Overall we are pretty pleased with how our preps went. We have a "hurricane kit" which is 3 storage tubs of stuff plus water jugs and equipment like a generator.
I plan on adding a set of tiler's knee pads to the kit for when I have to be on my knees setting up the hurricane shutters. I also think I'll add another 5 gallon gas can, just for an extra window. That will give be about a week of generator time.
I'll also get a one gallon gas can so that I don't have to lift 5 gallons of gas to gas up the cars. I don't like to keep gas around when we don't need it because you have to put in a stabilizer and it still ends up getting gunked up. I just fill up the cars (which keeps me out of the post-storm lines at the gas station) but transferring it to make the lift lighter would be good.
With the water cans we were in good shape, and we filled up the bath tub and washing machine for wash water. I am pretty comfortable that we could have ridden out a week fairly easily, maybe two with our water filters.
I'm thinking about getting Starlink for Internet because that will be back as soon as the storm passes; no linemen needed. The kit is $350 and install is ~ another $350. Not sure I want to spring for that right now.
I do think that a battery radio with AM/FM/Short Wave needs to be an addition to our kit.
I'm shocked at the number of neighbors who had essentially no preps at all. This was maybe a good window into what things might be if something serious happens. Since I'm the guy with the loud generator, this would make me a magnet. Ugh.
5 comments:
Didn’t think to fill the washer machine for water. Seafoam in my limited experience seems to stabilize fuel so much better. Stabil and starbrite barely kept fuel for six months, seafoam in my current test is good now till 10 months. Though I think at 12 I’ll rotate thru vehicles and refresh. Just bought some more water jugs, I keep alot of bottled water in hand but there’s value in some 5-7 gal jugs. Thanks for the info!
A I KW inverter can run lots of things off a car battery with no sound signature. Some only run a little over $100.
Just be sure your vehicle's alternator can handle the added load! Oh; and keep that tank FULL!
Never thought about filling the washing machine. Good idea! Also remember that your water heater tank is holding 40-60 gallons of water.
Having a batt-op AM/FM radio goes without saying! You may not feel the need for shortwave capability, but if you can afford a shortwave, get one. Shortwave radios have more sensitive receivers and also provide connections for external antennas. Both will allow you to pick up stations that are further away or local stations running on reduced power. Again, if you can afford it, get a shortwave with SSB (Single Sideband) capability. Ham radio operators use SSB by and large, and being able to listen to them will give you ACTUAL, UNFILTERED on-the-ground news!
I have a genny as well, but also have several inverters of different capacities on hand. They can be connected to the battery in your vehicle or the deep-cycle batteries in a camper or RV. This will allow you to run or charge the small stuff without making any noise. Go with the smallest capacity inverter you can get away with, as they use power to make power. The smaller the capacity, the less power they'll use. For the larger ones, be sure the alternator in your vehicle can handle the added load.
Look at windup radios. Most can also charge usb devices, like camping lanterns
Post a Comment