Blimey, is this topic "Zombie apocalypse conspiracy theory nuclear bomb sharknado paranoia" in disguise?

[QuintShhhhhh]

I go away for a few weeks, and all "one flew over the cuckoos nest" breaks lose!

Sorry to hear about all the health problems. I also think it is reassuring to be prepared (not nuts).

Have you all registered as for priority reconnection with your electrcity and gas suppliers? (See Electricity and communications thread)

I saw that, Zetetic, thanks, but I don't think I personally qualify. I think maybe Scone's son would? But it's probably not the electricity going down that would kill me, it's lack of actual medicine. Hence why I keep supplies that could be eked out for a while if necessary. I do sometimes wonder if, in a post-apocalyptic world, people might find they were no longer so crazily allergic to everything (though in fact I am not preparing for an apocalypse as such).

I also find it just reassuring to be prepared. I'm not as prepared as some but I do think that we would be able to survive at least a week comfortable or even a few weeks (water permitting, that's my biggest fail as we don't have the storage space) without power fairly easily. Reading the threads has made me decide to clear some space for water. As DH and I both like to have a bottle of water beside the bed for night time thirstiness, I can rotate these easily. Everything else is reasonably covered - we have food, warmth, light, a means of cooking and medicines up our wazoo. We also have a small amount of electricity available in the form of solar power so could probably manage for a while if we needed to.

I hate this meanness. I loved your comment about the Sky Fairy worship board, Stratters. I too cannot see the point of it nor tons of other boards but I would never ever be so rude as to pop in there and tell them just on the off chance they might suddenly think 'oh yes, I'm an idiot'.

Do you have log fires? And wood? To keep warm and to cook if there is a powercut?

Do you reckon it is possible to use a kettle bell bbq in doors for warmth and cooking?

Nooooo, please don't do that, carbon monoxide poisoning :(

Oh, yes that is true!

At least this stupid thread was posted in the right place.

Is this you checking up, Thick ? Are you happy? I hope so.

? SpottedZebra

Er, Thick I may have totally misunderstood your post, and thought you'd popped over for a dig.

I am very very sorry.

Thank Christ you came back quickly, Zebra, I thought I'd been pushed out of The Bunker . Was worried.

See Quint, not such a silly board now :)

Now I'm sorry, Zebra, I'm sounding like a twat, I'm on our side, sorry if you're a bit perplexed. Shouldn't post after a glass of wine.

So so sorry. I'm right moody today. I've medicated with biscuits but it's not really done the trick.

To bring that round to prepping, I could never stockpile biscuits, as I'd just trough the lot one evening.

Oh, that was a crossed post. No, don't you apologise - honestly, I am a twat!

Stratters you have probably saved my life!

Blimey we're almost needing a secret handshake!

Erm, stupid question but can camping stoves be used indoors?

No! Don't use camping stoves indoors. Carbon monoxide again.

A covered area (but open on at least one side) outdoors would be best.

www.cornwall.gov.uk/housing/council-housing/repairs-maintenance-and-improvements/carbon-monoxide/

Ouf thanks!

So next question- how to heat food in a power cut when you live in a flat with no balcony?

Despite the horror of those AIBU threads, I think a lot of people saw the sense in what you are doing and it showed me where the preppers topic was, so thank you!
I started prepping 5 years ago when the power went out and I was scrabbling around trying to put batteries in a ropey old torch with the aid of a flickering IKEA tealight. I learnt my lesson that day and last year when the power went out for 5 days, I was ready and prepared. Admittedly, when the power went down this week (strong wind and trees not been cut back from power lines this year) I was disappointed when it came back after 5 minutes as I had no chance to even open my preppers box...

You are definitely one of us, Cloud

Tricky in a flat with no balcony ISpidersman. Obviously in a longer term power cut you would need to leave or be evacuated but for a shorter term this might be a solution for hot food / drinks.

evaq8.co.uk/Self-Heating-Food.html

The Chocolate Pudding is divine. We use this stuff on long walks.

Thanks looks good. Do they have a long shelf life?

I've just taken delivery of three as my teenage son is going on a DofE hike. It arrived last week and the Best Before Date is May 2018. However we have eaten them at least a year past the BBD and they were fine.

The Ration Packs are good as they contain an entire meal - including dessert, drinks and snacks. Would you like me to take a photo of the contents?

They appear to have the BB date in the product descriptions - mostly it's about a year or two away. (I don't know how long they'd last in actuality.)

Personally, I think I'd generally eat cold tins and go to bed/wrap up warm to keep all those calories inside. The meals aren't expensive for what they are, I guess, but they would be a bit expensive for me to have more than one or two of them on 'spec' with no firm prospect of use.

After the bb date runs out you can still eat long life food. What happens is the nutritional value decreases as the product ages, so ends up just becoming calories.