.

[zzzippper]

She can shoot a .22LR pistol well enough. She's had driving lessons but she's terrifying...maybe that would be perfect in a BO scenario! Though we are not old we live in a senior community, the average age must be 70. They are only a possible drain, not contributors. Zombies could even see this neighborhood as easy pickings.
Is your wife a shooter? If not she needs to have a comfort level with driving, AND basics of hand, shot or long gun. I'd lean towards a 20ga pump.
I understand you are prepping for 7 days. However, You are way under stocked on food, not enough meds, or water. Your next problem is AURORA. The metro area will be over run with the FSA dead beats, gang bangers and other newly converted predators.
Come day 7 you will be hemmed in by the opposing team, making your evac that less possible. IF you have other like minded folks in your area, i suggest a get together and game plan that gives you strength in numbers.
Regarding your current vehicle. IF it gets that bad weather wise, you will not be the only one unable to move.




Too much money.
THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE AND WHAT YOU / EVERYONE NEEDS. You store 12 rolls of TP inside the bucket and 5 bags. the rest goes in what ever else toiletries you take. Wally world carries them.
http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Luggable-Portable-Gallon/dp/B000FIAPXO

http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Double-Doodie-Toilet/dp/B0024O0W94/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

[hatidua]

I see your points but it smashes my plan to conserve water by not having to wash any dishes.

-environmental issues aside, what about paper plates and bowls? Trust me on this: if you ever have to deal with an honest to goodness natural disaster, you will have plenty of time on your hands. Washing a few dishes or coping with disposing of paper plates/bowls will not debilitate you.

Take the time and drive out to Longmont to buy a few 16gl water barrels (larger than that become difficult to move). They are not expensive, and there's no harm whatsoever in having a little extra water on hand.

[Great-Kazoo]

-environmental issues aside, what about paper plates and bowls? Trust me on this: if you ever have to deal with an honest to goodness natural disaster, you will have plenty of time on your hands. Washing a few dishes or coping with disposing of paper plates/bowls will not debilitate you.

Take the time and drive out to Longmont to buy a few 16gl water barrels (larger than that become difficult to move). They are not expensive, and there's no harm whatsoever in having a little extra water on hand.

This, plus it makes nice kindling, for your hobo stove.

[funkymonkey1111]

-environmental issues aside, what about paper plates and bowls? Trust me on this: if you ever have to deal with an honest to goodness natural disaster, you will have plenty of time on your hands. Washing a few dishes or coping with disposing of paper plates/bowls will not debilitate you.

Take the time and drive out to Longmont to buy a few 16gl water barrels (larger than that become difficult to move). They are not expensive, and there's no harm whatsoever in having a little extra water on hand.

where in longmont?

[Omicron]

I think you're on the right track, and agree with everyone's advice. I'd advise you work on doubling your supplies, twice, so you wind up ultimately with at least 30 days worth for both of you. Also a couple of LED headlamps are extremely useful and will last forever on a few sets of batteries, just don't store them with batteries in them.

[Great-Kazoo]

I think you're on the right track, and agree with everyone's advice. I'd advise you work on doubling your supplies, twice, so you wind up ultimately with at least 30 days worth for both of you. Also a couple of LED headlamps are extremely useful and will last forever on a few sets of batteries, just don't store them with batteries in them.

buy a bunch of these. They are not great Illumination, but at least you will be able to see around your dwelling w/out wasting batteries.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mixed-Solar-Powered-Outdoor-Garden-Yard-Landscape-Wall-Path-Pond-Fence-LED-Light-/140984389352?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item20d3530ee8


and a few of these. Apt or not. you can set them up outside windows and even the hallway once power goes down. NOTHING is needed to maintain them. So you have an almost unlimited light supply for cost of lights them self.
http://www.lampsplus.com/products/white-solar-power-motion-activated-80-led-flood-light__t4487.html

[MED]

Here are my recommendations:


1. Camping gear: tent, sleeping bags, gas stove, mess kit, first aid kit, hatchet. shovel, cutting tool, fire starting tool, rope, paracord, tarp. (should be what you need to bug out if necessary, but could also sustain you if you bug in without heat in your house). I would also have two packs that you and your wife could take it out on foot along with food and water as well as appropriate clothing and gear. (If you buy this stuff, just keep in mind that you might have to bug-out with it...so what can you reasonably carry?)

2. Gas grill with three to five extra tanks (propane space heater). This is not out of place in your rental house and extremely useful.

