Emergency Preparedness Thread

[old_gregg]

if anybody is looking for a good multi, moofi (run by the same people as woot) have a good deal on a sog 18 in 1:

http://moofi.woot.com/moofi/2ndedition

[Surfah]

if anybody is looking for a good multi, moofi (run by the same people as woot) have a good deal on a sog 18 in 1:

http://moofi.woot.com/moofi/2ndedition

Nice find. I just got some Paladin crimps last week. If this weren't a networking multi-tool I might be interested. Though am tempted as this would be handy at work. I am just not a belt carrying pocket tool kind of guy. Especially when I have all my networking tools right with me.

[Portland Ute]

bring it on. this is very interesting.

we've got a year's supply of freeze dried mtn house crap from one of those brilliant door to door sales companies. it can be done significantly cheaper when they're pieced together individually, but it's nice to have it done for you.

What would you suggest for doing it cheaper and going the freeze-dried route? I'm thinking this is the direction we will take and also supplement with other foods such as canned meats (tuna, beef, chicken), pastas, etc.

We don't have a mill and wouldn't even begin to have a clue as how to use whole wheat. So, I don't see us loading up on whole grains, etc.

We'll probably do some powdered milk and other stuff to supplement the freeze dried cac.

Suggestions on getting the freeze dried meals inexpensively? I don't care if it's Mountain House, just that it tastes good and is of good quality.

[FN Phat]

Lessons learned: Make sure that your generator is in working condition with a supply of gas (with a stabilizer mixed in) and extra filters, oil, and spark plugs. I drained mine completely free of fuel this winter, per manufacturers specs, and had to use it late this past winter. Filled it with fuel, turned it on, pulled the choke, and cranked it twice before it came to life. No problems. It has set in the garage since yesterday (about 3 months). We lost power for some time last night due to severe thunderstorms and heavy rain. Generator will not start. I ran to the tractor supply store and got a new spark plug. I could smell the fuel it was getting so I figured it was not getting a spark. I gapped the spark plug per spec and installed the plug. Nothing. Checked the oil level to make sure it wasn't too low. Looked good. The best that I can figure is that the intake valve is stuck open or closed.

Once I get it started, I will be cranking that bad boy to life every couple of months. To have the generator and still not have power is frustrating.


*Disclaimer: It did crank over twice when I sprayed a little ether in the air intake.

[Surfah]

What would you suggest for doing it cheaper and going the freeze-dried route? I'm thinking this is the direction we will take and also supplement with other foods such as canned meats (tuna, beef, chicken), pastas, etc.

We don't have a mill and wouldn't even begin to have a clue as how to use whole wheat. So, I don't see us loading up on whole grains, etc.

We'll probably do some powdered milk and other stuff to supplement the freeze dried cac.

Suggestions on getting the freeze dried meals inexpensively? I don't care if it's Mountain House, just that it tastes good and is of good quality.

I don't know how it compares but I know that Costco in the past has carried Shelf Reliance brand year's supply.

Whole wheat shouldn't intimidate you either. It's worth it to learn some recipes and uses and have some on hand with a grinder. I'd get a hand crank one in the event of no power. A nice electric one can be had for a couple hundred bucks or less. They even have grinding attachments for much less for your KitchenAid or Bosch mixer.

[old_gregg]

What would you suggest for doing it cheaper and going the freeze-dried route? I'm thinking this is the direction we will take and also supplement with other foods such as canned meats (tuna, beef, chicken), pastas, etc.

We don't have a mill and wouldn't even begin to have a clue as how to use whole wheat. So, I don't see us loading up on whole grains, etc.

We'll probably do some powdered milk and other stuff to supplement the freeze dried cac.

Suggestions on getting the freeze dried meals inexpensively? I don't care if it's Mountain House, just that it tastes good and is of good quality.

if you have an tax id number you can use to order as a wholesaler, you can save a lot of money. any substantial supply (six mos) will probably meet minimum quantity requirements for a wholesale order.

i agree with surfah on the hand crank. in a pinch, having the ability to make your own starch meal would be great. a nice cast iron mill can be had for around $50. i know there are also some combo units that have an electric motor but can be detached and operated manually.

what kind of stove/heat source does everyone have? i have two msr whisperlites that i've used for backpacking in the past as well as a two burner camp chef, but something in between (more portable than a camp chef, more consistent and reliable heat than the msr) would be great.

[Devildog]

This thread could bring out my crazy, I need to be careful.



I think I will leave it there, until I see how tin foil hat we get....

Yep... I agree

Here is one for starters.

http://www.kellykettleusa.com/

[Green Monstah]

Gold and silver coins

In a situation that constitutes TEOTWAWKI, I think those are pretty valueless.

