AZ Prepper
10-30-2009, 08:12 PM
We have always been taught to be prepared for situations that may come into our lives. These may vary from personal financial emergencies to national or world-wide catastrophes. In either case, we are commanded to be prepared. You will find many helpful items on this page to help you prepare in various ways. Things will be added continually to assist you.
Water
Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily just for drinking. Children, nursing mothers and ill people need more. Hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed. Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes and possibly for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Emergency Heating
There are various methods you can use for heat in an emergency situation. The following are a few:
Coal: Coal stores well if kept in a dark place away from moving air. It can be stored in a plastic-lined pit or in sheds, bags, boxes or barrels.
Wood: Hardwoods such as apple, cherry and other fruit woods are slow burning and sustain coals, although they are more difficult to burn, thus requiring a supply of kindling. Soft woods such as pine and cedar are light in weight and burn very rapidly, leaving ash and very few coals for cooking. As a general rule of thumb, a standard cord (pile totaling 128 cubic feet; four feet wide, four feet high and eight feet long) of air-dried dense hardwood weighs about two tons and provide as much heat as one ton of coal. For best results, wood should be dried for at least a year and covered properly to avoid it from getting wet. Wood and coal are not the most practical fuels.
Newspaper: Newspaper logs make a good and inexpensive source of fuel. Prepare and light as follows:
- Use about eight pages of newspaper and open flat.
- Spread the stack, alternating the cut sides and folded sides.
- Place a 1-inch wood dowel or metal rod across one end and roll the paper around the rod very tightly. Roll it until there are 6-8 inches left to roll, then slip another 8 pages underneath the roll. Continue this process until you have a roll 4-6 inches in diameter.
- With a fine wire, tie the roll on both ends. Withdraw the rod. Your newspaper log is ready for use. Four of these logs will burn about 1 hour.
Propane: Propane is another excellent fuel. Like kerosene, it produces carbon dioxide as it burns and is not poisonous, but consumes oxygen so be sure to crack a window when burning. Propane stores indefinitely, having no shelf life. Propane stoves and heaters are very economical and simple to use. The primary hazard in using propane is that it is heavier than air and if a leak occurs, it may "pool" which can create an explosive environment. A basement natural gas heating unit CANNOT be legally converted for propane use because of the high risk of an explosion.
White Gas (Coleman Fuel): Many camp stoves burn Coleman Fuel or white gasoline, which are fairly easy to use and produce a great amount of heat. However, because they produce vast amounts of carbon monoxide (much like coal), NEVER use indoors. It can be fatal! Never store fuels in the house or near a heater. use a metal store cabinet that is vented on top and bottom can can be locked.
Kerosene: Kerosene, also know as Range Oil No. 1, is the cheapest of all the storage fuels and is also very forgiving if you make a mistake because it is not as explosive as gasoline and Coleman Fuel. It stores for long periods of time. However, do not store in metal containers for extended time periods of time unless they are porcelain lined because the moisture in the kerosene will rust through the container causing the kerosene to leak out. Most stores sell kerosene in 5-gallon plastic containers, which store for many years. A 55-gallon drum stores in the back yard, or ten 5-gallon plastic containers will provide fuel enough to last an entire winter if used sparingly. CAUTION: To burn kerosene, you will need a kerosene heater. You can find a heater that produces 9,600 BTUs of heat, though kerosene heaters are made that will produce up to 25,000 to 30,000 BTUs. If you have the storage space to store the fuel required for the larger heaters, they are an excellent investment. However, the smaller heaters are more than adequate for most families. Whichever size you get, make sure to get one that doubles as a cooking surface and source of light. That way you can multi-task with the fuel. Also, when kerosene burns, it requires very little oxygen compared to charcoal. A window must be cracked about 1/4 inch to allow enough oxygen to enter the room to prevent asphyxiation. It is not poisonous and is safe to use indoors.
Charcoal: Never use charcoal-burning devices indoors. It is a voracious consumer of oxygen and will quickly deplete oxygen and produce vast amounts of carbon monoxide, which is a deadly poison. Do not heat your home with charcoal, it could prove fatal to your entire family. Never burn charcoal indoors.
Emergency Cooking
Always plan ahead when cooking is necessary. Use only enough fuel as necessary and multi-task when possible by cooking several things at once or cooking while heating. You should always keep enough fuel to facilitate outdoor cooking for at least 7 to 10 days.
