This post requires a simple declaration: I am not a solar power expert and I have no stake in any solar power equipment company or supplier.
As a Prepper, I am often contemplating how I will respond to situations that bring about changes in my day to day life that I have little or no control over. At the very top of this list is what I would do if the power goes out for more than a day or so. Historically, the power only goes out for extended periods as a result of some calamity that destroys infrastructure. Most other disruptions such as a transformer overheating and blowing out or a transmission line breaking are repaired fairly quickly. In today's economy we also have to be cognoscente of the possibility of not being able to afford to purchase as much power as we were able to do in the past
Whether you lose your job, become injured or ill and are no longer able to work, or suffer a natural disaster that results in long term power loss, having a plan to keep at least a few lights on in the dark is an important consideration for all of us.
Thus far, my backup power solutions have been tailored to deal with the short term power disruption - the power goes out and my grid powered rechargeable batteries kick in and provide limited power until these storage cells are drained, then they become really heavy door stops. Without grid power, I have no way to recharge the backup system.
The cost of simple backup solar systems is dropping like a rock and it may be a good time to consider your options for keeping some lights, a computer and a few other small appliances operating. If cost were not a consideration, then yes it is possible to power much of your home all of the time with an extensive solar power generation system installed on your roof. For most of us, the cost, or the time to recoup the investment may be higher and longer than we can justify. It is possible to acquire a portable solar system that can beat back the dark and then recharge itself the next day to repeat the process every time the sun sets.
Because I am not an expert it wouldn't be responsible for me to detail exactly what you should be buying. I just want to get you thinking about a small solar system that you could set up if the need ever arises. Of course you will need to do some research and speak with solar companies to get their recommendations of exactly what equipment you will need to power 2, 4 or 10 lights, charge cell phones, run a laptop, run a water pump etc.
Before the power goes out, you will need to decide just what equipment you "need" to power and from there you can determine how much electricity your portable solar system will need to produce and store during the time that the sun is up. Me, I need the ability to power some movable "plug in lighting", charge some low voltage gadgets, recharge batteries for flashlights and to run a sump pump on occasion. It would be nice to be able to power the AC but that mission, is beyond the ability of a portable solar system that I can set up when required and later take down when the grid power returns. For me, any portable system needs to be movable so that one person, can realign the solar collectors as the sun tracks across the sky. I do this with my solar oven but a large array of solar panels that aren't mounted permanently on my roof would be more work and effort than I am prepared to commit to.
*To recap, having the ability to produce at least some small amount of electricity on an ongoing basis will make your life a whole lot better if the wall sockets cease to provide juice for whatever reason.
*Achieving this goal is getting cheaper and can be set up, taken down and maintained by a single person.
*Having some power available will make a difficult situation a lot more tolerable.
*Understanding that a portable solar system will not run your furnace, your AC and most of your other large appliances (freezers etc) means that you do not need a field of solar panels and thus do not need a lot of space for the system and that alone will keep the cost reasonable. I have a couple of 12V coolers that can keep some food cold. These low power electric coolers can run a long time before draining a marine or car battery. Being able to recharge these batteries when the sun comes up ensures that I have cold storage on an ongoing basis without having the resort to ice blocks.
*As with all prepping projects, once you identify the need that you must satisfy, the rest of the process of meeting that need becomes pretty straight forward with only a minimum amount of time and effort.
As an example of just how cheap a simple portable system has become, please click here. I am not saying that this example is exactly what you need for your home, but it gives you a place to start and upon reflection, should allow you to see that producing some power for yourself is do-able and probably advisable.
[What have you done today to prepare?]
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The end is near, or at least it could be just around the corner...
In keeping with this year's theme on the Ontario Preppers Network, it's important that you take steps to ensure that you have options when it comes time to respond to circumstances beyond your control that can dramatically affect your day to day life.
As a reminder, it was not long ago that the portions of the Ottawa Valley and southern Quebec experienced the strongest earthquake in a very long time. Today, residents of Alymer Quebec are being advised to boil their tap water before consuming it. From time to time, circumstances arise that disrupt the daily routine of many people at the same time. Sometimes, these occurrences affect electricity distribution. Sometimes they affect the water supply, the food supply or your access to banks and your money. Sometimes, all of these items are affected at the same time. We usually don't know in advance that some "disaster" is about to befall us.