3. Generator and/or solar panel kit, deep cycle battery, and AC converter. extra batteries for flash lights, radios, etc. Keep at least two five gallon containers of gas in the garage and rotate them out every six months.

4. 50 Gallons of water (minimum unless you live by a water source and can purify it). The blue drums are great, but the 6 gal green plastic containers work well if they need to be moved once filled.

5. Food for 30 days that is rotated in your daily supply.

6. Hand gun for both you and your wife; a rifle; and a shotgun plus at least 1000 rounds of ammo. Holsters and slings to pack them out.

7. Solar power lighting, radios, etc. are extremely beneficial.

8. Waste disposal plan and equipment of some sort.

[hatidua]

where in longmont?

http://www.coloradotankandbarrel.com/?gclid=CKvT17Wrt7kCFUdo7Aodw0IA1Q

[Zombie Steve]

You don't HAVE to have it, but a short hose gives you easy access to the 40-50 gallons of water in your water heater.

[Wulf202]

You don't HAVE to have it, but a short hose gives you easy access to the 40-50 gallons of water in your water heater.

Yeah? Try it sometime. You'll probly jam up the spigot with the calcium and trash at the bottom of the tank.

Get a pipe wrench and a small tube so you can siphon from the top.

[jerrymrc]

You had talked about heat. Take a look here. http://www.ar-15.co/threads/19976-The-Lamps-Lanterns-and-lighting-thread Yes Aladdin's are not cheap but one will heat a room. Also for cheaper a few wick type lanterns will help with light and heat. I am a fan of LED's for summer use.

[68Charger]

Yeah? Try it sometime. You'll probly jam up the spigot with the calcium and trash at the bottom of the tank.

Get a pipe wrench and a small tube so you can siphon from the top.

Depends on the hardness of your water- my water is so hard that I have a water softener, so I HAVE tried this and it's clear, because the WH only sees softened water.
But the water softener has it's own issues- I need to keep salt on hand for it to work.

but living here has it's own challenges, I have access to unlimited water, as long as I have power... so I need generator and fuel- then I have water. even just running it 5 minutes will fill my pressure tank in the house with 50gal of water.

[Wulf202]

I've pulled literally thousands of water tanks, all had sediment in them.

[cofi]

Batterys

After Sandy fema was handing out all these flashlights......with no Batterys in them..... batterys were sold out for a solid month

[cofi]

Its just me and my wife, she doesn't drive

You need to get her driving....what happens if you fuck yourself up and need to be taken to a hospital or you guys have to bug out?

I would put driving over shooting skills wise

[Zombie Steve]

Yeah? Try it sometime. You'll probly jam up the spigot with the calcium and trash at the bottom of the tank.

Get a pipe wrench and a small tube so you can siphon from the top.

Am I the only guy that drains the water heater once a year to get the sediment out?

[Great-Kazoo]

Am I the only guy that drains the water heater once a year to get the sediment out?

Probably we do it bi-annually, every 6 months for the layman.

[zzzippper]

I looked for these on Amazon and came up with a bunch of brass Genie type brass things. Are you talking about what we used to call hurricane lamps with wicks that run on oil? I don't remember them being that hot.
You had talked about heat. Take a look here. http://www.ar-15.co/threads/19976-The-Lamps-Lanterns-and-lighting-thread Yes Aladdin's are not cheap but one will heat a room. Also for cheaper a few wick type lanterns will help with light and heat. I am a fan of LED's for summer use.

[StagLefty]

I looked for these on Amazon and came up with a bunch of brass Genie type brass things. Are you talking about what we used to call hurricane lamps with wicks that run on oil? I don't remember them being that hot.

Even your regular Coleman lanterns throw a lot of heat-I used to heat my tent up in the mornings during hunting season with one.

[funkymonkey1111]

Batterys

After Sandy fema was handing out all these flashlights......with no Batterys in them..... batterys were sold out for a solid month

and don't shy away from the CR123 lights--if you buy in bulk, these batteries can be had for about $1 per. longer shelf life, greater performance, too.

[Great-Kazoo]

and don't shy away from the CR123 lights--if you buy in bulk, these batteries can be had for about $1 per. longer shelf life, greater performance, too.


That's the key word IF you Buy in BULK. I have a few 123 lights that are collecting dust, just because i refuse to buy them anymore.
AA batteries are everywhere. Same for C, d and even the AAA's a lot of the small LED's use.

