WINTER CHECKLIST

[icrcc]

I am in favor of generators but I guess the big deciding factor here is where you live. If you live in an urban environment then a generator is probably not the way to go. However if you live in a rural environment I think a generator is one way to go. Even a few, litres of petrol will run a generator for a few days. Certainly enough to get you through any short term SHTF situation. For longer term events you would have to look at alternate fuels and ways to replenish your supplies. These are available and it can be done. Some of the newer well made generators are so quiet that you have to be next to them to hear them running.

[nickdutch]

I am in favor of generators but I guess the big deciding factor here is where you live. If you live in an urban environment then a generator is probably not the way to go. However if you live in a rural environment I think a generator is one way to go. Even a few, litres of petrol will run a generator for a few days. Certainly enough to get you through any short term SHTF situation. For longer term events you would have to look at alternate fuels and ways to replenish your supplies. These are available and it can be done. Some of the newer well made generators are so quiet that you have to be next to them to hear them running.

And like with many things it depends what you mean by a generator and what you are going to use it for. Solar panels generate power, but that's for small items and battery storage so that you can light the place at night without combustible fuel. I did see something called an "elephant" which had a built in lead acid battery and had a crank handle and it could be used to make 240 V AC as well as 12V DC and it even had a USB 5V for small electronic device recharging. I could power an 11W CFL bulb off that for many hours if needed. But it costs money.

[icrcc]

I was referring to liquid fueled generators. Solar powered generators and hand crank are available too but tend to be out of the price range of most people. Really for most people if they want to produce enough power for lights, fridges and freezers and furnace fans the only affordable method would be petrol or diesel or perhaps propane.

[TorNicho]

I currently have a solar set-up that will power a small halogen heater for a while a day (looking to expand).

But my thoughts are heat pumps. These things are great.
The don't use energy to heat, they use it to move the heat from one place to another, i.e. the garden (ground) to inside the house.
They are quite efficient because of this, and can be made with a fridge or freezer pump.
I'll see if I can put some info about them on this site.

[The-Great-Nothing]

Delightful "i am building up food little by little (thwarted by being too far from shops or public transport to carry much"

Maybe look into getting some prep groceries delivered by one of the supermarkets ?

Cheers

Matt

[TorNicho]

Delightful "i am building up food little by little (thwarted by being too far from shops or public transport to carry much"

Maybe look into getting some prep groceries delivered by one of the supermarkets ?

Cheers

Matt

If you do have a problem like this, have you considered a wheelbarrow or sack-barrow?
May look a little weird wandering along with your shopping, but it saves you carrying it all.

[Maddie_cat]

Delightful "i am building up food little by little (thwarted by being too far from shops or public transport to carry much"

Maybe look into getting some prep groceries delivered by one of the supermarkets ?

Cheers

Matt

If you do have a problem like this, have you considered a wheelbarrow or sack-barrow?
May look a little weird wandering along with your shopping, but it saves you carrying it all.

An old fashioned trolley would do

[Arzosah]

And I use one of those shopping trolleys that used to be the preserve of little old ladies Oh, but tell you what, an ordinary piece of trolley luggage would do the same job, and wouldn't be the same as using stuff for little old ladies tho I take responsibility for my own embarrassment on that one

[(pete)]

Ya know I just read this thread and its great, now my Mrs thinks I'm mad for keeping us preped so I just posed the question to her..... " what would you do if the power went out rite now" I laffed my socks off when her answer came back....... she simpley said " sleep "

How ever I'm prepped up water is no issue for me I live next door to a water catchment area so have millions of liters to drink cupboards are stacked out with food ordered a load if New kit for the offroader as most of the winter kit is a little worn so I'm able to stay mobile in adverse road conditions