I'm not asking you run out to the back yard to dig the foundations for a survival bunker. I am not suggesting to you that you need to sequester yourself in your basement occasionally peeking outside from behind closed curtains to check on the status to the "real world". I do expect you to take some rather common sense steps to ensure that if some calamity befalls you, you have options to respond to that situation.
You need, as a minimum, three months worth of stored food in the home. This means you need at least 270 meals per person plus some comfort food and snacks.
If you don't live near a river, lake or a relatively clean pond, you need to have enough water stored on your property to allow you to drink and cook for at least two weeks. This amounts to a minimum of 56 liters of water per person. If you have access to a reliable source of natural water, you need a means of filtering and and rendering that water safe for consumption. Don't forget containers to carry "dirty" water from the river back home and more containers to store the purified water in.
You must have some cash on hand in the home. How much depends on what you feel you may need to purchase. If you don't have any food or water stored, you'll need more cash than someone who doesn't need to purchase these things from somewhere else. If the power is out or the banks are closed, you may not be able to access the money in your bank account for several days or maybe longer.
You need a way to cook your stored food. A BBQ with a couple of full propane tanks stored in an outside shed works, as does a camping stove or a fire pit with an ample supply of wood to burn.
Bags of charcoal briquettes are a cheap and easily stored source of fuel for outdoor cooking, in a BBQ or in a fire pit, it doesn't matter, charcoal works everywhere.
These four survival items are the place to start. If you can't feed yourself, or drink or don't have the means to buy these supplies from someone else (not that you will easily be able to find someone selling these things during a crisis) you and your family are in for a world of hurt.
The moral of today's post: You need to be able to look after yourself!
So what are you waiting for? If you wait too long, some day you will find yourself in a situation of discomfort and distress that you could have avoided if you had just planned for the day when the store, the hospital, the bank, the water treatment plant or electricity just isn't available to you.
By doing nothing to become more self sufficient or needlessly procrastinating, you are gambling with your life. As with all forms of gambling you will eventually lose everything.
[What have you done today to prepare?]
As a reminder, it was not long ago that the portions of the Ottawa Valley and southern Quebec experienced the strongest earthquake in a very long time. Today, residents of Alymer Quebec are being advised to boil their tap water before consuming it. From time to time, circumstances arise that disrupt the daily routine of many people at the same time. Sometimes, these occurrences affect electricity distribution. Sometimes they affect the water supply, the food supply or your access to banks and your money. Sometimes, all of these items are affected at the same time. We usually don't know in advance that some "disaster" is about to befall us.
I'm not asking you run out to the back yard to dig the foundations for a survival bunker. I am not suggesting to you that you need to sequester yourself in your basement occasionally peeking outside from behind closed curtains to check on the status to the "real world". I do expect you to take some rather common sense steps to ensure that if some calamity befalls you, you have options to respond to that situation.
You need, as a minimum, three months worth of stored food in the home. This means you need at least 270 meals per person plus some comfort food and snacks.
If you don't live near a river, lake or a relatively clean pond, you need to have enough water stored on your property to allow you to drink and cook for at least two weeks. This amounts to a minimum of 56 liters of water per person. If you have access to a reliable source of natural water, you need a means of filtering and and rendering that water safe for consumption. Don't forget containers to carry "dirty" water from the river back home and more containers to store the purified water in.
You must have some cash on hand in the home. How much depends on what you feel you may need to purchase. If you don't have any food or water stored, you'll need more cash than someone who doesn't need to purchase these things from somewhere else. If the power is out or the banks are closed, you may not be able to access the money in your bank account for several days or maybe longer.
You need a way to cook your stored food. A BBQ with a couple of full propane tanks stored in an outside shed works, as does a camping stove or a fire pit with an ample supply of wood to burn.
Bags of charcoal briquettes are a cheap and easily stored source of fuel for outdoor cooking, in a BBQ or in a fire pit, it doesn't matter, charcoal works everywhere.
