Reasons for Prepping

[TheGrey]

Hi, all!

So, I know that there are many reasons for prepping. I also know that there are some significant others/spouses are less than enthusiastic about assisting in this hobby/lifestyle, seeing things like "zombie apocalypse" or something.

But that's not the case. Here's a prime example: Up in Brainerd, Minnesota, there were some very fierce storms that began at 4 am and finally blew out at 6:30 am. Although not officially declared a tornado, the winds were severe enough to uproot trees, twist metal into bizarre sculptures and cause general chaos. The rains came down so hard that parking lots were washed out, flash floods happened, and entire towns lost power. The main pump in the water tower blew out. Nobody had electricity, nobody had water.

People ran out to the stores to buy water, but the backup power didn't come on. The registers were down. Only the stores that had handwritten receipts were able to sell bottled water and supplies, and only to people that had cash. Once power returned, the stores were completely sold out of bottled water, milk, bread and toilet paper within minutes. Over half of the city had no idea of the "boil water" order, because they had no power to their TVs and many did not have radios. My parents live up there, and this happened. They had only two gallons of water on hand, and my Mom had to sort of sneak that past my Dad. It happens everywhere- many cities in Colorado have had issues with water in the recent past. So if you need to have examples to prove to loved ones that prepping is necessary and not just for Zombie outbreaks, use that example.

[Irving]

Every time there is an emergency, I'm always glad that I don't eat much bread and never drink milk. I can understand bread as a staple, but am flabberghasted that milk sells out every time. Don't want to take this off topic though. The floods last year are reason enough.

[StagLefty]

Katrina set off my prep mode. You can build up a good food and water supply real easy in a short period of time . If your a camper you probably already have a stove and lights.
In my youth in Maine prepping was a way of life and wasn't even a topic or had a name. Different age and mind set now seems to ignore some probabilities.

[cstone]

http://youtu.be/fSwjuz_-yao

[Daniel_187]

The flood last year and then the gas&power went out a month later and it was 5 degrees outside, really opened my eyes. The power and gas were not so bad, we had a wood burning fire place and lots of beer on hand. But the flood affected our drinking water.

[HoneyBadger]

Just today: http://www.freep.com/article/20140905/NEWS05/309050155/severe-weather-storms-michigan-detroit-power-outages

Growing up in Michigan, my area did not have buried power lines, so during the winter we would lose power for several hours about 2-3 times a month and about one a year we would lose it for several days at a time. With a well and no power, we had to have a backup source of clean water, or backup power source for the well pump. Honestly, it's just the smart thing to do. Do you buy life insurance? How about car and home insurance? To me, this is a sort of life (and car and home) insurance.

Also, this: XkU23m6yX04

[ChunkyMonkey]

Every time there is an emergency, I'm always glad that I don't eat much bread and never drink milk. I can understand bread as a staple, but am flabberghasted that milk sells out every time. Don't want to take this off topic though. The floods last year are reason enough.

Lucky you, I go bezerk when my rice cooker stops working

[sroz]

Katrina set off my prep mode. You can build up a good food and water supply real easy in a short period of time . If your a camper you probably already have a stove and lights.
In my youth in Maine prepping was a way of life and wasn't even a topic or had a name. Different age and mind set now seems to ignore some probabilities.

Yea, I know what you mean about Maine. I was raised in north Aroostook county. Just a way of life up there. No matter what hit you, you always had heat & food.

[TheGrey]

I just got off the phone with my Mom. They now say it ay be two weeks before they get water services sorted out; the Red Cross is passing out water and now they've broken out some water purification tablets. :(

[crays]

I just got off the phone with my Mom. They now say it ay be two weeks before they get water services sorted out; the Red Cross is passing out water and now they've broken out some water purification tablets. :(

Hope they get it sorted out soon. Don't know if this would help, or if they have the logistics to support delivery (and don't know how long it would take) but:
COSTCO Pallet of water (http://www.costco.com/Nestl%C3%A9-Pure-Life-Purified-Water-16.9oz-7824ct-Cases.product.100107324.html) <<LINK

49239

Maybe they could split it with neighbors?