You can even cook without using fuel. For example, to cook dry beans you can place them inside a pressure cooker with the proper amount of water and other ingredients needed and place it on your heat source until it comes up to pressure. Then turn off the heat, remove the pressure cooker and place it inside a large box filled with newspapers, blankets or other insulating materials. Leave it for two and a half hours and then open it. Your meal will be done, having cooked for two and a half hours with no heat. If you don't have a large box in which to place the pressure cooker, simply wrap it in several blankets and place it in the corner.
The following fuels can be used for emergency cooking:
Sterno: Sterno fuel, a jellied petroleum product, is an excellent source of fuel for inclusion in your 72 hour emergency kit. It is lightweight and easily ignited with a match or spark from flint and steel. It is not explosive and is safe for indoor use. One Sterno fuel, which is about twice the height of a tuna fish can and the same diameter, will allow you to cook six meals if used frugally. If the lid is not securely fastened, Sterno fuel will evaporate, making long-term storage less effective. It is also more expensive than many other fuels.
Coleman Fuel (white gas): When used with a Coleman stove, this fuel is another excellent and convenient fuel for cooking.. Although not as portable and lightweight at Sterno fuel, it produces a much greater BTU value. It also has a tendency to evaporate when lid is not tightly sealed. It is also highly volatile and will explode under the right conditions and therefore should never be stored in the home. Because it is highly flammable, use caution when using and always store in garage or shed.
Charcoal: Charcoal is the least expensive fuel per BTU. Remember that it must always be used outside, because of the amounts of poisonous carbon monoxide it produces. It will store for a very long time in an airtight container, which will keep it from absorbing moisture and making lighting difficult. Fifty or sixty dollars worth of charcoal will provide all the cooking fuel a family will need for an entire year if used sparingly. Buy in bulk when least expensive, usually at the end of summer. You may also want to store a small amount of charcoal lighter fluid (or kerosene). Newspapers will also provide an excellent ignition source for charcoal when used in a funnel type (volcano) of lighting device. If no device is available, a #10 can may be used. Cut both ends out of the can. Punch holes every two inches around the lower edge of the can with a punch-type can opener. Set the can down so the punched holes are on the bottom and place the crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the can. Place the charcoal briquettes on top of the newspaper, lift the can slightly and light the newspaper. Prop a small rock under the bottom edge of the can to create a good draft. The briquettes will be ready for cooking with in 20 to 30 minutes. Be sure not to place burning charcoal directly on concrete or cement because the heat will crack it. Each briquette will produce about 40 degrees of heat. Therefore, if you are baking bread and need 400 degrees of heat, simply use 10 briquettes.
To better funnel the heat, you may want to cook inside a cardboard oven (cardboard box covered in aluminum foil inside and out). Turn the box on its side so that the opening is no longer on the top, but is on the side. Place some small bricks or other noncombustible material inside upon which you can rest a cookie sheet about 2 or 3 inches above the bottom of the box. Place 10 burning charcoal briquettes between the bricks (if you need 400 degrees), place the support for your cooking vessels, and then place your bread pans or whatever else you are using on top of the cookie sheet. Prop a foil-covered cardboard lid over the side, leaving a large crack for air to get in (charcoal needs a lot of air to burn) and bake your bread, cake, cookies, etc just like you would in your regular oven.
To make your own charcoal, select twigs, limbs and branches of fruit, nut and other hardwood trees; black walnuts and peach or apricot pits may also be used. Cut wood into desired size, place in a large can which has a few holes punched in it, put a lid on the can and place the can in a hot fire. When the flames from the holes in the can turn yellow-red, remove the can from the fire and allow it to cool. Store the briquettes in a moisture-proof container and burn charcoal only in a well-ventilated area.
Aluminum Foil & Charcoal: Wrap food in heavy duty foil. Make sure you roll and press edges together tightly so that the juices, steam and heat can't escape. Bury foil in bed of coals and cook until done.
Wood and Coal: Many wood and coal burning stoves are made with cooking surfaces. These are excellent to use indoors during the winter because you may already be using it to heat the home. However, in the summer they are unbearably hot. If you choose to build a campfire outside, be sure to use caution and safety.
Kerosene: Many kerosene heaters also double as cooking units as well. Follow the same precautions for cooking over kerosene as discussed under the "Emergency Heating" section.
Propane: Many families have propane camp stoves. They are the most convenient and easy to use of all emergency cooking appliances available. They may be used indoors or out. As with other emergency fuel sources, cook with a pressure cooker whenever possible to conserve fuel.