[funkymonkey1111]

That's the key word IF you Buy in BULK. I have a few 123 lights that are collecting dust, just because i refuse to buy them anymore.
AA batteries are everywhere. Same for C, d and even the AAA's a lot of the small LED's use.

exactly. If you buy doubles at king soopers the price is nuts

this box lasts me for over a year of tactical dog walking:

http://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-40-pack-Lithium-Battery-Protected/dp/B001W9Y4PK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378679056&sr=8-1&keywords=Tenergy+cr123

[Irving]

Can't you get rechargable CR123's?

[funkymonkey1111]

Can't you get rechargable CR123's?

you can, but the voltage on them can be higher than the regular 123s, and the capacity can be lower. ideally, if the light will take it, an 18650 battery works best. it's the size of two 123's back to back.

[jerrymrc]

I looked for these on Amazon and came up with a bunch of brass Genie type brass things. Are you talking about what we used to call hurricane lamps with wicks that run on oil? I don't remember them being that hot.

Aladdin lamps put out light of a 60W bulb and are good for 2500-2800 BTU. And they are safe compared to a coleman. They use a mantle and if you look at my link there are pictures between them and a wick type hurricane lamp. Way back when we had the power go out one night. The upstairs was 68 and it was like 20 outside. 3 hours later it was 15 or so outside and the upstairs was 70.

That was with 2 lamps and our place was lit just fine. The neighbors asked the next day if I had a generator because the living room looked normal. I have used one in the camper as well when I used to camp in the fall. I keep 15gl of K1 on hand for them. They are the brightest non pressurized lamps available.

I also am prone to using them in the winter to read by. No they are not cheap but one does find a deal now and then. I keep spares and even have an extra lamp. My two lamps. http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/jerrymrc/Picture721Medium_zps364bf297.jpg (http://s884.photobucket.com/user/jerrymrc/media/Picture721Medium_zps364bf297.jpg.html)

[Aloha_Shooter]

I have a bit more equipment and flexibility than you do since I have a house rather than apartment and I'm a Scout leader but here's a partial list of my set up for a shut-in:

- Gas grill with 2x20 lb propane tanks
- Coleman 2-burner white gas stove
- 2 Coleman dual-fuel backpacking stoves (white gas/unleaded gas)
- 8 gal white gas
- 2 gal unleaded gas
- 2 Coleman 2-mantle dual-fuel lanterns
- Sleeping bag rated to 10 F
- Sleeping bag rated to 40 F
- Sleeping bag rated to 50F
- Camping ceramic water filter
- Aussie collapsible fire pit/grill
- Dutch oven
- Mess kits
- First aid kit
- Wilderness First Aid reference book
- 19W solar panel
- 5 Li-Ion rechargeable batteries for recharging USB electronics (approx 35000 A-h total)
- Recharger for Ni-MH and alkaline AAA and AA batteries (8 slots)
- 20x rechargeable AA batteries
- 20x rechargeable AAA batteries

The Coleman lanterns will help me keep a small room warm if I need it and I can supplement that with one of the backpacking stoves but it doesn't take much.

On water storage, I don't keep more than 2 gallons stored daily but I can store 60 gal if I have a heads-up. I figure worst case, I'll use the ceramic filter on the hot tub water but that's my last-resort plan.
I regularly keep about 3 weeks worth of non-perishable food around -- haven't formalized it but starving is really my least concern. I might be vegan my last week or two but I definitely won't starve.

Of course, I have my 10 book cases worth of reading material in the event of a shut-in so I don't have to worry about lack of TV or Internet. People forget having something to do but that's why people go cabin-crazy when shut-in. What are you going to do to pass the time besides clean your guns when you're shut or bugging in?

Could it be improved? Sure but I just don't want to store more gas on-site than that until I get close to a SHTF scenario and I can go get more 5 gal water containers easily, I just don't want to have to cycle through all that water regularly.

[Wulf202]

Could it be improved? Sure but I just don't want to store more gas on-site than that until I get close to a SHTF scenario and I can go get more 5 gal water containers easily, I just don't want to have to cycle through all that water regularly.

you don't have to cycle water

[cofi]

you don't have to cycle water
What do you do to keep it fresh I tried some walmart bottled water after a year and it tasted strongly of plastic

[jerrymrc]

The Coleman lanterns will help me keep a small room warm if I need it You better have a working CO detector and windows open. I have white gas stoves and lanterns as well but they are outdoor use only. Just saying. [Flower]

[cofi]

Aladdin lamps put out light of a 60W bulb and are good for 2500-2800 BTU. And they are safe compared to a coleman. They use a mantle and if you look at my link there are pictures between them and a wick type hurricane lamp. Way back when we had the power go out one night. The upstairs was 68 and it was like 20 outside. 3 hours later it was 15 or so outside and the upstairs was 70.