Up to that point, however, they'd be nearly priceless.

[Green Monstah]

Lessons learned: Make sure that your generator is in working condition with a supply of gas (with a stabilizer mixed in) and extra filters, oil, and spark plugs. I drained mine completely free of fuel this winter, per manufacturers specs, and had to use it late this past winter. Filled it with fuel, turned it on, pulled the choke, and cranked it twice before it came to life. No problems. It has set in the garage since yesterday (about 3 months). We lost power for some time last night due to severe thunderstorms and heavy rain. Generator will not start. I ran to the tractor supply store and got a new spark plug. I could smell the fuel it was getting so I figured it was not getting a spark. I gapped the spark plug per spec and installed the plug. Nothing. Checked the oil level to make sure it wasn't too low. Looked good. The best that I can figure is that the intake valve is stuck open or closed.

Once I get it started, I will be cranking that bad boy to life every couple of months. To have the generator and still not have power is frustrating.


*Disclaimer: It did crank over twice when I sprayed a little ether in the air intake.

Good advice. I have a kit that I put on mine that allows the generator to run on gasoline, natural gas or propane. When Ike hit Houston, the Natural Gas was awesome since there was little gasoline available and it is so much less expensive to run.

[Green Monstah]

What would you suggest for doing it cheaper and going the freeze-dried route? I'm thinking this is the direction we will take and also supplement with other foods such as canned meats (tuna, beef, chicken), pastas, etc.

We don't have a mill and wouldn't even begin to have a clue as how to use whole wheat. So, I don't see us loading up on whole grains, etc.

We'll probably do some powdered milk and other stuff to supplement the freeze dried cac.

Suggestions on getting the freeze dried meals inexpensively? I don't care if it's Mountain House, just that it tastes good and is of good quality.

*Disclaimer: I'm a huge cornbread guy

We actually canned a crapload of popcorn last year. It's dirt cheap and can be ground into meal quickly and easily (or popped). It's a supplement to our wheat food storage and will provide some (albeit small) diversity to our food storage if the SHTF.

I just realized, however, that I need a hand-powered grinder for all this crap.

[NorthwestUteFan]

My grandfather was in Germany after the war earning the points to go home. He was a 99th Infantry Battle Baby in the Battle of the Bulge. The cigarettes in his meal kits were highly valuable, and sugar was even more so. Those are highly valuable commodities in a shtf situation.

I wonder if a collapse of that magnitude is even a possibility in the USA? I tend to doubt it.

[Devildog]

Gold and silver coins

you can buy anything in this world with money.

Yes you can. It sure helps in a crisis, too.

In a situation that constitutes TEOTWAWKI, I think those are pretty valueless.

Up to that point, however, they'd be nearly priceless.

My grandfather was in Germany after the war earning the points to go home. He was a 99th Infantry Battle Baby in the Battle of the Bulge. The cigarettes in his meal kits were highly valuable, and sugar was even more so. Those are highly valuable commodities in a shtf situation.

I wonder if a collapse of that magnitude is even a possibility in the USA? I tend to doubt it.

Bullets.

[wuapinmon]

Lessons learned from Katrina:

1. Apocalyptic Fever breaks out after major disasters.
2. Jesus has his own calendar, and it's got a lot of time left on it.
3. Things that float are very useful.
4. A good solid flashlight with long battery life is important.
5. Cellphones are WORTHLESS in an emergency. Even texts have issues sometimes. A 2-way radio is priceless.
6. First aid kits need coldpacks.
7. 72-hour kits need to accesible.
8. Water is farking heavy.
9. A red wagon with all-terrain tires is a great idea, especially a plastic one that floats.
10. Firearms are a necessary evil (they are not evil, but needing them for protection instead of hunting is terrifying).
11. Matches need to be in a waterproof container.
12. CHAINSAW with fuel, spare parts, and a spare chain.

[Portland Ute]

if you have an tax id number you can use to order as a wholesaler, you can save a lot of money. any substantial supply (six mos) will probably meet minimum quantity requirements for a wholesale order.

i agree with surfah on the hand crank. in a pinch, having the ability to make your own starch meal would be great. a nice cast iron mill can be had for around $50. i know there are also some combo units that have an electric motor but can be detached and operated manually.

what kind of stove/heat source does everyone have? i have two msr whisperlites that i've used for backpacking in the past as well as a two burner camp chef, but something in between (more portable than a camp chef, more consistent and reliable heat than the msr) would be great.

I own a business and have a tax-ID number. Does any tax-ID number work?

This is a great idea and I'm interested.

