We got set up this year. Have six reds. Six eggs a day.
Posted on 07/16/2010 11:33:58 AM PDT by Red in Blue PA
1. Following the wrong advice: Many new survivalist become fixated upon the advice given by others. They read the latest preparedness book or blog post and automatically assume the advice given is best them, without considering their individual needs, skill level or location. In order to be self-reliant you need to learn to think for yourself.
2. Not eating what they store: Many new survivalist fill their pantry with unfamiliar foods, thinking they will adapt their diet “when the time comes” this is nonsense. You need to learn how to prepare and use these foods now, so they become a familiar staple.
3. Relying only on their food storage: Many new survivalist think once they have their one year supply of survival foods, that’s the end. Don’t get me wrong, having a deep larder is important, just don’t overlook the possibility of needing to replenish your supplies, and obtaining the skills and resources needed to do that.
4. Not storing enough salt: Many new survivalist fail to store this staple in the quantities needed. Don’t discount the importance of salt. I suggest at least ten pounds of iodized salt per person as a minimum.
5. Building an arsenal: I see this all the time. Many new survivalist spend thousands on weapons and related gear, yet have only a two-week supply food and no water filter. This is stupid. I love guns and gear as much as the next person – but I know food and water are more important to my survival. Sure; we need weapons to protect what we’ve put away, just don’t neglect the other stuff.
6. Relying on bugging out: I’m not a fan of the “grab a bug out bag and head for the hills survival strategy”. In most cases you’re better off staying where you are. Having a bug out bag is a good idea, just don’t make bugging out your only plan or first priority.
7. To much stuff not enough skill: Many new survivalist believe they can be saved though buying. This fantasy has been promoted by self-serving survival gurus for years to fill their pockets with cash. Sure supplies are useful and some are needed – just don’t become dependent on stuff instead develop your skills.
8. Storing only one type of food: More than a few new survivalist have made this mistake. I can’t remember exactly where I read it, I think it was on another survival blog – but the author suggested his readers store hundreds of pounds of wheat and nothing else. While wheat is the backbone of my food storage, storing only one type of food, no matter how versatile is foolish.
9. Not taking care of pet needs: Many new survivalist fail to consider the needs of their pets. If you have pets you must plan for their needs by laying back the necessary supplies to keep them fed and healthy.
How deep is your well? Solar powered wells are pricey, but are worth it if power goes out, and worth even more if the power never comes back on.
Do not discount the Bloods, Crips, MS-13, etc. They have vehicles too. And probably better firepower.
My wife calls the Jersey Giants “Oprah” and “Tyra”...pretty black feathers with an enormous butt...
In our case, we live high enough on a hill that we could probably keep sending waste water down the city sewer without any problems - the neighbors at the bottom of the hill might not be so lucky ;-) Once upon a time, the county had to regularly pump waste from the manhole at the bottom of our street (usually about the same time the school bus came in the morning :-( They have not had to do it that way for years, but it makes me wonder about the need for some sort of pumping "lift-station" to move waste. If that system stops working, the waste water is going to backup to somewhere, so you might want to consider whether your home is at risk, perhaps with some sort of plan to block your sewer line by plugging it through a cleanout-plug - don't let your shelter be on the receiving end of an unexpected sewer surprise!
The depth is 286 and the pump is at 180. I don't know the static water level.
It looks like a hand pump would work. The cost appears to be in the $2500 range.
What can you tell me about solar powered systems? The problem I can see with a solar powered is that it probably has more failure modes than the manual system. Also, we're in a coastal fog belt, so it might not function well during some parts of the year.
I have one of these with ALOT of garbage bags.
http://beprepared.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_ZK%20X115_A_name_E_Tote-able%20Toilet™%20Seat%20&%20Lid
Have you ever experimented with collecting drinking water from condensation? Take ten foot long stakes and drive them into your lawn in the shape of a circle. Put a large bowl in the middle. In the evening, spread a piece of plastic across the top of the stakes with rock in the middle directly over the bowl. Circle the stakes with Saran Wrap, sealing the circle shape. In the morning you’ll have a few cups of water in the bowl.
How utterly foolish and thuggish, let alone putting three exclamation points after it.
Yes, you state the obvious.
If that's your intended use, wouldn't a few bottles of isopropyl alcohol be a lot cheaper?
That water level is doable with a hand pump, but it will take alot of effort. But if you don’t have enough sun, then solar may not be the way to go either, especially at the cost (mine cost $15k, but we have alot of sun in SE AZ so it has been a great, and trouble free, investment).
A wind generator system might be an option, but those are ugly, and your neighbors would hate you.
Another option would be something like a Simplepump (
http://www.simplepump.com/ )that can be used as a manual pump, or a solar pump. You won’t be pumping large amounts, but it is much better than nothing at all.
No, but it is on my list.
I recall reading or hearing about a similar technique to be used if adrift in the ocean.
What you describe seems to rely only on atmospheric changes in humidity and temperature.
I'm more interested in techniques which supply the source of water (urine or sea water), use the sun to create a very warm area to enhance evaporation, and then shade the area where the "dripping" is going on to enhance condensation.
With a ready supply of ocean water, one could try to use evaporative cooling on the upper side of the condensation membrane. One might be able to use a mirror, for example, to raise the evaporation rate.
When the time comes to try this, I wonder if my wife will be able to guess what I am up to?
” I’m more interested in techniques which supply the source of water (urine or sea water), use the sun to create a very warm area to enhance evaporation, and then shade the area where the “dripping” is going on to enhance condensation. “
What you’re describing is known as a “solar still” — do a search (I used BING) and you will find literally hundreds of articles on how to build and use them...
(There are also quite a few commercially-available models, if you’d rather purchase...)
I've generally been able to refill my long-term prescriptions every 25 days; that allows me to accrue an extra two months worth per year if I pay attention to refill dates.
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