Buddy Burner: Put corrugated cardboard in a circular pattern inside a 10 oz. tuna fish can that has been cleaned and dried. Pack tightly with card board. Then melt paraffin wax and pour over cardboard until full. Place a 10# can over it that has an air door cut in the side and vents along the sides toward the top (made with a punch can opener, which makes the triangle punctures). The buddy burner is the heat source, the 10# can is the cooking surface.
Emergency Lighting
Having a light in an emergency situation not only provides the ability to see in the dark, but also offers comfort in an otherwise stressful situation. Whatever you store, store it safely and legally. The following are forms of emergency lighting:
Cyalume: Cyalume sticks are the safest form of indoor lighting available. They are plastic sticks about 4 inches in length and 1/2 inch in diameter. To activate them, simply bend them until the glass tube inside breaks, then shake to mix the chemicals inside. It will glow for up to 8 hours. Cyalume will not ignite natural gas and are completely safe for children.
Flashlights: Flashlights are the most common sources of light in an emergency. Do not use them if there may be a gas leak because it could ignite, resulting in an explosion. The problems with flashlights are that they only light up small areas, the batteries run out fast and the batteries do not store well over a long period of time (alkaline batteries usually 3 to 5 years, lithium batteries usually 10 years).
Candles: Every family should have a large supply of candles. 365 candles, or 1 per day is not too many and the larger the better. Fifty-hour candles are available in both solid and liquid form. White or light colored candles burn brighter than dark candles. Tallow candles burn brighter, longer and are fairly smoke free compared to wax candles. Their lighting ability can be increased by placing an aluminum foil reflector behind them or by placing them in from of a mirror. However, they are extremely dangerous, especially around children. Because of this, store several candle lanterns of broad-based candleholders.
Trench Candles: Trench candles can be used as fireplace fuel or as a candle for light. To make one:
1. Place a narrow strip of cloth or twisted string (for a wick) on the edge of a tack of 6-10 newspapers.
2. Roll the papers very tightly, leaving about 3/4 inch of wick extending at each end.
3. Tie the roll firmly with string or wire at 2-4 inch intervals.
4. With a small saw, cut about 1 inch above each tie and pull the cut sections into cone shapes. Pull the center string in each piece toward the top of the cone to serve as a wick.
5. Melt paraffin in a large saucepan set inside a larger pan of hot water. Soak pieces of candle in the paraffin for about 2 minutes.
6. Remove the candles and place on newspaper to dry.
Kerosene Lamps: Kerosene lamps are excellent sources of light and will burn for approximately 45 hours on a quart of fuel. They burn bright and are inexpensive to operate. The main problem is failure to properly trim the wicks and using the wrong size chimney. Wicks should be trimmed in an arch, a "V," an "A" or straight across the top. Failure to properly trim and maintain wicks will result in smoke and poor light.
Aladdin type lamps that use a circular wick and mantle do not need trimming and produce much more light and heat than conventional kerosene lamps. These lamps, however, produce a great amount of heat, getting up to 750 degrees F. If placed within 36 inches of any combustible object such as wooden cabinets, walls, etc charring can occur. Great caution should therefore be exercised to prevent accidental fires.
The higher elevations, the taller the chimney should be. Most chimneys that come with kerosene lamps are made for use at sea level. At about 4500 feet above sea level, the chimney should be about 18-20 inches high. If your chimney is not as tall as it should be, you can improvise by wrapping aluminum foil around the top of it and extending it above the top. This will enable light to still come out of the bottom portion and yet provide proper drawing of air for complete combustion. If the chimney is too short, it will result in smoke and poor light. Be sure to store extra wicks, chimneys and mantles.
Propane and Coleman Lanterns: Camp lanterns burning Coleman Fuel or propane make excellent sources of light. Caution should be used in filling and lighting Coleman lanterns because the fuel is highly volatile and a flash type fire is easy to set off. Always fill them outside. Propane, on the other hand, is much safer. It is not as explosive and does not burn quite as hot. A double mantle lantern gives off as much light as two 100-watt light bulbs. Either propane of Coleman Fuel type lanterns are very reliable and should be an integral part of your preparedness program. Be sure to store plenty of extra mantles and matches (at least 1,000 to 2,000 matches).