That was with 2 lamps and our place was lit just fine. The neighbors asked the next day if I had a generator because the living room looked normal. I have used one in the camper as well when I used to camp in the fall. I keep 15gl of K1 on hand for them. They are the brightest non pressurized lamps available.

I also am prone to using them in the winter to read by. No they are not cheap but one does find a deal now and then. I keep spares and even have an extra lamp. My two lamps. http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/jerrymrc/Picture721Medium_zps364bf297.jpg (http://s884.photobucket.com/user/jerrymrc/media/Picture721Medium_zps364bf297.jpg.html)
Hey Jerry do you have an Amazon link to those alladen lamps?????

[StagLefty]

You better have a working CO detector and windows open. I have white gas stoves and lanterns as well but they are outdoor use only. Just saying. [Flower]

Yep-have a few in locations where I may use my propane heaters-Thanks I always forget to mention those. [Beer]

[Aloha_Shooter]

You better have a working CO detector and windows open. I have white gas stoves and lanterns as well but they are outdoor use only. Just saying. [Flower]

I do have a working CO detector but I would also have some windows cracked to ensure I had good air flow any time I had something burning whether it's candles, a fire in the fireplace or a Coleman lantern/stove. The larger issue with white gas appliances is making sure you aren't lighting them in the midst of something flammable as they don't always light perfectly. :D

[jerrymrc]

Hey Jerry do you have an Amazon link to those alladen lamps?????

No but do a search. On top of that we will talk. I know where ya live.[Flower]

[Great-Kazoo]

I have a bit more equipment and flexibility than you do since I have a house rather than apartment and I'm a Scout leader but here's a partial list of my set up for a shut-in:

- Gas grill with 2x20 lb propane tanks
- Coleman 2-burner white gas stove
- 2 Coleman dual-fuel backpacking stoves (white gas/unleaded gas)
- 8 gal white gas
- 2 gal unleaded gas
- 2 Coleman 2-mantle dual-fuel lanterns
- Sleeping bag rated to 10 F
- Sleeping bag rated to 40 F
- Sleeping bag rated to 50F
- Camping ceramic water filter
- Aussie collapsible fire pit/grill
- Dutch oven
- Mess kits
- First aid kit
- Wilderness First Aid reference book
- 19W solar panel
- 5 Li-Ion rechargeable batteries for recharging USB electronics (approx 35000 A-h total)
- Recharger for Ni-MH and alkaline AAA and AA batteries (8 slots)
- 20x rechargeable AA batteries
- 20x rechargeable AAA batteries

The Coleman lanterns will help me keep a small room warm if I need it and I can supplement that with one of the backpacking stoves but it doesn't take much.

On water storage, I don't keep more than 2 gallons stored daily but I can store 60 gal if I have a heads-up. I figure worst case, I'll use the ceramic filter on the hot tub water but that's my last-resort plan.
I regularly keep about 3 weeks worth of non-perishable food around -- haven't formalized it but starving is really my least concern. I might be vegan my last week or two but I definitely won't starve.

Of course, I have my 10 book cases worth of reading material in the event of a shut-in so I don't have to worry about lack of TV or Internet. People forget having something to do but that's why people go cabin-crazy when shut-in. What are you going to do to pass the time besides clean your guns when you're shut or bugging in?

Could it be improved? Sure but I just don't want to store more gas on-site than that until I get close to a SHTF scenario and I can go get more 5 gal water containers easily, I just don't want to have to cycle through all that water regularly.

Only 2? We have that in one cabinet . Can never have "enough propane", If you know how to read them, garage sales can net you 1 or 2 extra tanks. Nice stash of AA & AAA batteries, been looking at solar panels.

[Wulf202]

What do you do to keep it fresh I tried some walmart bottled water after a year and it tasted strongly of plastic

In a clean container that doesn't have contaminants permiating thru the plastic it will get stale. Assuming you didn't store it near something that would cause it it was the walmart bottle not being clean. Try it with arrowhead.