These four survival items are the place to start. If you can't feed yourself, or drink or don't have the means to buy these supplies from someone else (not that you will easily be able to find someone selling these things during a crisis) you and your family are in for a world of hurt.
The moral of today's post: You need to be able to look after yourself!
So what are you waiting for? If you wait too long, some day you will find yourself in a situation of discomfort and distress that you could have avoided if you had just planned for the day when the store, the hospital, the bank, the water treatment plant or electricity just isn't available to you.
By doing nothing to become more self sufficient or needlessly procrastinating, you are gambling with your life. As with all forms of gambling you will eventually lose everything.
[What have you done today to prepare?]
Saturday, July 10, 2010
All tied up in knots...
Earlier today I was in the parking lot of a large international retailer whose colours are yellow and blue. This retailer sells everything in boxes that customers are expected to cart away and assemble when they get home.
I watched with fascination as a comedic husband & wife team attempted to secure a rather large purchase to a rather small car. When they were done, the spider web of cheap plastic twine (provided by the store) was a sight to behold. I assume they made it home ok because I have learned long ago that offering to help usually results in conflict when you insinuate to someone they haven't a clue about what they are doing.
But for you my astute readers, I am confident that you would benefit greatly by knowing how to tie a few really useful knots. Now don't get all bent out of shape just yet. There are hundreds of different knots and lashings that you may well never need to know. Fisherman use specialized knots for splicing fishing line together, attaching hooks to mono filament etc. Mountain climbers use knots that work well and don't slip on synthetic climbing ropes. Sailors use knots that hold well and can be easily untied when the time calls for it. You on the other hand need to know about 7 knots. Well, ok, eight knots, but I assume you already know how to tie your shoes, so we're back to seven (and a granny knot doesn't count).
I briefly considered making a video on how to tie these knots, but a quick Internet search shows that such an effort would be a complete waste of time as this information is available everywhere.
Your task is to learn and practice making the following knots. You will need a three foot piece of rope and about 30 minutes of free time. In selecting your rope, please do not choose twine, string, sewing thread, rolled paper cord or that awful yellow plastic crap that you see all over the place in the hardware dept. of your local discount store. Para-cord will work but is a little thin to practice with. Something about 1/4 inch thick braided, flexible and easily worked will do nicely - Hey guys, now you have a reason to go hang out at the hardware store this afternoon. :-)
When you are done researching, learning and practicing, you should be able to tie each of the following quite easily and know which knot to use for its specific purpose:
I watched with fascination as a comedic husband & wife team attempted to secure a rather large purchase to a rather small car. When they were done, the spider web of cheap plastic twine (provided by the store) was a sight to behold. I assume they made it home ok because I have learned long ago that offering to help usually results in conflict when you insinuate to someone they haven't a clue about what they are doing.
But for you my astute readers, I am confident that you would benefit greatly by knowing how to tie a few really useful knots. Now don't get all bent out of shape just yet. There are hundreds of different knots and lashings that you may well never need to know. Fisherman use specialized knots for splicing fishing line together, attaching hooks to mono filament etc. Mountain climbers use knots that work well and don't slip on synthetic climbing ropes. Sailors use knots that hold well and can be easily untied when the time calls for it. You on the other hand need to know about 7 knots. Well, ok, eight knots, but I assume you already know how to tie your shoes, so we're back to seven (and a granny knot doesn't count).
I briefly considered making a video on how to tie these knots, but a quick Internet search shows that such an effort would be a complete waste of time as this information is available everywhere.
Your task is to learn and practice making the following knots. You will need a three foot piece of rope and about 30 minutes of free time. In selecting your rope, please do not choose twine, string, sewing thread, rolled paper cord or that awful yellow plastic crap that you see all over the place in the hardware dept. of your local discount store. Para-cord will work but is a little thin to practice with. Something about 1/4 inch thick braided, flexible and easily worked will do nicely - Hey guys, now you have a reason to go hang out at the hardware store this afternoon. :-)
When you are done researching, learning and practicing, you should be able to tie each of the following quite easily and know which knot to use for its specific purpose:
- A figure 8 knot
- A sheet bend
- A bowline
- A taut line
- A clove hitch
- Two half hitches
- A square knot
I know most of you wont get around to this by dinner time, but over the next few weeks, make an effort to learn at least these seven knots and then wonder how you got through life before you had this knowledge. Anyone wishing to take the science of knots even further should drop the hint that you would appreciate receiving this book as a gift for your next Birthday, parent day, Christmas etc.