Emergency Sanitation
Sanitation can be a life or death issue, especially in an emergency. Below are some guidelines to consider:
Water Supplies
In the event of a disaster, the public water supply may be cut off. If this happens you will obviously have a limited supply of water and therefore minimize waste. During this time, it is especially important to be sanitary in the storing, handling and eating of food to avoid digestive upsets or other serious illnesses. The following are some things you will want to do:
- Keep all food in covered containers.
- Keep cooking & eating utensils clean. Diarrhea may result from dish soap not thoroughly rinsed from dishes.
- Keep garbage in close container or dispose of it outside the home. Bury it if possible.
- Wash hands and utensils frequently.
- Prepare only as much food as will be eaten at each meal.
- Paper cups and plates, paper towels and napkins are helpful to minimize washing needs.
- Refrigerators & home freezer units should be kept closed as much as possible so that the food inside will keep longer. Plan ahead so that when you need to access them, the door is kept open for the shortest possible time. If the power is not restored in 12 hours, eat or cook the most perishable items first before they spoil. If foods show signs of decomposition, throw them away.
Laundry and Cleaning
Cleaning clothing, bedding and kitchen/food preparation items is critical for good sanitation. Some suggested laundry and cleaning storage items are:
- deodorizer tablets and air freshener
- Lysol-type disinfectant
- toothpaste and toothbrushes
- laundry detergent
- liquid chlorine bleach
- dish detergent
- bar soap
- shampoo and conditioner
- hair spray
- deodorant
- feminine supplies
- shaving supplies
Garbage and Rubbish
Improper disposal of garbage and rubbish can attract flies, insects and diseases. Drain all garbage before placing it in storage containers. Newspaper is also helpful in absorbing moisture that may attract insects. Keep lids tightly secured. Final disposal can be accomplished if collection services are not restored by:
1. Buried in ground. Dig deep enough that it can be covered by at least 18-24 inches of dirt.
2. Burned or left at dumps established by local authorities.
Sewage Disposal
Sewage is another necessary issue for prevention of disease. An emergency toilet is not only convenient for these situations, but should be considered a necessity. A garbage container, pail or 5 gallon garbage can may also be used. Another container with a tight fitting lid should be available to empty the contents into for later disposal. Both containers should be lined with plastic bags or garbage can liners. Avoid depositing human waste on the open ground. If absolutely necessary, dig a trench 24-30 inches deep and bury waste.
Every time the emergency toilet is used, pour or sprinkle a small amount of regular household disinfectant such as creosol, Pinesol, baking soda, laundry detergent, etc. to keep down odors and germs. Another great item is kitty litter, which can be sprinkled on the waste each time the toilet is used.
Emergency Chemical Toilet
The following items should be stored inside a 5-gallon plastic bucket which will be used as an emergency toilet. When the toilet is needed, simply remove the items and you are all ready to go...
- 5-gallon plastic bucket (with tight fitting lid)
- 2 large boxes of garbage can liners (30 gallon size)
- 1 gallon of liquid chlorine bleach or other chemical
- pinesol
- 6-8 rolls of toilet paper
- feminine sanitary supplies
- 2 boxes baking soda
- 2 boxes trash can liners (8-10 gallon size)
- paper towels
Mix one cup of liquid chlorine bleach to one half gallon of water (one to ten ratio--do not use dry or powdered bleach). Pour this solution into the bucket. This will kill germs and insure adequate coverage. You may want to consider buying a toilet seat made for placing on buckets if comfort is important to you.
After each use, replace lid securely upon the bucket to keep out insects. When bucket is 1/3 to 1/2 full, dispose of it properly (burying it, disposing of it properly, etc). Put another liner inside the bucket and continue use.
Sleep When the Wind Blows
A farmer needed an extra hand to help on his farm. One young man came to interview for the job. "What are your qualifications?" the farmer asked. "I can sleep when the wind blows," the young man said. This simple reply confused the farmer, but he was desperate for help and the young man was hired.
The young man was a diligent worker through the harvest season, but the farmer still questioned his answer.
Autumn ended and the first cold storm of winter came late one night. The farmer panicked as the winds began to blow. Calling the young man for help, the farmer grabbed his coat and pulled heavy boots on his feet. He was disappointed to find the young man asleep in bed at a time like this. Grudgingly he ventured out alone planning to shuffle all of the animals in the barn and then fix that last hole in the roof. He mumbled about the young man sleeping and was sure all the farm equipment was left standing in the field, collecting rust from the snow.
However, when the farmer reached the barn all the animals were tucked safely inside. In fact, clean hay had already been set out for the new day. Not a single hole could be found in the roof, and the tractor was parked perfectly in the shed.
