[outofsalt]

Propane is a good idea for that early period in that harsh of a climate. The good thing is that few zombies will come your way and many will leave. I too have several 15 pounders in the shed (many bought at garage sales).

One fairly easily obtained fuel is Coal. Search the web for “bulk coal”. A pallet of bagged anthracite is not crazy expensive and burns hotter than most other fuels. It won't degrade as quickly as wood and takes up a lot less space.

If wood is available in your area you are lucky but it is a lot of work to store up a large enough supply for a long winter.

[blam]

"Propane is a good idea for that early period in that harsh of a climate. The good thing is that few zombies will come your way and many will leave. I too have several 15 pounders in the shed (many bought at garage sales)."

Excellent.

I must have 25 of the 20 pounders (I think that's what you mean too) bought at garage sales.

It is amazing how much prepper 'stuff' can found at garage sales on the cheap. I'm probably up to 30 cases of canning jars to @ about $1.25 per case average. Even if I never use or have to use them, they'll still be good barter items.

I've read an estimate that all the cooking for a month for a family of four can be accomplished on one 20 pound propane cylinder.(that's pretty good, if true)

[GOPJ]

If wood is available in your area you are lucky but it is a lot of work to store up a large enough supply for a long winter.

You're right. I heated a log cabin with wood one winter - years ago. People who think it's easy have absolutely no clue...