Any suggestions as to where I should try to purchase this stuff at wholesale?

[old_gregg]

I own a business and have a tax-ID number. Does any tax-ID number work?

This is a great idea and I'm interested.

Any suggestions as to where I should try to purchase this stuff at wholesale?

i just emailed mountain house to see what one would need to do to get dealer pricing with regard to minimum quantities/dollar totals. it sounds like food storage sales have gone through the roof all over the internet... nitro-pak is giving a 160 day time frame for orders to ship.

[Portland Ute]

i just emailed mountain house to see what one would need to do to get dealer pricing with regard to minimum quantities/dollar totals. it sounds like food storage sales have gone through the roof all over the internet... nitro-pak is giving a 160 day time frame for orders to ship.

Let me know what you find out...

[old_gregg]

Let me know what you find out...

[camleish], I am sorry but we are not opening any new accounts at this time. We are not able to support any additional business at this time.

Sorry,
Melanie

sounds like a dang good time to be in the food storage business.

[Coach McGuirk]

check Wise Food. They have a good selection. Not sure on dealer pricing....

[Portland Ute]

Has anyone checked out Daily Bread?

They are located in Kaysville, UT. I guess their warehouse is in SLC.

Is this a reputable company?

[Portland Ute]

sounds like a dang good time to be in the food storage business.

Dang.

[Portland Ute]

Wise foods looks like it'll be about 2500 LESS than Daily Bread for a year supply of 3 meals per day for a family of 2 adults and 3 kids.

Daily Bread is 9000+ for a year supply.

Ouch.

[Surfah]

Wise foods looks like it'll be about 2500 LESS than Daily Bread for a year supply of 3 meals per day for a family of 2 adults and 3 kids.

Daily Bread is 9000+ for a year supply.

Ouch.

Be sure to check what you're getting. Most year supply are two meals about 2400 calories/day. 3 meals seems like a good deal to me.

[Coach McGuirk]

Be sure to check what you're getting. Most year supply are two meals about 2400 calories/day. 3 meals seems like a good deal to me.

1 year 3 meals for 2 adults 4 kids is $6,650.00
1 year 2 meals for 2 adults 4 kids is $4,495.00

Daily bread website doesn't offer pricing, but is endorsed by Glen Beck!

[old_gregg]

our supply is from daily bread, but was a gift and i would never pay that much for it.

[Portland Ute]

1 year 3 meals for 2 adults 4 kids is $6,650.00
1 year 2 meals for 2 adults 4 kids is $4,495.00

Daily bread website doesn't offer pricing, but is endorsed by Glen Beck!

I called Daily Bread. They claim to be located in Kaysville. Wise Food claims to be in Centerville.

I'm suprised there seems to be that much of a disparity.

I was quoted 9000+ for 2 adults and 3 kids for 3 meals/day for 12 months.

I'm going to have to talk to Wise Food.

The guy at Daily Bread says if we do a year, he'll throw in a bunch of free food, but not that much!

Daily Bread seems to have a much larger variety of entrees than Wise Food.

Hmm... That's almost 200/month difference. If not more.

[Portland Ute]

I just found a Wise Food discount coupon for 10%.

I wonder if they'll let me apply the coupon and pick up the food at their warehouse if it's in Utah. Their HQ is in Centerville.

[FN Phat]

What do you recommend for a quality lighter?

It seems that the Brunton Firestorm is a bad ass lighter and is sold out most places. It seems that you can find one here.. I am just not sure that I want to drop $40 on a lighter.

Coach, what do you use?

[Surfah]

What do you recommend for a quality lighter?

It seems that the Brunton Firestorm is a bad ass lighter and is sold out most places. It seems that you can find one here.. I am just not sure that I want to drop $40 on a lighter.

Coach, what do you use?

Don't you have a little Benzomatic torch? I was just looking at a catalog that some Zippos in it and was looking at their pen torches. That Brunton looks cool. But $40 is expensive. The $15 Zippos seems pricy to me.

[FN Phat]

Don't you have a little Benzomatic torch? I was just looking at a catalog that some Zippos in it and was looking at their pen torches. That Brunton looks cool. But $40 is expensive. The $15 Zippos seems pricy to me.

Yes I do but I am trying to piece together a bag, similar to what Coach has and what you are starting, and the torch is a bit chunky. You can find knock-off zippos for about $4.00/ea.

[Surfah]

Yes I do but I am trying to piece together a bag, similar to what Coach has and what you are starting, and the torch is a bit chunky. You can find knock-off zippos for about $4.00/ea.

A cigar torch would probably work well. But it won't be waterproof like that one you linked.