What Have you done to Prepare This Week?

[Royal-1]

Originally Posted by karlsgunbunker

The filter elements are not as good as the "Black Berkey Elements"
The Black Berkey Elements are purifiers and will filter out Guiardia and Criptosporidia as well as viruses.

That is the kind of info we have come to count on you for. Thanks! Now I know.

[flagtag]

Originally Posted by rhino

Actually, a folding deer cart would probably work a lot better and would allow you to carry a lot more stuff with less effort. The bigger wheels would help too.

I just have the folding hand truck because I use it to wheel my stuff into and out of school. Plus I got it for $30 at Home Depot.

Plus they are built for more weight and rough ground.

[rhino]

I was talking to one of my more prepared friends today. He recently acquired one of those roll-up solar panels and a bunch of adaptors and chargers to go with it. It reminded me that while I have a couple of solar-powered AA chargers, I don't have any useable recharegable AA or AAA batteries.

So I snagged a few AAs rechargeables while I was at Wal*Mart today. I also snagged a spiffy 15-minute charger that also has a car adaptor. I will acquire more rechargeables over time and try to integrate them into my "schedule" for everyday devices.

I also got my mom a spiffy LED flashlight/lantern while I was there. The LED lanterns we used while the power was out yesterday hurt her eyes and didn't do a very good job of area illumination. The gizmo I got for her today has a decent 2-LED flashlight (rated at 100 hours on four fresh alkaline AAs), a 3-LED lantern, which also switches to a single yellow LED for more subdued light. I assume the latter will far exceed the 100 hours on the alkalines, and should last even longer with Ni-MH recharegables.

[flagtag]

Originally Posted by rhino

I was talking to one of my more prepared friends today. He recently acquired one of those roll-up solar panels and a bunch of adaptors and chargers to go with it. It reminded me that while I have a couple of solar-powered AA chargers, I don't have any useable recharegable AA or AAA batteries.

So I snagged a few AAs rechargeables while I was at Wal*Mart today. I also snagged a spiffy 15-minute charger that also has a car adaptor. I will acquire more rechargeables over time and try to integrate them into my "schedule" for everyday devices.

I also got my mom a spiffy LED flashlight/lantern while I was there. The LED lanterns we used while the power was out yesterday hurt her eyes and didn't do a very good job of area illumination. The gizmo I got for her today has a decent 2-LED flashlight (rated at 100 hours on four fresh alkaline AAs), a 3-LED lantern, which also switches to a single yellow LED for more subdued light. I assume the latter will far exceed the 100 hours on the alkalines, and should last even longer with Ni-MH recharegables.

They have so many new things out now, it's hard to keep up. Just like computers, they are soon outdated. :rolleyesedit: I don't know what to get anymore.

[rhino]

It's true!

[SavageEagle]

Originally Posted by flagtag

What if your truck breaks down or gets stuck or you have an accident which leaves the truck inoperable? Whould you have anything to put the necessary items in for transport - such as if you have to "hoof" it? What if you were in a REAL hurry (tornado/flooding - whatever) It would take time to pack everything you would need to transport. "Scattered" wouldn't get it in an emergency. Is it in a bag?

First, yes I have a bag for "hoofing" it. LOL Haven't heard that in a while! And no the household things aren't in a bag, but I have a military pack and duffle bag and laptop bag at the ready. I know EXACTLY where everything is and have timed myself at 7 minutes to gather everything we need for 72 hours and out the door. Plans are great but only worth it if you PRACTICE!

[SavageEagle]

BTW, that 7 minutes is with the help of my girl. On my own it takes 13 minutes. Haven't practiced with just me and the 4 kids in the house by ourselves. The oldest is 9 and the youngest is 2 so the best I could hope for with just us is 20 minutes.

[flagtag]

Originally Posted by SavageEagle

BTW, that 7 minutes is with the help of my girl. On my own it takes 13 minutes. Haven't practiced with just me and the 4 kids in the house by ourselves. The oldest is 9 and the youngest is 2 so the best I could hope for with just us is 20 minutes.

That's ok. Each one of them (even the 2yo) could be given a task to perform. Make a game of it at first and you might be surprised and beat your "guesstimate" time. Children are amazingly quick!

Plus, it will bring you all closer to gether. Giving a child responsibility also gives them more self-confidence. Chances are you will end up with a lot of hugs, kisses, and giggles in the bargain.

[SavageEagle]

Oh I've considered it. Just trying to find the right things is key though. Like say maybe the canned goods and bottled tea, or maybe grabbing coats or shoes... The older girls would be incharge of 1) keeping the younger two from running off as they love to do, and 2) grabbing clothing I would guess. Our older two girls have some serious issues and I think you're right, I think it would build self-confidence. The idea of a "fun" responsibility might help straighten them out. Just wonder what would help their lying problems! LOL

[flagtag]

Oh, no! The dreaded lying stage! Yeah, they all go through it! It seems to be part "test" and part "lack of self-esteem". Just keep letting them know that it is not acceptable and be sure to let them know that YOU know they are lying and punish them accordingly. If the lying is connected to having done something else wrong, make sure you punish for both - seperately - and explain why.