Posted on 12/21/2010 5:00:48 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
It's been a crazy past few years. We've seen gas prices hit all-time highs, been hit by major and catastrophic weather disasters, and watched as banks and major financial institutions disappear overnight in the midst of what appears to be an actual, real-life economic depression. Our stable, comfortable lives suddenly don't seem so stable any more.
Here are 10 things you can do to improve your chances of riding out a major disaster without looking like a total lunatic. If you get all 10 of these items checked off, let me know so I can come crash at your place when aliens attack.
Don’t we all?
An EMP would fry the eletronic components in solar panels. Even here in Arizona, solar isn’t worth it,unless you have a ton of money and want to live off the grid. With housing costs still headed south, it doesn’t make any sense to spend a huge amount of money on solar. There are lots of incentives, but you still have to front all the money yourself.
Survival/Preparedness ping!
High rates.
I have a deal with my neighbors - they stockpile food, I stockpile guns.
We are going to share.
When do you think I should inform them of our deal?
;)
True. Worse than hurricanes and Godzilla bites. From these one can at least attempt to recover.
LOL!
How’s the snow by you this season? Is is snowing money again this year? I loves me my snow plow gal. :)
A little basic solar is useful for anyone, it doesn’t have to be an expensive system for the entire household, or for the refrigerator or heating and cooling.
If you have enough to pump water periodically on a sunny day (it doesn’t have to be everyday) then you have more than enough to have all the LED lighting that you need at night, which would be a huge boost to the family peace of mind and sense of normality, and for continuing work and chores, and socializing at nighttime.
Charging household batteries (AA,AAA), being able to use power tools or a small TV for a short period of time, is all nice.
Something that I think most people overlook is something very important.
If things are that dire, then gasoline may be a long way off, or in short supply and you do not want to lose your car’s battery.
A single panel, can be used to keep it (them) alive and well for years, you can pull the 12 volt stuff out of cars to use if it came to that, things like the radios, and interior lights (even the trunk light, and license plate light, the clock), and even the headlights and horn to use for spotlights and an alarm in security situations.
My neighbors do think I am an end-times lunatic and are afraid of me. This image I have carefully crafted to discourage them from inviting themselves to my stores post-catastrophe.
If you ever read MALEVIL ( about living post nuke war ) they used a compost pile to heat their water . I am amazed how hot a pile of grass clippings can be when it is below freezing outside.You actually can burn your hand .Then there is spontaneous combustion( really hot ) from rags and paint thinner .
Your Cabana Boy better have North Face underwear !
Re: #8 the picture with the teepee sticks in the garden... What plants are those built for? What a great idea for a trellis!
You can have a couple of my bullets ...
In VA/WV/MD, those three pole “teepees” are for beans. Plant beans at the base of each pole, and the plants will climb the pole. Keeps them up off the ground, away from pests and rot.
If you want to charge up tools or power equipement gilligan island style, an average man can make about 100 watts on a bicycle powered generator.
If the grid is down, a couple hundred watts for 6-12 hours a day could make life much simpler and more comfortable.
Trying to be earth friendly and trying to break even with solar is completely different from trying to survive the end of the world.
Amen. Local gubment flushed money down the toilet installing tons of panels on new building projects. Solar pencils out around here in cases where power is needed for remote radio sites, and that's about it. Hardcore ham radio types may find it useful; otherwise it's an extravagance.
A very nice looking garden. But the aliens will head there and take what they want during the invasion so you may not be safe.
Yes, but can you 'fend off' those who can see you have solar panels? Ones they would like to take? Would you put survival food on the roof without protection? We need to find a better way.
Someone will probably shoot you if you try that - and 911 will be too busy to come save you. Might want to rethink that plan...
These ducks lay triple the eggs and convert feed to meat much faster and more efficiently than chickens. Neighbors who would complain about chickens (especially if you have roosters crowing), will probably think a few ducks wandering in your yard are “cute”. They may even want to bring their kids over to feed them for you. And they will keep your garden free of snails and slugs.
Don’t be a pessimist. If all else fails, you can get a government job.
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