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I give tiny little car battery jump starters to all my friends and loved ones. Guys would make fun of me when I'd pull mine out of my tiny little car's glove box... but then I'd start up their work trucks in seconds and they'd start asking me where to get them. (The answer is Costco.)
They're easy to use, and mean you don't have to depend on the kindness of a stranger to jumpstart your car if your battery dies.
Here's an example, there are many brands of these.
Square Foot Gardening is a great way to maximize space.
I highly recommend Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living
My dad has had a Stanley one for years. I think it's this one. It only has USB charging and 12V DC, not a regular outlet, though. He's used it to jump start the car and as power outage battery.
That's cool, might check that one out. I just read One Second After which I think might be the most popular prepper book ever (?). It was pretty entertaining, although there definitely is an aspect of clear fiction. I liked that the protagonist wasn't the classic uber-man trained in all forms of combat with a square jaw and broad shoulders.
Ted Koppel wrote Lights Out, which is a non-fiction book about the risks to our power grid. Less exciting, but more accurate and thoughtful (in my mind).
I have a decent sized office with plenty of storage and this is what I keep in it:
- a case of water
- some canned goods, dry goods (instant oats) plus some snacks
- emergency blankets
- first aid stuff
- candles
- battery fans and a battery pack
- extra toiletries
- baby wipes
- extra meds
- we also have a shower room here so I keep towels and extra clothes in a locker.
- emergency solar/crank radio
If I got snowed in, I figure I could shut my office door and stay comfortable-ish for a while.
I also carry a 65L hiking pack in my vehicle (I know you said you don't drive but maybe you could have a look at the Ultralight hiking group? I'm sure you could get plenty of ideas for a fairly small lightweight bag). I have everything I need in my hiking pack to walk home. Tent/sleeping bag & pad/food/water filtration/Jetboil/etc. I hope I never have to but I could.
If you're worried about weight, you could always get some sort of cart like this.
The ones I originally bought are unavailable now, but the extending fan was like this one and this is pretty much the same clip-on mist fan.
If it's summer, how hot does it get? Do you rely on AC? Because that would be a concern with candles and cooking. You don't want flames inside if it's hot. (And are you sure your gas stove runs when there is no power? The newer ones apparently need electricity. Better to find out now.)
I'm in Florida, so my power loss prep is geared for the summer, too. (Hurricanes.) I find camping gear to be wonderful.
Instead of candles, I do little LED lanterns. They last forever and are really bright.
For cooking, I do a camp stove that runs on butane. I set mine up on the front porch, and it worked a charm.
And if you need to be cool or at least circulate air, a 10 in battery-operated fan is wonderful.
Waterbob - they are one time use.
Bathtub cover liner- same thing, bit cheaper.
Those kids' sippy cups with lids where you can drink the whole way around the cup, and you can sip with very minimal elevation (you don't have to sit all the way up). Like these.
They're super helpful for that period immediately after surgery where you're just exhausted, groggy, and miserable.
I have snowboarding pants I bought for like $25 in the summer - three pair - to deliver mail in in under-30 temps. They’re so warm I wear just underwear with them and stay warm down to 16 degrees if I’m walking around. Indoors they’re instantly too hot. I’m keeping a pair in my truck for winter emergencies.
They’re good for emergencies when you’re going to be outdoors or inside with no heat in deepest winter. These are the specific model/brand and I’ve worn them for 8+ hours at a time, walking 10-13 miles and getting in and out of a vehicle literally 100 times a day. The XL fits a size 16/18 woman. I need a smaller pair but will wait until summer again for a lower price.
You want a thorough modern textbook with good information on interactions and dosages, a lot of traditional texts don’t have much info on those. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory is a good option.
Making Plant Medicine by Rico Cech is less comprehensive, but also less unwieldy and intensely practical, so I find using the two books in combination is a winning move.
I got this on Amazon; I've downloaded it to my phone and tablets, but have not read begun to peruse it yet so cannot say anything about the quality of the info or if it's worth purchasing (I got it for free when the special was posted on r/prepperdeals).
