Re: Potential for power blackouts in less than 3 years
So true. This is one of the many reasons I've always admired the Amish as they are pretty much self sufficient and don't rely on things like electricity to the extent the rest of us do.Originally Posted by damian_steele
There are a few good ideas in there.
The thing with lists for prepping is that each person must tailor the list for their own circumstances and needs.
Somebody with a good source of fuel and an open fireplace is unlikely to need extra heating from a calor gas fire. Such gas fires also put a lot of moisture into the air and can cause problems with condensation and/or mould. In addition, some housing association or local councils don't allow gas heating in their properties if a gas supply is not already offered.
In the event of a power cut leading to heating loss, alternatives to gas heating begin with simple things like cutting out drafts, closing doors and reducing your movements to a much smaller area of your property. It is far easier to keep just one or two rooms warm than the whole building. Consider moving everyone into the same room and bringing blankets, quilts or duvets for each. Create a "nest" for each person. Warm clothing can be supplemented by using bedsheets or even thick towels.
If you live in a property with high ceilings or double height rooms, consider closing off some of that height. It may be possible to stretch a sheet from wall to wall to create a false ceiling or, as strange as it sounds, consider using a pop-up camping tent or small marquee tent inside your property.
As a standard method of cutting your heating bills or in staying warm during a powercut, you should consider using a thermal curtain across any doors that lead to cold areas or rooms that are directly vented to the outside. Another curtain across the doorway of the room you intend to use most will help keep in any heat you create.
Camping stoves are a good idea if you do not have another source of energy for cooking. Remember that you cannot ever use camping stoves in an enclosed space. Only in well ventilated areas, and preferably outdoors, you can also use BBQ's. Never use BBQ's in enclosed spaces for either cooking or providing warmth. Almost an entire family died within the last year by using a BBQ pack as a source of heat in a tent.
Battery powered lanterns - with or without a winding mechanism - or chemical light sticks are a better alternative to using candles. During blackouts more people die in fire caused by using candles than in fires from any other source. Ordinary hand torches (flashlights) are easily available and cheap. Lights with straps that are designed to be worn on the head - headlights - are a lot easier to use as they allow you to have your hands free but still point the beam where ever you are looking. Torches with LEDs instead of the old fashioned bulbs will last longer and use less power, but the cheaper versions can fail without warning, so always have several available along with spare batteries.
Remember the value of using mirrors to move light around the room and making it seem brighter.
Food stocks are a good idea no matter what event you are preparing for. Try to keep at least an extra week's worth. Stocks can be built up slowly by adding an extra tin or two to your weekly shop or by buying items on promotion. BOGOF offers are the favourite of preppers. Disregard the idea that you should only store high protein foods or foods of this or that specific type. Store the sort of foods that you normally eat. Regularly use what you have stored and replace it with new. If possible, try to choose foods that require less preparation and cooking or that can be eaten cold. Keep a number of "treats" in your supplies, especially if you have children. Maintaining as much normality as possible during difficult times will make it easier for children to cope.
If you do find yourself in a difficult situation, consider combining your resources with your trusted neighbours. You may not have enough to prepare complete meals individually, but when everyone adds a little the results can be great.
Normal, short term power cuts should not cause a problem with the water supply as the water companies will have back up generators of their own. In a planned power cut the water companies, like hospitals or other critical infrastructure, will still be supplied as normal. However, an unexpected and extended power cut will probably result in the loss of mains water after a few days. This can also be caused by times of flooding where pumping stations are inundated with flood water. People living at elevation - on hill tops or in blocks of flats - will lose supply before those lower down. You can live for weeks without food but you can only survive for around three days without water. Dehydration will begin to cause problems long before you actually die of thirst. Therefore consider storing a supply of fresh water that is suitable to the needs of everyone in the household. A minimum of two litres per person per day is needed just for drinking water - and at least double that if you live in a hot climate or are performing a lot of manual labour.
During a wide scale power cut normal life will be on hold. Things may become significantly more difficult. Online transactions will cease. ATM's and banks will not function. Petrol stations will close for fuel sales - no power means no pumps. All credit card validation will cease, so shopping may be impossible unless you use cash. Ordering goods will be almost impossible. Arranging deliveries will be the same. Stores may not be restocked for a significant length of time. We rely on electricity far more than most people realise.
Best wishes for many sales to all,
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