10 Common Prepping Mistakes

Urban Survival Site ^ | 4/9/11 | Urban Alan

[Kartographer]

With the abundance of bad info out there, it’s easy for new preppers to make a lot of mistakes. I, myself, am a new prepper by some standards. I’ve made many mistakes and I’m sure I’ll make more, but that’s part of the learning process. To help you speed up this process, here are some common prepping mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

[Kartographer]

Can't stress enough how important mistake 3 is in the article:

3. Not having enough water preps. I cannot overemphasize the importance of water. There are many survivalists who have six months of food and only two weeks of water on hand. Considering that you can survive without food about ten times as long as you can survive without water, you’d be better off with two weeks of food and six months of water. Don’t do that either, but at least make sure your water will last as long as your food. If you don’t have enough room for that much, there are many ways to collect and purify water.

[Mad Dawgg]

Oh, great thread! Thanks for Posting!

[Kartographer]

PING!

[mad_as_he$$]

I was pondering the water issue yesterday. I live in an area where Summer temps are in the 90’s and Winter is often a below freezing for extended periods. I have plenty of water in the well, getting it out requires energy. I also have a large amount of water in 55 gallon drums (food grade) that is frozen solid for three months every year. I lose 1 or 2 barrels due to the cold every year.

I do not have room inside anywhere for storing six months of water (even just drinking water) for the four people I need to support. I currently have decided on utilizing a 24 volt pump, solar collectors and batteries for pumping from the well. I also will be installing a GE RO system in a frame that is portable with it's own charging system and pump. Problem with RO’s is they waste a lot of water, If you are on a stream or other large body of water no big deal. Here in the desert it is often imprudent to waste even scummy water.

Lastly I have several pumps that can be powered from a PTO on a tractor and have them ready to go on short notice; but again with the energy problem.

[beaversmom]

I was just thinking about 3, 5, 9 the other day. Need more water and pet supplies and have been going through and trying to eat some of the older supplies.

[maine yankee]

Freeze dried water ?

[ctdonath2]

Ditto that on water. I moved near a lake, content with that as backup.
Until it almost dried up one summer.

[mad_as_he$$]

I actually have can of “dehydrated” water somewhere. Requires 1 quart of water and makes 1 quart. I should get more I guess!!! ;-)

[MrB]

I think your solar solution for your pump is a good one.
To be electrically efficient, a DC 12 or 24V would be preferable so that you don’t have loss through your inverter.

If you want to get a bit exotic and experimental on your power source, look into biomass gasification. These things will run a gasoline generator on wood and waste.

http://taylor.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/Handbook_of_Biomass_Downdraft_Gasifier_Engine_Systems.pdf

[Kartographer]

You might consider one of these:Sandbag Cistern

http://earthbagplans.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/earthbag-cistern/

[kimmie7]

+1 bttt

[kimmie7]

lololol

Hubby sent a newbie at their mechanical engineering shop for a bucket of steam once. Called in advance of him all over the plant. Finally the guy comes back with a bag marked (in ink pen) “instant” steam...

The guy NEVER GOT IT. lol

[Kartographer]

As always my Preparedness Manual is available for free download at:

http://www.tomeaker.com/kart/preparedness1h.pdf

[Uncle Ike]

” a PTO on a tractor and have them ready to go on short notice; but again with the energy problem. “

My neighbor and I are refurbishing a 1948 Farmall tractor that is made to run on virtually any flammable liquid - we have a copy of the original manual with instructions on ‘alternate fuel’ operations...

Doesn’t ‘cure’ the “energy problem”, but gives us a lot of flexibility for finding solutions....

[OldPossum]

“...I do not have room inside anywhere for storing six months of water (even just drinking water) for the four people I need to support. I currently have decided on utilizing a 24 volt pump, solar collectors and batteries for pumping from the well.”

There must be hand pumps available for pumping water from wells. Does anyone know of a supplier where I can buy one?

[Kartographer]

Just a few of many:

http://www.bisonpumps.com/

http://www.pumpsandtanks.com/Pumps/hand_pumps.htm

[Shimmer1]

ping

[A Texan]

Thanks, I will read this over the weekend. I skimmed through it and it seems you are realistic and informative.

This is much appreciated and I look forward to reading it.

[OldPossum]

Great! Thanks a lot.

We have a 60’ “bored” well, quite wide, so a hand pump would be easy to set up in it.

I just knew there had to be some manufacturers out there. Just too lazy to find one.

[blam]

"Freeze dried water ? "

In Short Supply:

Freeze Dried Food Distributor: Six Month Wait Time Amid Extreme Shortages