"Who could have done it?" the farmer wondered. And then, he realized what the young man's answer meant, "I can sleep when the wind blows."
Water
Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily just for drinking. Children, nursing mothers and ill people need more. Hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed. Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes and possibly for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Emergency Heating
There are various methods you can use for heat in an emergency situation. The following are a few:
Coal: Coal stores well if kept in a dark place away from moving air. It can be stored in a plastic-lined pit or in sheds, bags, boxes or barrels.
Wood: Hardwoods such as apple, cherry and other fruit woods are slow burning and sustain coals, although they are more difficult to burn, thus requiring a supply of kindling. Soft woods such as pine and cedar are light in weight and burn very rapidly, leaving ash and very few coals for cooking. As a general rule of thumb, a standard cord (pile totaling 128 cubic feet; four feet wide, four feet high and eight feet long) of air-dried dense hardwood weighs about two tons and provide as much heat as one ton of coal. For best results, wood should be dried for at least a year and covered properly to avoid it from getting wet. Wood and coal are not the most practical fuels.
Newspaper: Newspaper logs make a good and inexpensive source of fuel. Prepare and light as follows:
- Use about eight pages of newspaper and open flat.
- Spread the stack, alternating the cut sides and folded sides.
- Place a 1-inch wood dowel or metal rod across one end and roll the paper around the rod very tightly. Roll it until there are 6-8 inches left to roll, then slip another 8 pages underneath the roll. Continue this process until you have a roll 4-6 inches in diameter.
- With a fine wire, tie the roll on both ends. Withdraw the rod. Your newspaper log is ready for use. Four of these logs will burn about 1 hour.
Propane: Propane is another excellent fuel. Like kerosene, it produces carbon dioxide as it burns and is not poisonous, but consumes oxygen so be sure to crack a window when burning. Propane stores indefinitely, having no shelf life. Propane stoves and heaters are very economical and simple to use. The primary hazard in using propane is that it is heavier than air and if a leak occurs, it may "pool" which can create an explosive environment. A basement natural gas heating unit CANNOT be legally converted for propane use because of the high risk of an explosion.
White Gas (Coleman Fuel): Many camp stoves burn Coleman Fuel or white gasoline, which are fairly easy to use and produce a great amount of heat. However, because they produce vast amounts of carbon monoxide (much like coal), NEVER use indoors. It can be fatal! Never store fuels in the house or near a heater. use a metal store cabinet that is vented on top and bottom can can be locked.
Kerosene: Kerosene, also know as Range Oil No. 1, is the cheapest of all the storage fuels and is also very forgiving if you make a mistake because it is not as explosive as gasoline and Coleman Fuel. It stores for long periods of time. However, do not store in metal containers for extended time periods of time unless they are porcelain lined because the moisture in the kerosene will rust through the container causing the kerosene to leak out. Most stores sell kerosene in 5-gallon plastic containers, which store for many years. A 55-gallon drum stores in the back yard, or ten 5-gallon plastic containers will provide fuel enough to last an entire winter if used sparingly. CAUTION: To burn kerosene, you will need a kerosene heater. You can find a heater that produces 9,600 BTUs of heat, though kerosene heaters are made that will produce up to 25,000 to 30,000 BTUs. If you have the storage space to store the fuel required for the larger heaters, they are an excellent investment. However, the smaller heaters are more than adequate for most families. Whichever size you get, make sure to get one that doubles as a cooking surface and source of light. That way you can multi-task with the fuel. Also, when kerosene burns, it requires very little oxygen compared to charcoal. A window must be cracked about 1/4 inch to allow enough oxygen to enter the room to prevent asphyxiation. It is not poisonous and is safe to use indoors.
Charcoal: Never use charcoal-burning devices indoors. It is a voracious consumer of oxygen and will quickly deplete oxygen and produce vast amounts of carbon monoxide, which is a deadly poison. Do not heat your home with charcoal, it could prove fatal to your entire family. Never burn charcoal indoors.
Emergency Cooking
Always plan ahead when cooking is necessary. Use only enough fuel as necessary and multi-task when possible by cooking several things at once or cooking while heating. You should always keep enough fuel to facilitate outdoor cooking for at least 7 to 10 days.