[Great-Kazoo]

CA is on water restrictions. Asked the B-I-L how much in water they stashed. He's in wonderland thinking before he said none. They have guns ammo a camper but no emergency water or food stuffs [facepalm] Then i asked how much water's in their pool. OH yeah, we have some water. NOW they are stocking up.

Generator, minimum 15-20 gal of fuel, enough food & water for 2 people to go 6 months min. Not to mention medical supplies & meds up to date / set some aside.

[TFOGGER]

Hope they get it sorted out soon. Don't know if this would help, or if they have the logistics to support delivery (and don't know how long it would take) but:
COSTCO Pallet of water (http://www.costco.com/Nestl%C3%A9-Pure-Life-Purified-Water-16.9oz-7824ct-Cases.product.100107324.html) <<LINK

49239

Maybe they could split it with neighbors?

247 gallons of water, $325.

[TheGrey]

Hope they get it sorted out soon. Don't know if this would help, or if they have the logistics to support delivery (and don't know how long it would take) but:
COSTCO Pallet of water (http://www.costco.com/Nestl%C3%A9-Pure-Life-Purified-Water-16.9oz-7824ct-Cases.product.100107324.html) <<LINK

49239

Maybe they could split it with neighbors?

Thank you! There is a Costco, but from what I understand, there's been a rush on water there, too. Mom's got a large pot of water on the stove, boiling. I just hope she and Dad continue to hydrate. I've sent $ to help, but they're proud people. You guys know how it is. But it's certainly a huge wake-up call! I had no idea Michigan was also dealing with the aftermath. California's water restrictions...wow, I hadn't even thought of the difficulties in prepping with that.

[Great-Kazoo]

Thank you! There is a Costco, but from what I understand, there's been a rush on water there, too. Mom's got a large pot of water on the stove, boiling. I just hope she and Dad continue to hydrate. I've sent $ to help, but they're proud people. You guys know how it is. But it's certainly a huge wake-up call! I had no idea Michigan was also dealing with the aftermath. California's water restrictions...wow, I hadn't even thought of the difficulties in prepping with that.

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst.

[GilpinGuy]

The reason for me is peace of mind.

The blizzard of 2003 (I think) dumped 7 feet of snow at my place and I simply couldn't get out for 7 days. It was just me and my dogs back then so it wasn't hard but it was a wake up call. I did run out of good steaks and beer though - talk about hardship.

I figure that a blizzard is my most likely "disaster" to worry about. Yeah, fires are a concern too, but in that case it's a bug out situation (and I do need to work on this scenario more).

If a blizzard socks us into our house for 2 weeks up here now, with a wife and 3 kids, we'll be fine. Wood stove for heat, propane tank for the oven/stove, plenty of food and water (though I want to stock more - a months worth at least), enough lighting to get by (lanterns, candles, flashlights, etc.) if power goes out, outhouse if it's needed.

I have to admit that we're f-ed if the zombie horde comes rambling up the mountain though.

So peace of mind is my answer.

[crays]

Hope they get it sorted out soon. Don't know if this would help, or if they have the logistics to support delivery (and don't know how long it would take) but:
COSTCO Pallet of water (http://www.costco.com/Nestl%C3%A9-Pure-Life-Purified-Water-16.9oz-7824ct-Cases.product.100107324.html) <<LINK

49239

Maybe they could split it with neighbors?


247 gallons of water, $325.


Thank you! There is a Costco, but from what I understand, there's been a rush on water there, too. Mom's got a large pot of water on the stove, boiling. I just hope she and Dad continue to hydrate. I've sent $ to help, but they're proud people. You guys know how it is. But it's certainly a huge wake-up call! I had no idea Michigan was also dealing with the aftermath. California's water restrictions...wow, I hadn't even thought of the difficulties in prepping with that.

Yeah, it's not cheap. Works out to something like $4.16/case, but I was thinking about the delivery option, since local sources would likely be wiped out.

[HoneyBadger]

Yeah, it's not cheap. Works out to something like $4.16/case, but I was thinking about the delivery option, since local sources would likely be wiped out.
That doesn't seem right, because I the same water from the store is less than $4 a case. Maybe I'm mis-remembering. Either way, I have between 15-20 cases of this water in my basement. Super convenient and not uber expensive. Soonish, I'll have a 55gal drum.

