You're not a Doomsday Prepper, what are you doing 2 provide for your family in a

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   SEXYLADYDEEposted 11 years ago

   You're not a Doomsday Prepper, what are you doing 2 provide for your family in a natural emergency?
   
   We're survivors of Hurricane Sandy. We were without lights, heat, running water for almost two weeks. We have an underground shelter in the back but had not taken enough steps prior to the storm. We have a good selection of canned goods, candles, lighters, kerosene, kerosene lamps, batteries, a battery operated radio, 2 grills w/ propane tanks, some bottled water and we filled the tub so we could flush. But without a generator after a week we were no match for Sandy. What preparations have you made or can you suggest for use in an emergency? (or the Zombie Apocalypse my kids say is coming)

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   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   I'm a prepper, though not a full go crazy making my house into a bunker type prepper. I think there are plenty of easy things people can do to prepare. Every time we have a soda/water/juice bottle we fill it with water when it is empty and store it in our basement. We also sit aside 2 or 3 cans of food each time we come back from the grocery store. One thing many people don't think about is how much water is in their water heater. If all the water has run out that is stored up there are many more gallons that can be drained out of the water heater. If it's below 35 degrees outside then all of your perishable food can be moved outdoors to keep it good so it can be cooked on a grill or propane stove. 5 years ago we had an ice storm down here in the south that put us out of power and water for 2 weeks, and when I was a child Hurricane Hugo put us out of power and water for a month. It's not fun living!! it can be done though.

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      SEXYLADYDEEposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for good, practical information. Not all of us are buying bunkers but in these times preparation is critical. Dee

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   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   I'm not what I would call a prepper but 14 years ago we had a huge storm they called a micro burst and we were without power for a couple of weeks.  Because we have a well, that meant no water, no toilet etc.
   
   We purchased a generator. It is rarely used but at least we have it and we also have put aside much the same as you have SEXYLADYDEE.  We also have a very cool thing. It is a portable solar panel and kind of looks like an art portfolio when closed up.  It can be sued to charge batteries, iPods, radios etc.
   
   One suggestion I have it medical supplies. Bandages, and all manner of first aid equipment, hemostats, stitching packets, etc. that you can collect because if a storm is severe and someone gets injured, you might not be able to reach a doctor.  Lots of hydrogen pyroxide and alcohol, gauze etc.

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      SEXYLADYDEEposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent suggestion. I will put that in my list of supplies and start collecting products to support our first aid kit. I have to look up the solar panel. We have a charger and an adapter for our truck to charge our phones and computers. Dee

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   Annie Millerposted 11 years ago

   You know, we live in tornado alley, Wichita Falls, Texas. We had a scare in 2002, but the last big one here was in 1979, when I was safely tucked away in my home state of California. My husband was here and has told me how devastated the area was, and yet, we are NOT prepared ... for anything!
   
   I am so glad I read this! Thanks, Dee!

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      SEXYLADYDEEposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Maybe you can start building a small supply of things on your own. When you buy canned goods put every 4th one away. You just have to be aware of dates. Keeping propane in the grill, buying extra water, putting a medical supply together, etc. Dee

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