Today I replaced the batteries in smoke alarms and gun safes, so that they will always have plenty of life (the old batteries go into flashlights rather than getting thrown away). I also updated my “Emergency List” of last minute purchases to make if it appears that things are about to turn bad.
Leading the list:
MANY gallons of cooking oil (short shelf life, so it’s always nice to have more)
Socks and underwear (again, elastic goes bad, and it’s nice to be comfy)
Toilet paper, wipes, and tissues (lots of bulk, and while I have a year’s supply, more would be nice if I had warning)
Insecticide and rat poison (shelf life, again)
Plywood and 2x4s (bulk again)
More seeds (shelf life, again)
Antibiotics (shelf life, once more)
Multivitamin supplements (shelf life)
More bleach (shelf life)
Chocolate, coffee, tea, spices (shelf life)
More soap, detergent, and cleaning supplies (bulk - to share with neighbors)
I don’t need more food for the calories or for variety, nor do I need more equipment for self-defense, water purification, cooking, hand tools, reference or entertainment books, or batteries. I am (thanks in large part to this group) pretty well prepared other than items that are bulky or that expire.
My weak areas:
- Only about a third of my neighbors are people I trust to be helpful. Some may surprise me by becoming useful, but many will not be on my side if things go badly.
- I’m 20 miles from a city of 600,000. I think that’s far enough that relatively few refugees will make it, but close enough that those who do come will be dangerous and experienced at looting.
Any thoughts? Does anyone else have a last minute list?
More bleach (shelf life)
Unfortunately, the average shelf life of liquid bleach (being stored between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit) is around 6 months. After that, bleach will lose 20% of its strength at around the year mark and then 20% each year after thatLiquid chlorine bleach is a solution made from mostly water and 3-6% Sodium Hypochlorite. The homemade variety is made from Calcium Hypochlorite which you can easily find as “pool shock” at your pool-supplier store or Walmart.
The major benefit of using Calcium Hypochlorite over Sodium Hypochlorite is shelf life. Calcium Hypochlorite (pool shock) is sold in a solid granular form and has a 10 year shelf life when stored in a cool, dark place. This will easily meet your long-term storage needs. The other benefit is the amount of available chlorine. The concentration of chlorine is much higher with Calcium Hypochlorite. For example, a small 1-pound bag of calcium hypochlorite can disinfect up to 10,000 gallons of drinking water. That’s around 5 gallons/day for one person for 5 1/2 years! Not bad for only 1 lb of granules. One needs to use calcium hypochlorite that has around 70% available chlorine.
If you’re buying pool shock, on the back of the bag it will tell you what percentage of chlorine is available. The one I use is called “Zappit 73 Pool Shock, it is pure calcium hyphochlorite that contains up to 73% available chlorine and sells for around $5 for a 1lb bag. To make the homemade chlorine bleach concentrated solution, you’ll need to do the following:
• Mix 2 level Tablespoons of Calcium Hypochlorite to 3 cups of water.8 drops of the concentrated solution per gallon of water. Just like normal household bleach!
So the 3 step process is as follows:
1. Place 8 drops of homemade chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water
2. Let stand for 30 min
3. If water is still cloudy, repeat steps until clear; otherwise it is ready to drink
It should be noted that once the homemade chlorine bleach is made it will follow the same shelf-life limitations as standard household liquid bleach. So be sure to only make amounts you will be using within that time frame (to save shelf space).
How about what I've done recently: reinforce doors and door frames. See Jamb Armor. Apply 3M security film to windows to inhibit easy break-ins or broken windows. Put small electronics (radio, LED flashlight, chargers, calculator, etc) in DIY Faraday cages (get old popcorn tins, dremel off the paint at the interface of the lid with the can, to ensure electrical continuity, put electronics in freezer bag inside the cage). This will protect against EMP.
coconut oil doesn't go rancid - has long shelf like and higher burn point - and very healthy
Good list...good reminders. Thanks for posting your list.
I don’t have a last minute list since I’m not sure I’ll get such a distinct warning in time. I just try to rotate what I have stored that needs replenishing.
But unlike you, my main is to get in a better location so I can get all the things done that you are doing.
ETA to leave Mexifornia is by the end of the year, at the latest. We’re heading to a rural area near the Appalachians on 30-50 acres. Then my real prepping can start!
Oh, do gun safes have batteries?
I wouldn't feel safe unless I were a tank of gas away....and 20 miles ain't! We're 165 miles east of Los Angeles, and IMO that's not far enough.