[GilpinGuy]

H-Badger. If you get a 55 gal. drum, how do you keep it from getting nasty? I really don't know - maybe it won't go bad as long as you keep it sealed up? Do you need to put some chlorine or something in it?

BIG water storage is something I need to work on.

[Irving]

I've got a 15 gallon drum. I just put some bleach into it and keep it sealed. It's been over a year now, maybe I should check it soon. Keeping it out of direct sunlight is probably a good idea.

I've got several gallons in 2 liter water bottles that are I think over 4 years old. I put a drop of bleach in each and they still drink fine. 2 liter bottles are easier to fill to the top though.

[HoneyBadger]

H-Badger. If you get a 55 gal. drum, how do you keep it from getting nasty? I really don't know - maybe it won't go bad as long as you keep it sealed up? Do you need to put some chlorine or something in it?

BIG water storage is something I need to work on.
Same way you keep a pool from getting nasty. It's really convenient that tap water will stay safe to drink for a very long time because of the chlorine levels already in it.

[GilpinGuy]

I'm on a well so I'll have to add it like Stu I suppose.

[HoneyBadger]

The cool thing about chlorine is that it kills everything: bacteria, viruses, and all living organisms. Even better, it breaks down in water in just a few hours (time depends on concentration). If you put chlorinated water into a storage container and seal it completely, you don't have to worry about bacteria getting in there and making the water unsafe to drink. Storage is then good for an indefinite amount of time, or until opened.

[buffalobo]

It is the scout motto. [emoji106]


We use these.

http://www.waterbrick.org/

I try remember to pick up one or two each time I'm at Rapid Fire Bunker.

lobbed from my electronic ball and chain

[Great-Kazoo]

The cool thing about chlorine is that it kills everything: bacteria, viruses, and all living organisms. Even better, it breaks down in water in just a few hours (time depends on concentration). If you put chlorinated water into a storage container and seal it completely, you don't have to worry about bacteria getting in there and making the water unsafe to drink. Storage is then good for an indefinite amount of time, or until opened.

You need to use the correct amount of chlorine. To little it does nothing, too much it's toxic and ....well there's less people who will be needing water.

http://modernsurvivalblog.com/survival-kitchen/bleach-water-ratio-for-drinking-water/

Water – Bleach Ratio For Purifying Drinking Water 1 Quart water, 2 drops bleach
1 Gallon water, 8 drops bleach
5 Gallons water, 1/2 teaspoon bleach
10 Gallons water, 1 teaspoon bleach
50 Gallons water, 5 teaspoons bleach

[HoneyBadger]

You need to use the correct amount of chlorine. To little it does nothing, too much it's toxic and ....well there's less people who will be needing water.

http://modernsurvivalblog.com/survival-kitchen/bleach-water-ratio-for-drinking-water/

Water – Bleach Ratio For Purifying Drinking Water

1 Quart water, 2 drops bleach
1 Gallon water, 8 drops bleach
5 Gallons water, 1/2 teaspoon bleach
10 Gallons water, 1 teaspoon bleach
50 Gallons water, 5 teaspoons bleach


If you put in too much, it will eventually break down and be safe to drink - but it might take a considerable amount of time. Also, it will probably smell and taste strongly like a swimming pool. Keep in mind you still have to filter the water to remove particulate.

[Great-Kazoo]

If you put in too much, it will eventually break down and be safe to drink - but it might take a considerable amount of time. Also, it will probably smell and taste strongly like a swimming pool. Keep in mind you still have to filter the water to remove particulate.

Not acceptable. Do you know the time frame for it to be come safe to drink? If it can't be done correctly you put you, family & friends in danger. Especially if your other containers become damaged, and it's one of your last.

We would be filtering out particulates prior to chlorinating. Once the chlorine is added, on the shelf, storage, or table for consumption.

[muddywings]

H-Badger. If you get a 55 gal. drum, how do you keep it from getting nasty? I really don't know - maybe it won't go bad as long as you keep it sealed up? Do you need to put some chlorine or something in it?