My first water class I brought 3 year old water. Stored in a clean container in the elements. Frozen and thawed plenty of times. It was stale but had no other issues. Pouring back and forth improved the taste quickly.

[Wulf202]

Am I the only guy that drains the water heater once a year to get the sediment out?

You're one of the few but it doesn't stop sediment and flushing it won't get 100% of it.

[Zombie Steve]

You're one of the few but it doesn't stop sediment and flushing it won't get 100% of it.

Understood. Siphoning is probably a better way. The point was not to overlook having access to 40-50 gallons almost everyone already has in the house.

[Wulf202]

Its a good point.

Toilet tanks have 2 gallons unless you put the blue stuff in it is clean. The pipes can be drained for a few gallons. Grey water in the p traps and washing machine drain can be treated.

[jerrymrc]

Only 2? We have that in one cabinet . Can never have "enough propane", If you know how to read them, garage sales can net you 1 or 2 extra tanks. Nice stash of AA & AAA batteries, been looking at solar panels.


Over the years I have picked up some here and there. I now have 3-30's, 1-40 and 5-20's filled. Have another couple of 20's I need to fill.

Go rechargeable with adapters. I have 12 "D" and 6 "C" adapters for the AA size. I have solar to charge with and even though I can charge through an inverter I need to make a separate 3V 3A solar panel to run the charger. I need to finish my last 175W of panels. currently down to 3 with about 130W of charging ability.

[hatidua]

That's the key word IF you Buy in BULK. I have a few 123 lights that are collecting dust, just because i refuse to buy them anymore.
AA batteries are everywhere. Same for C, d and even the AAA's a lot of the small LED's use.

I really try hard not to buy any light that doesn't run on AA/AAA but a few things are hard to get around. If Streamlight or Surefire would make a TLR-1/X-300 that ran on an easily sourced battery, I'd never even consider another 123 battery. My Steripen uses those little 123's as well, so I keep buying bulk-packs of them to have on hand "just in case".

I specifically bought the Yaesu Ft-60R radios I have because they can transmit with the full 5W's with AA's and few others did.

[TheGrey]

Lehman's is a great resource, albeit a bit spendy (or maybe that's just me- I could go through a lottery-winning's worth of cash at that store.) www.lehmans.com

Besides a massive amount of Alladin lamps, they specialize in Amish goods and non-electrical things. Take a look and see how many things you can't live without!

OP, do yourself a favor and go through your apartment and close up all windows and remove your light sources. See how dark those rooms are? Imagine various in which you would lose power, in each season, and try to figure the best way to make your residence not onbly habitable, but comfortable. 7 days is a fine start, but if you're bugging in, there's no need to 'rough it' as though you were camping on tarmac. Watch for sales on blankets. Have you been to Saver's off of Quebec street yet? It is a Prepper's paradise for spare blankets, sheets, pots, spare clothes and so on. What if you are stuck in your home for over two weeks? Canned goods can get very tiresome very quickly, so you and your wife may want to try and work some sort of meal plan.

By the way, you're being awfully narrow-minded about a retirement area being "nothing but drains." Shame on you! My Grandma would kick your butt for speaking so about the elderly.

During the Great Depression, in which people either learned to live by their wits and make something out of nothing, or they didn't make it,- you didn't turn away any resource. There's a wealth of information out there. You might consider taking a look at the untapped resource of knowledge you have there. Canning, making meals, repairing items, medical knowledge and so on...do either of you know how to put food up?

[jerrymrc]

Lehman's is a great resource I have bought from them before. Also take a look up top at the links.[Flower]

[Wulf202]

Get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Bucket-Portable-Toilet-Standard/dp/B004KLY5CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378402591&sr=8-1&keywords=5+gallon+bucket+toilet+seat

- a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot

-and one of those HUGE rolls of garbage bags at Costco. Bag individual incidents. Chemical toilets tend to be less 'fresh' than advertised...

If you're bugging in you can use the trash bags in the regular toilet.

[hatidua]

If you're bugging in you can use the trash bags in the regular toilet.

Absolutely, -I screwed up there [Bang]

[Wulf202]

Nah I've been mostly in apartments for 12 years. I'm very space conscious.

[Irving]

If you're bugging in you can use the trash bags in the regular toilet.

What if you have a generator and a garbage disposal?

[Wulf202]

What if you have a generator and a garbage disposal?

With or without zombies?

[Dave]

What if you have a generator and a garbage disposal?
You'd have a poop cannon?