You can even cook without using fuel. For example, to cook dry beans you can place them inside a pressure cooker with the proper amount of water and other ingredients needed and place it on your heat source until it comes up to pressure. Then turn off the heat, remove the pressure cooker and place it inside a large box filled with newspapers, blankets or other insulating materials. Leave it for two and a half hours and then open it. Your meal will be done, having cooked for two and a half hours with no heat. If you don't have a large box in which to place the pressure cooker, simply wrap it in several blankets and place it in the corner.
The following fuels can be used for emergency cooking:
Sterno: Sterno fuel, a jellied petroleum product, is an excellent source of fuel for inclusion in your 72 hour emergency kit. It is lightweight and easily ignited with a match or spark from flint and steel. It is not explosive and is safe for indoor use. One Sterno fuel, which is about twice the height of a tuna fish can and the same diameter, will allow you to cook six meals if used frugally. If the lid is not securely fastened, Sterno fuel will evaporate, making long-term storage less effective. It is also more expensive than many other fuels.
Coleman Fuel (white gas): When used with a Coleman stove, this fuel is another excellent and convenient fuel for cooking.. Although not as portable and lightweight at Sterno fuel, it produces a much greater BTU value. It also has a tendency to evaporate when lid is not tightly sealed. It is also highly volatile and will explode under the right conditions and therefore should never be stored in the home. Because it is highly flammable, use caution when using and always store in garage or shed.
Charcoal: Charcoal is the least expensive fuel per BTU. Remember that it must always be used outside, because of the amounts of poisonous carbon monoxide it produces. It will store for a very long time in an airtight container, which will keep it from absorbing moisture and making lighting difficult. Fifty or sixty dollars worth of charcoal will provide all the cooking fuel a family will need for an entire year if used sparingly. Buy in bulk when least expensive, usually at the end of summer. You may also want to store a small amount of charcoal lighter fluid (or kerosene). Newspapers will also provide an excellent ignition source for charcoal when used in a funnel type (volcano) of lighting device. If no device is available, a #10 can may be used. Cut both ends out of the can. Punch holes every two inches around the lower edge of the can with a punch-type can opener. Set the can down so the punched holes are on the bottom and place the crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the can. Place the charcoal briquettes on top of the newspaper, lift the can slightly and light the newspaper. Prop a small rock under the bottom edge of the can to create a good draft. The briquettes will be ready for cooking with in 20 to 30 minutes. Be sure not to place burning charcoal directly on concrete or cement because the heat will crack it. Each briquette will produce about 40 degrees of heat. Therefore, if you are baking bread and need 400 degrees of heat, simply use 10 briquettes.
To better funnel the heat, you may want to cook inside a cardboard oven (cardboard box covered in aluminum foil inside and out). Turn the box on its side so that the opening is no longer on the top, but is on the side. Place some small bricks or other noncombustible material inside upon which you can rest a cookie sheet about 2 or 3 inches above the bottom of the box. Place 10 burning charcoal briquettes between the bricks (if you need 400 degrees), place the support for your cooking vessels, and then place your bread pans or whatever else you are using on top of the cookie sheet. Prop a foil-covered cardboard lid over the side, leaving a large crack for air to get in (charcoal needs a lot of air to burn) and bake your bread, cake, cookies, etc just like you would in your regular oven.
To make your own charcoal, select twigs, limbs and branches of fruit, nut and other hardwood trees; black walnuts and peach or apricot pits may also be used. Cut wood into desired size, place in a large can which has a few holes punched in it, put a lid on the can and place the can in a hot fire. When the flames from the holes in the can turn yellow-red, remove the can from the fire and allow it to cool. Store the briquettes in a moisture-proof container and burn charcoal only in a well-ventilated area.
Aluminum Foil & Charcoal: Wrap food in heavy duty foil. Make sure you roll and press edges together tightly so that the juices, steam and heat can't escape. Bury foil in bed of coals and cook until done.
Wood and Coal: Many wood and coal burning stoves are made with cooking surfaces. These are excellent to use indoors during the winter because you may already be using it to heat the home. However, in the summer they are unbearably hot. If you choose to build a campfire outside, be sure to use caution and safety.
Kerosene: Many kerosene heaters also double as cooking units as well. Follow the same precautions for cooking over kerosene as discussed under the "Emergency Heating" section.
Propane: Many families have propane camp stoves. They are the most convenient and easy to use of all emergency cooking appliances available. They may be used indoors or out. As with other emergency fuel sources, cook with a pressure cooker whenever possible to conserve fuel.
