Birthday suggestions

[torthecatlady]

Hi everyone,

I've recently been hovering around the prepping thread, I'm hooked (and panicking a little).

Last night our power went out for about 45 minutes, I lit a load of candles. Fortunately it was late and we'd already eaten and showered etc. But it really got me thinking about how ill prepared we are.

My birthday is coming up and I would love to ask for some prepping-related items, but have no idea where to start. I'm thinking prep for short term, no more than 5-6 days (for now).

I'd love a torch... Which would be better: solar power or wind up? Any particular brand which is reliable?

And also any good books for beginners or self sufficiency? I took a look on Amazon, but there were so many, and some seemed aimed at the American market.

Any other suggestions would be great please!

[cozietoesie]

Personally, I find a torch just a little 'limiting' - I have one (as part of a wind up radio) but I've concentrated for house use on lanterns (which can be carried around quite the thing) and have - when charged - a 12 hour life or so. My temptation would be to ask for something which had a wind-up capability because, in reality, you're likely to forget to charge them and a wind-up capability would be useful. (My lanterns have 4 or 5 charging methods, with wind-up being one of them.)

Torches are often nice and cheap, though, so useful if you have youngsters buying. Maybe have a look at 'Dynamo' items - torches, lanterns etc - on, say, Amazon.

Books on prepping are not my experience though - other posters may be able to comment there.

[torthecatlady]

Great, I will look into wind up lanterns and see what's available.

Sounds really good that they have multiple sources of charging.

Thanks for the advice. Hopefully someone else comes along to advise on books!

Any other good ideas for presents?

[dobbythefuckingjizzelf]

Preppers blueprint by Tess Pennington is a good read although a few sections aren't really UK relevant but it is still worth getting as there is a lot of useful info in it

[cozietoesie]

Water, food (easily edible), meds, some light and something to do while you're waiting. (Ie a book or two, some cards, a rechargeable radio etc.) Those should see you right for a 48er.

(Thinking about real life power cuts, they're mostly punctuated by 'Is it back on yet?' queries. You need to have something to occupy yourselves.)

Oh - and doings for pets if you have any. They'll expect 'business as usual'.

[torthecatlady]

I saw prepper's blueprint on Amazon and did wonder if it was worth getting it.. I'll ask for that! Thanks!

The cats usually have lots of wet food / biscuits / litter in the pantry (little low at the moment, will have to remember not to let it run too low in future). Also bought some tinned tuna in water for them (spoilt rotten).

Food for us may be a little harder, what things require no cooking or eaten cold? I can't eat tuna though! I don't plan on purchasing a camping stove soon, so slightly limited.

Storing water is ok, plenty of room for a few bottles in the pantry, and UHT milk. I'd like to get some sterilising tablets - is there a go to brand? There's some very cheap ones on Amazon.

To start with I'm going to prep for short term and for being able to stay in the house, but I realise a bug out (is that the right term) would be good if we needed to leave quickly. That will probably be my Christmas present!

[cozietoesie]

Where would you go? (That's a straight question. You'd need a destination and people who'd accept you.)

[DoYouRememberJustinBobby]

The Collins Gem Food for Free is a good book to have. It's a pocket size guide to foraging in the UK and is less than a fiver.

[torthecatlady]

Cozie, well if there was a gas leak on the street or we were evacuated for whatever reason - would we not be sent somewhere specific, like the local school or community centre?

I watched the two blackout mocumentaries on YouTube, if we were in that situation - I would hope I wouldn't have to leave the house to be honest. It would be terrifying.