...Now go forth and tie your life up in knots...
[What prepping skill did you learn today?]
Friday, July 9, 2010
Don't look up...
HERE COMES TROUBLE?
For those who just can't wait for the end of the world, maybe this weekend will be your time to shine...
The northeastern limb of the sun is literally bursting with activity.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the flare during the early hours of July 8th. It heralds the approach of a sunspot--possibly a big one--that has been erupting on the far side of the sun for days. A notable blast on July 5th hurled a bright CME over the limb. Soon the active region will turn to face Earth and its eruptions could become geo-effective. Stay tuned for space weather.
For those who just can't wait for the end of the world, maybe this weekend will be your time to shine...
The northeastern limb of the sun is literally bursting with activity.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the flare during the early hours of July 8th. It heralds the approach of a sunspot--possibly a big one--that has been erupting on the far side of the sun for days. A notable blast on July 5th hurled a bright CME over the limb. Soon the active region will turn to face Earth and its eruptions could become geo-effective. Stay tuned for space weather.
[Don't forget to "Duck & Cover"!]
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Prepping is cool when it's hot...
If you've stuck your head out the door lately, you've undoubtedly noticed that it is hot outside. This extreme heat and humidity is expected to last a few more days before a somewhat cooler air mass moves into Ontario.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that as the temperature climbs so does our consumption of electrical power. Our aging power grid normally hobbles along just fine meeting the consumer demand of electricity, but not always. On days like today, yesterday and tomorrow, we can expect to be sucking as much power as those transmission lines can carry. Along with the outside temperature being hot, electricity produces additional heat that pushes the limits of the power transformers, insulators and the transmission lines themselves. Equipment bursting into flames is a very real possibility.
As a forward thinking prepper, it is only prudent to consider the possibility of a power failure:
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that as the temperature climbs so does our consumption of electrical power. Our aging power grid normally hobbles along just fine meeting the consumer demand of electricity, but not always. On days like today, yesterday and tomorrow, we can expect to be sucking as much power as those transmission lines can carry. Along with the outside temperature being hot, electricity produces additional heat that pushes the limits of the power transformers, insulators and the transmission lines themselves. Equipment bursting into flames is a very real possibility.
As a forward thinking prepper, it is only prudent to consider the possibility of a power failure:
- Do you have extra batteries on hand for flashlights and radios?
- Do you have food that does not necessarily require electricity to prepare?
- Do you have large containers of frozen water in your freezer to help keep things cool?
- Do you remember that the bathtub is a great place to soak and cool down?
- Do you have entertainment options if the TV isn't working?
- Do you have an alarm clock that doesn't require power?
- Do you have a backup device to power some lights & small appliances?
- Do you have a land line telephone that will work without power?
- Are your rechargeable batteries actually charged?
[What have you done today to prepare?]
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Summer is here...
EDIS Number: HT-20100704-26817-CAN
Date / time: 04/07/2010 17:30:24 [UTC]
Event: Heat Wave
Area: North-America
Country: Canada
State/County: Province of Ontario
City: Unknown
Number of Dead: None or unknown
Number of Injured: None or unknown
Damage level: Minor
Description:
A smog alert has been issued for much of southern, central and eastern Ontario — and Toronto has tacked on a heat alert, as well. Environment Canada issued the smog advisory Sunday for a wide area that includes Toronto, Hamilton, Barrie, Peterborough, London, Sarnia, and Windsor. And an Environment Canada special weather advisory says the southern and central parts of the province can expect hot and increasingly humid weather to continue for several days. With predicted highs in the low 30s, forecasters say it will feel more like the high 30s — maybe even 40 C — when the humidity is factored in. A flow of polluted air from the United States is expected to combine with locally produced emissions, and Environment Canada predicts air quality for the region will be in the poor range as a result. Under a smog advisory, people are encouraged to do their part for air quality by parking their vehicles and taking public transit, walking or biking. People are also discouraged from working outside for long periods. Toronto's medical officer of health issued a heat alert for the city amid the soaring temperatures. The heat wave that has enveloped the Greater Toronto Area is expected to stay in place most of the week. People are advised to stay out of the sun, especially anyone with chronic health conditions, infants and the elderly. Experts also recommend drinking lots of water and finding air-conditioned spots to cool down. Temperatures will be in the 30s in Windsor on Sunday and are expected to remain elevated throughout the week. In Ottawa it will be a little cooler Sunday, with the higher temperatures arriving Monday and staying for the rest of the week.