Buddy Burner: Put corrugated cardboard in a circular pattern inside a 10 oz. tuna fish can that has been cleaned and dried. Pack tightly with card board. Then melt paraffin wax and pour over cardboard until full. Place a 10# can over it that has an air door cut in the side and vents along the sides toward the top (made with a punch can opener, which makes the triangle punctures). The buddy burner is the heat source, the 10# can is the cooking surface.
Emergency Lighting
Having a light in an emergency situation not only provides the ability to see in the dark, but also offers comfort in an otherwise stressful situation. Whatever you store, store it safely and legally. The following are forms of emergency lighting:
Cyalume: Cyalume sticks are the safest form of indoor lighting available. They are plastic sticks about 4 inches in length and 1/2 inch in diameter. To activate them, simply bend them until the glass tube inside breaks, then shake to mix the chemicals inside. It will glow for up to 8 hours. Cyalume will not ignite natural gas and are completely safe for children.
Flashlights: Flashlights are the most common sources of light in an emergency. Do not use them if there may be a gas leak because it could ignite, resulting in an explosion. The problems with flashlights are that they only light up small areas, the batteries run out fast and the batteries do not store well over a long period of time (alkaline batteries usually 3 to 5 years, lithium batteries usually 10 years).
Candles: Every family should have a large supply of candles. 365 candles, or 1 per day is not too many and the larger the better. Fifty-hour candles are available in both solid and liquid form. White or light colored candles burn brighter than dark candles. Tallow candles burn brighter, longer and are fairly smoke free compared to wax candles. Their lighting ability can be increased by placing an aluminum foil reflector behind them or by placing them in from of a mirror. However, they are extremely dangerous, especially around children. Because of this, store several candle lanterns of broad-based candleholders.
Trench Candles: Trench candles can be used as fireplace fuel or as a candle for light. To make one:
1. Place a narrow strip of cloth or twisted string (for a wick) on the edge of a tack of 6-10 newspapers.
2. Roll the papers very tightly, leaving about 3/4 inch of wick extending at each end.
3. Tie the roll firmly with string or wire at 2-4 inch intervals.
4. With a small saw, cut about 1 inch above each tie and pull the cut sections into cone shapes. Pull the center string in each piece toward the top of the cone to serve as a wick.
5. Melt paraffin in a large saucepan set inside a larger pan of hot water. Soak pieces of candle in the paraffin for about 2 minutes.
6. Remove the candles and place on newspaper to dry.
Kerosene Lamps: Kerosene lamps are excellent sources of light and will burn for approximately 45 hours on a quart of fuel. They burn bright and are inexpensive to operate. The main problem is failure to properly trim the wicks and using the wrong size chimney. Wicks should be trimmed in an arch, a "V," an "A" or straight across the top. Failure to properly trim and maintain wicks will result in smoke and poor light.
Aladdin type lamps that use a circular wick and mantle do not need trimming and produce much more light and heat than conventional kerosene lamps. These lamps, however, produce a great amount of heat, getting up to 750 degrees F. If placed within 36 inches of any combustible object such as wooden cabinets, walls, etc charring can occur. Great caution should therefore be exercised to prevent accidental fires.
The higher elevations, the taller the chimney should be. Most chimneys that come with kerosene lamps are made for use at sea level. At about 4500 feet above sea level, the chimney should be about 18-20 inches high. If your chimney is not as tall as it should be, you can improvise by wrapping aluminum foil around the top of it and extending it above the top. This will enable light to still come out of the bottom portion and yet provide proper drawing of air for complete combustion. If the chimney is too short, it will result in smoke and poor light. Be sure to store extra wicks, chimneys and mantles.
Propane and Coleman Lanterns: Camp lanterns burning Coleman Fuel or propane make excellent sources of light. Caution should be used in filling and lighting Coleman lanterns because the fuel is highly volatile and a flash type fire is easy to set off. Always fill them outside. Propane, on the other hand, is much safer. It is not as explosive and does not burn quite as hot. A double mantle lantern gives off as much light as two 100-watt light bulbs. Either propane of Coleman Fuel type lanterns are very reliable and should be an integral part of your preparedness program. Be sure to store plenty of extra mantles and matches (at least 1,000 to 2,000 matches).
Emergency Sanitation
Sanitation can be a life or death issue, especially in an emergency. Below are some guidelines to consider:
Water Supplies
In the event of a disaster, the public water supply may be cut off. If this happens you will obviously have a limited supply of water and therefore minimize waste. During this time, it is especially important to be sanitary in the storing, handling and eating of food to avoid digestive upsets or other serious illnesses. The following are some things you will want to do:
- Keep all food in covered containers.
