What are you prepped for?

[Glowinginthedark]

I'm new to this and with the current state of the world I have been thinking about prepping for certain events.

Mainly thinking about keeping car filled with fuel, stocking up on tinned/frozen food and bottled water incase of panic buying caused by any major events that could occur rather than prepping for actual events, I'm more anticipating being affected by shops running out with panic buying rather than being directly affected, should ww3 kick off for example! Does this sound sensible?

What about everyone else?

Harvey, cozie I'm in Texas.

Being prepared here isn't an academic exercise, it's a serious business.

It's always a serious business - but I grant you that there are times when it's more........immediate.

I hope that you and yours came through Harvey more or less OK.

We did thank you Cozie

I've always been a bit of a food hoarder by nature, so probably about 4 months worth of stuff, although meals might get a bit boring. If there is power, I have a lot of frozen stuff too.
Water is OK, we have a spring.
Need to stock up on cat food though.
Have camping stuff, wood burners, rocket stove and woods accross the road if running out of fuel.
Likely scenarios here are power cuts, flooding ( not my house but have been turned into an island before due to flooding on the lower levels) and snow, although I have chains for the car and have always managed to get in and out previously.
Live close to a nuclear power station though, but not a lot I can do in the event of a disaster there!

Oh and have made lots of wine!

Yes. People forget about pets.

Don't forget petrol does have a shelf life and you would need to keep using and replacing

I have wind up torches and a wind up radio on order. We have a camping stove and I'm working on mycupboard. Need to start with water again though. You need 5 liters per person per day to account for drinking, cooking and hygiene.

Using and replacing applies to most everything, I fear. Have you a water source near you, Side?

Yes we have a stream nearby. So have bought water purification tablets and I can make
A
Basic filter system if the water is dirty before putting tablets in

I meant more that a lot of people think that petrol will never go off

That’s true - and storage can be the very devil as well.

Good news about the stream.

Also being a scout leader has its benefits

I know where a lot of useful kit is stored and how to use it

Get a water filter straw.

You can make one out of things in your garden then boiling it. I’ll find the link

This is how we do it at scouts. Obviously in survival you would use a five liter bottle and always boil afterwards.

Complete newbie to this so have a few naive questions to start with:

1. Those of you with camping stoves/gas or other bbqs, wouldn’t it be dangerous to use them inside the house re fumes?

1. How will you ‘protect’ your supplies if you’re in the UK?

1. Can someone explain in very simple terms how a generator works and how you would use it?

1. I have no open fireplaces. How would I heat us all? (we’re in the ‘frozen north’ of the UK which typically has winter snow?)

I’d cook by the back door/on the patio/balcony.
Protecting supplies is a tough one - we aren’t a gun culture. Let’s hope that violent protection isn’t necessary but Keep quiet to others about your supplies.
Can’t afford a generator so I can’t answer that one.
As for heating - flowerpot heater (google it) and lots of woolen stuff. Shelter is the first start. You will adjust.

Ps - I’m in the North too.

Thanks Shhh - have been looking at youtube videos of flowerpot heaters. They look very effective although one cautioned against using tea lights too close together as there is, apparently, a very real risk of fire (not sure if clicky link works or not ...

I’d just use the one tea light - sad person alert - and I’ve got beeswax tea lights to avoid the paraffin smell.
Keep your head covered when you sleep. I have worked in a seriously cold climate - we did this.

As for storage - think about under your bath.

dubdub17 I won’t be buying a generator. I suggest watching ‘blackout’ on YouTube the uk version to see why

You can use a trangia or camping stove inside with ventilation.

Storage wise I use my concrete shed which is right by my front door.

I prep for nuclear however if it is were all screwed anyway

BAck door. Not front door

As for keeping warm we would move into one room of our house. Heavy curtains, duvets, layers, cuddling together

The biggest protection to start with is being the grey man. Don’t stand out. Keep to yourself. When everyone else panics make like you are panicking as well even though you know you are ok. Don’t go out. Don’t answer the door to anyone. Secure your building.

Agree with side. Also think about the loo and dealing with any pets you might have.