[Do you know where your water bottle is?]
Date / time: 04/07/2010 17:30:24 [UTC]
Event: Heat Wave
Area: North-America
Country: Canada
State/County: Province of Ontario
City: Unknown
Number of Dead: None or unknown
Number of Injured: None or unknown
Damage level: Minor
Description:
A smog alert has been issued for much of southern, central and eastern Ontario — and Toronto has tacked on a heat alert, as well. Environment Canada issued the smog advisory Sunday for a wide area that includes Toronto, Hamilton, Barrie, Peterborough, London, Sarnia, and Windsor. And an Environment Canada special weather advisory says the southern and central parts of the province can expect hot and increasingly humid weather to continue for several days. With predicted highs in the low 30s, forecasters say it will feel more like the high 30s — maybe even 40 C — when the humidity is factored in. A flow of polluted air from the United States is expected to combine with locally produced emissions, and Environment Canada predicts air quality for the region will be in the poor range as a result. Under a smog advisory, people are encouraged to do their part for air quality by parking their vehicles and taking public transit, walking or biking. People are also discouraged from working outside for long periods. Toronto's medical officer of health issued a heat alert for the city amid the soaring temperatures. The heat wave that has enveloped the Greater Toronto Area is expected to stay in place most of the week. People are advised to stay out of the sun, especially anyone with chronic health conditions, infants and the elderly. Experts also recommend drinking lots of water and finding air-conditioned spots to cool down. Temperatures will be in the 30s in Windsor on Sunday and are expected to remain elevated throughout the week. In Ottawa it will be a little cooler Sunday, with the higher temperatures arriving Monday and staying for the rest of the week.
[Do you know where your water bottle is?]
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Enjoy the Holiday,but...
I'm not going to rain on your party. As you enjoy a day off work with friends and family, BBQ'ing and consuming magical elixirs, enjoy yourself. Give thanks to your God, Mother Nature or the Aliens for the opportunity to kick back and relax.
Farms and self sufficient families don't get the same break that you an I take for granted. Crops still need to be tended, animals fed and milked, enclosures mucked out etc. The majority of us can park our butts in a comfy chair and drink ourselves silly only because our society is currently structured in such a way that allows this idle time. It is important to remember that times may not always be so easy and carefree. Don't dwell on this fact, just acknowledge it and carry on.
If you find yourself in a crowd watching fireworks or a concert in the park, have a great time. Look around from time to time and always have a plan to get away from where you are quickly should the need arise. Designate a meeting place should someone in your party become separated from you in the crowd to make it easy to be reunited.
Cook your food well to avoid food poisoning. Don't be afraid to ask the chef to toss that burger back on the grill for a few more minutes. Chicken and ground meats require thorough cooking. Cases of Salmonella poisoning from undercooked chicken are much higher this year for some reason.
As with all aspects of your daily life now that you have embraced the Prepper Lifestyle, take time to celebrate the Nation's Birthday and your new found self-reliant lifestyle knowing that you have the knowledge, a plan and the resources readily available to look after yourself and your loved ones when times turn difficult.
Cook your food well to avoid food poisoning. Don't be afraid to ask the chef to toss that burger back on the grill for a few more minutes. Chicken and ground meats require thorough cooking. Cases of Salmonella poisoning from undercooked chicken are much higher this year for some reason.
As with all aspects of your daily life now that you have embraced the Prepper Lifestyle, take time to celebrate the Nation's Birthday and your new found self-reliant lifestyle knowing that you have the knowledge, a plan and the resources readily available to look after yourself and your loved ones when times turn difficult.
[There is a time to stay hydrated and today is it!]
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