- Keep cooking & eating utensils clean. Diarrhea may result from dish soap not thoroughly rinsed from dishes.
- Keep garbage in close container or dispose of it outside the home. Bury it if possible.
- Wash hands and utensils frequently.
- Prepare only as much food as will be eaten at each meal.
- Paper cups and plates, paper towels and napkins are helpful to minimize washing needs.
- Refrigerators & home freezer units should be kept closed as much as possible so that the food inside will keep longer. Plan ahead so that when you need to access them, the door is kept open for the shortest possible time. If the power is not restored in 12 hours, eat or cook the most perishable items first before they spoil. If foods show signs of decomposition, throw them away.
Laundry and Cleaning
Cleaning clothing, bedding and kitchen/food preparation items is critical for good sanitation. Some suggested laundry and cleaning storage items are:
- deodorizer tablets and air freshener
- Lysol-type disinfectant
- toothpaste and toothbrushes
- laundry detergent
- liquid chlorine bleach
- dish detergent
- bar soap
- shampoo and conditioner
- hair spray
- deodorant
- feminine supplies
- shaving supplies
Garbage and Rubbish
Improper disposal of garbage and rubbish can attract flies, insects and diseases. Drain all garbage before placing it in storage containers. Newspaper is also helpful in absorbing moisture that may attract insects. Keep lids tightly secured. Final disposal can be accomplished if collection services are not restored by:
1. Buried in ground. Dig deep enough that it can be covered by at least 18-24 inches of dirt.
2. Burned or left at dumps established by local authorities.
Sewage Disposal
Sewage is another necessary issue for prevention of disease. An emergency toilet is not only convenient for these situations, but should be considered a necessity. A garbage container, pail or 5 gallon garbage can may also be used. Another container with a tight fitting lid should be available to empty the contents into for later disposal. Both containers should be lined with plastic bags or garbage can liners. Avoid depositing human waste on the open ground. If absolutely necessary, dig a trench 24-30 inches deep and bury waste.
Every time the emergency toilet is used, pour or sprinkle a small amount of regular household disinfectant such as creosol, Pinesol, baking soda, laundry detergent, etc. to keep down odors and germs. Another great item is kitty litter, which can be sprinkled on the waste each time the toilet is used.
Emergency Chemical Toilet
The following items should be stored inside a 5-gallon plastic bucket which will be used as an emergency toilet. When the toilet is needed, simply remove the items and you are all ready to go...
- 5-gallon plastic bucket (with tight fitting lid)
- 2 large boxes of garbage can liners (30 gallon size)
- 1 gallon of liquid chlorine bleach or other chemical
- pinesol
- 6-8 rolls of toilet paper
- feminine sanitary supplies
- 2 boxes baking soda
- 2 boxes trash can liners (8-10 gallon size)
- paper towels
Mix one cup of liquid chlorine bleach to one half gallon of water (one to ten ratio--do not use dry or powdered bleach). Pour this solution into the bucket. This will kill germs and insure adequate coverage. You may want to consider buying a toilet seat made for placing on buckets if comfort is important to you.
After each use, replace lid securely upon the bucket to keep out insects. When bucket is 1/3 to 1/2 full, dispose of it properly (burying it, disposing of it properly, etc). Put another liner inside the bucket and continue use.
Sleep When the Wind Blows
A farmer needed an extra hand to help on his farm. One young man came to interview for the job. "What are your qualifications?" the farmer asked. "I can sleep when the wind blows," the young man said. This simple reply confused the farmer, but he was desperate for help and the young man was hired.
The young man was a diligent worker through the harvest season, but the farmer still questioned his answer.
Autumn ended and the first cold storm of winter came late one night. The farmer panicked as the winds began to blow. Calling the young man for help, the farmer grabbed his coat and pulled heavy boots on his feet. He was disappointed to find the young man asleep in bed at a time like this. Grudgingly he ventured out alone planning to shuffle all of the animals in the barn and then fix that last hole in the roof. He mumbled about the young man sleeping and was sure all the farm equipment was left standing in the field, collecting rust from the snow.
However, when the farmer reached the barn all the animals were tucked safely inside. In fact, clean hay had already been set out for the new day. Not a single hole could be found in the roof, and the tractor was parked perfectly in the shed.
"Who could have done it?" the farmer wondered. And then, he realized what the young man's answer meant, "I can sleep when the wind blows."