What follows is distilled from a social-media post made by a guy who’s dealing with the aftermath of Helene — “on day four of an expected seven” without power, he says, 200 miles inland. Clearly, he’s a prepper, smart enough to be self-critical and generous enough to share his experiences.
General:
- By day two, grocery stores had six-hour lines for empty shelves.
- Fast-food restaurants had four-hour lines, and people just idled along, wasting gasoline.
- Gas stations had shorter lines but ran out of fuel within 12 hours.
- Many (if not most) businesses were cash-only. (No Internet meant no credit cards.) Some eventually were unable to make change.
Failures:
- Forgot to make enough ice for coolers. Generator powers fridge with icemaker but can’t keep up with demand.
- Didn’t stock up on oil for generator. Had only one quart on-hand.
- Should’ve put gas grills inside garage before the storm hit. Both were damaged.
- Had a backup LP tank but forgot to fill it.
- Should’ve done laundry before the storm hit.
- Didn’t have shelf-stable coffee creamer (packets).
- Didn’t have paper plates and plastic utensils.
Successes:
- Stored gasoline was fresh, thanks to periodically rotating supply.
- Secured generator (against theft) with heavy chain and lock.
- Dogs.
- Strong relationships with neighbors, together deterring multiple potential threats of theft and looting.
- Easy-prep food. Powdered milk.
- Solar cell-phone charger, solar-powered weather radio, battery-operated fan.
- Extra batteries.
- Flashlights, candles, hurricane lamps.
- Long-reach butane lighters.
- Sun kettle. Cold-brew coffee canister.
- Garden.
- Chainsaw and supplies.
- Inverter generator.
- Long extension cords (three, could’ve used more).
- Cash.
Didn’t need (this time):
- Fresh water stored in barrels.
- Firearms and ammunition.
When I say “watch and learn,” this is what I’m talking about.
I’ve seen dozens of firsthand and eyewitness accounts detailing how folks are managing in the wake of a natural disaster — in many cases, in the midst of a genuine catastrophe. Some are preppers, some aren’t. All offer information that we, the fortunate, can use.
It’s a free education that could save your life, People. Get with it.
On this brisk October morning, my Ontario RTAK-II got cordage — both knife and sheath.
Once again, I skipped fancy and went straight for function.
(For the record, I actually like fancy lanyards. I’ve made a few myself. And I have a couple of candidate knives that’ll be righteously adorned, once I get around to it.)
Digging through rocks with my hands yesterday did-in my oldest work gloves.
I’ll replace ’em with another pair of deerskins. Love deerskin.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable
#LetsGoBrandon #FJB