BIG water storage is something I need to work on.

This is where I got mine: http://www.coloradotankandbarrel.com

With info here: http://www.coloradotankandbarrel.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=3

I just plan on using the water to water my lawn before I turn on the sprinklers or after I turn them off to rotate the water every 6 months. still smells a bit like mt dew though!

[HoneyBadger]

Not acceptable. Do you know the time frame for it to be come safe to drink? If it can't be done correctly you put you, family & friends in danger. Especially if your other containers become damaged, and it's one of your last.

We would be filtering out particulates prior to chlorinating. Once the chlorine is added, on the shelf, storage, or table for consumption.

Perfectly acceptable to me. I know what safe/unsafe chlorine levels are and how long it takes chlorine to decompose in water. With a 1:1000 or less ratio of chlorine to water, the chlorine will ALWAYS break down (reacting with various things in your water) or dissipate (basically evaporating from the water) completely in 24 hours or less. With a perfect 1:1000 solution, in a 55 gallon drum, (assuming a 3.5% solution of sodium hypochlorite AKA: household bleach) without aeration, the sodium hypochlorite is completely decomposed or dissipated in about 3 hours.

YOU are the best tool in your toolbox, but you must apply the right tool to the right job. If you don't get chemistry, then use a simple chart like posted above. Charts are a great reference, but BE SURE you know what concentration level of bleach you are working with, and WHAT EXACTLY is in the bleach.

[sellersm]

Stocking up on these will solve your water problems:

49307

[ChunkyMonkey]

Perfectly acceptable to me. I know what safe/unsafe chlorine levels are and how long it takes chlorine to decompose in water. With a 1:1000 or less ratio of chlorine to water, the chlorine will ALWAYS break down (reacting with various things in your water) or dissipate (basically evaporating from the water) completely in 24 hours or less. With a perfect 1:1000 solution, in a 55 gallon drum, (assuming a 3.5% solution of sodium hypochlorite AKA: household bleach) without aeration, the sodium hypochlorite is completely decomposed or dissipated in about 3 hours.

YOU are the best tool in your toolbox, but you must apply the right tool to the right job. If you don't get chemistry, then use a simple chart like posted above. Charts are a great reference, but BE SURE you know what concentration level of bleach you are working with, and WHAT EXACTLY is in the bleach.

Yep, back in Indonesia.. we simply put enough chlorine or bleach til we can smell it...Then wait it out til the smell is gone. I basically drank that pool water/boiled water for the first half of my life.. You got 50/50 chance to either become a banker or a lifetime sweat shop worker. So not bad at all! [Flower]

[Great-Kazoo]

Perfectly acceptable to me. I know what safe/unsafe chlorine levels are and how long it takes chlorine to decompose in water. With a 1:1000 or less ratio of chlorine to water, the chlorine will ALWAYS break down (reacting with various things in your water) or dissipate (basically evaporating from the water) completely in 24 hours or less. With a perfect 1:1000 solution, in a 55 gallon drum, (assuming a 3.5% solution of sodium hypochlorite AKA: household bleach) without aeration, the sodium hypochlorite is completely decomposed or dissipated in about 3 hours.

YOU are the best tool in your toolbox, but you must apply the right tool to the right job. If you don't get chemistry, then use a simple chart like posted above. Charts are a great reference, but BE SURE you know what concentration level of bleach you are working with, and WHAT EXACTLY is in the bleach.

For those of us chemistry challenged it pays to err on the side of caution. What ever works for you.

[HoneyBadger]

Stocking up on these will solve your water problems:

49307
Damn! That's brilliant!

[Madeinhb]

I have a couple of these for emergencies

http://www.waterbob.com

[ChunkyMonkey]

i wish you would have been a sweat shop worker. I could use some help here.

Better half is still not convinced.

[Great-Kazoo]

Stocking up on these will solve your water problems:

49307


Damn! That's brilliant!


It leave a dry taste in your mouth.

[Wulf202]

Wait. You need water for survival?

[StagLefty]

Wait. You need water for survival?

Nah just to have so your a prepper !! [Beer]