More planning for winter

[bill_schubert]

Doing my part to keep the power on.

I've been fleshing out my kit for a winter power loss that, since I've got a kit, will now not happen.  Yesterday while waiting for Zoe I went to Academy sports and bought a single burner butane stove and two cans of butane.  I'll need to test it since I've never used one before and have no idea how long a can of butane will last but at least we'll have hot chocolate during the freeze.

I also ordered some triple A battery powered LED lights.  They are about six inches high and open partially or completely to offer pretty bright light.  I bought two.  Turned out each of the two had four lamps in it.  So I'm flush with emergency light now.  The lights will burn for a long time so we should be good with that.

The one thing we need to finish out the bottom layer of Maslow's hierarchy is heat.  We're going today to look at a portable propane heater that can be used inside.  They are not expensive and we can hole up in the bedroom and run it very low to heat the small space.  I've already ordered the carbon monoxide alarm to go with it.  This heater is created for just this kind of use and with a window cracked to add fresh air is safe to use.  

We've collected enough food to last for three or four days which, in addition to what we keep in pantry, refrigerator and freezer should keep us in good shape for more than a week.  I've got a closet full of water, water filter, and food that we will use up in the spring if we don't need it sooner.  Then I'll start collecting again.

I am considering buying a brisket if the cold is predicted.  Had I the right meat and wood I think I'd have much more enjoyed the snow last year.  Worth considering.  Why have a smoker and not use it?

Bring on the zombies!

Comments

[anais-pf.livejournal.com]

What about a small battery powered radio? I mention this because I need to replace mine. We used it only for emergencies and the occasional picnic, but it died last year during our several day power outage. I think I had it for a few decades. It's handy for finding out what's going on, without having to go run the car battery down just to listen to the news.

[stainsteelrat.livejournal.com]

How often do you lose power in the Winter, and what's the longest it's been out for?

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

I bought this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZRR2DQV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 last summer. It has lots of obvious advantages over a portable radio. It is pretty small but does a lot. It has been sitting in my closet since August and I just brought it out. Still fully charged and immediately picked up the weather station.

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

Last winter we had a pretty bad storm that knocked out power off and on over the course of a week (https://www.texastribune.org/series/winter-storm-power-outage/). It wasn't too dangerous for us but I saw the light that it might have easily been worse and IF climate change were in fact a thing (which, in Texas, the Governor says it is not and we are just going to stop rapes and I believe everything he says) the once in 50 years storm will be an annual event.

So I'm preparing for three or four days in addition to what we have on hand.

[anais-pf.livejournal.com]

Oooh, that looks good! Looks like it only gets weather information, not regular radio stations, though, is that right? We listened to a lot of regular radio stations for music and news during the week we were without power after Superstorm Sandy, and I appreciated having that connection to the outside world.

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

It has all three.

[susandennis]

You are just one pair on sacred underwear away from being a Morman!!!

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

The IV coffee drip would have to be removed. Not likely.

[susandennis]

but sooooo close — impressive

[mollywheezy.livejournal.com]

It's good to be prepared!

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

Yeah, now we won't need any of it.

[anais-pf.livejournal.com]

Yay! Thanks. I guess I should have seen that. :)

[anais-pf.livejournal.com]

That's the whole idea behind being prepared — not needing it.

[msconduct.livejournal.com]

Having just seen the alarming John Oliver show about the US's ageing power grid, that all sounds very sensible. Since I live in a city that never goes below about 4C/40F at night in the middle of winter, it's easy not to worry too much about power cuts, but when freezing to death is a distinct possibility, a bit of preparedness is a great plan. Not to mention that you've expertly warded off it ever happening now. A small price to pay in expenditure and storage for singlehandedly saving Texas.

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

I know!!! And no credit.

Propane bottles are in short supply so I've got some company.

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

I had to look. The solar panel works well and keeping a phone charged is a huge benefit.

[sleepybadger.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a good collection! I'm surprised there's a propane heater to be used indoors!

[bill-schubert.livejournal.com]

I was very surprised and a little concerned. But the rules are crack a window so it can suck in fresh air to heat and, my rule, install a new CO detector. My guess is we won't use it but I feel better knowing we can if we have to. It got a little worrisome for us and really bad for some last year.