Find out what planes routinely carry and don't duplicate that. 1st aid, phone, laptop, & iPad charger, maybe a backup battery. Phones have a flaslight & GPS, having the battery life is critical. Multitool, for sure. Mylar emergency blanket. 1st Aid/ comfort kit including cough drops(with sugar), band-aids, acetaminophen, small hand sanitizer.
I'd add some of these bathing wipes. Activate in water, towel yourself off afterward. Just in case he doesn't have access to a shower. They fold up small and don't dry out. I keep them in my go bag, my hospital bag, and my bathroom for when my depression hits and showering is a struggle.
https://www.amazon.com/Scrubzz-Disposable-Rinse-Bathing-Wipes/dp/B06XQ9NQPQ
https://www.amazon.com/Root-Cellaring-Natural-Storage-Vegetables/dp/0882667033
This book is excellent. Its very concise and gives instructions and examples of very doable home root cellars (formal and informal). It lists ideal storage techniques for all sorts of produce.
A pump n' seal can help with removing oxygen and humidity from dry goods. Combine that with dessicant packs and you should hopefully be able to overcome the humidity-driven rot.
i prefer a kankiri if i'm going that route. more durability & ergonomics
EZ-DUZ-IT is the most reliable crank-style opener i've encountered. still on my first one after a year and it's going well after opening about a can/day
I did my own like this, then found aLasko fan with a built in filter holder.
I cut off a lot of the back with garden shears to improve airflow and have been happy with it. I use a better filter than the one provided, though.
I highly recommend this book; it gave me actionable and REALISTIC checklists from a woman's point of view. She makes it really easy to implement in small steps.
Disaster Preparedness For Women: 52 Steps To Get Ready For Any Emergency (with checklists and plans)
https://smile.amazon.com/Disaster-Preparedness-Women-Emergency-checklists/dp/B085RT8DCN/
We were recommended these by a friend of ours that works in the oil fields in Texas.
We have over 50 acres, and they work all of the way down the road and all over the property.
I just keep the base on the kitchen island for recharging, and whenever kids go "out to play" or one of us is going to "disappear" on the property - they grab a walkie talkie on the way out.
these have worked well for us in the past. They are FRS radios. https://www.amazon.com/Talkies-Rechargeable-Handheld-Camping-1Silver/dp/B07XY4XNQW
GMRS will get you a lot more power and range as others have pointed out
I remember your post. Smart response to the situation.
I started carrying one of these in my hand in parking lots and walks. A friend in college had one and I always thought it was smart. It can be used to break glass which could come in handy in a car wreak or fire too so I keep it on my keys.
https://www.amazon.com/DUUTY-Keychain-Aluminum-Pressure-Anti-Wolf/dp/B07JG6XVM4
Its discreet enough that you can be holding it without people noticing it.
When I google for "buy german sunscreen USA", the first hit is https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Dance-Sunscreen-SPF-Vegan/dp/B08BMSVNZW, which seems like it'd be worth a try if that's what you're after.
I personally hate both sunscreen and skin cancer, so I minimize my UV exposure through a combination of being strategic about when I do outdoor tasks, and wearing the right personal protective equipment when I do need to be exposed. My senses of "eww this feels nasty and greasy" and "eww I don't actually know what the stuff I'm absorbing through my skin when I smear this all over myself will do to my health long term" combine to overwhelm any sense of worry about looking silly that I might have had.
UV-protective clothing is a good option to reduce how much sunscreen you need, as well. Jeans and conventional sunhats are often plenty UV-proof off the shelf, but for hands/arms/neck, specialty clothing marketed as UV-blocking is often better at thermal management than the fully light-proof items you already have in your closet.
Always wear the right gloves for the job you're doing -- leather work gloves for anything with thorns or splinters will also incidentally block all UV to your hands, and hiking stores sell light or ultralight UPF 30-50 gloves to protect your hands when you're just hanging out.
Full-coverage, highly UV-resistant swimwear is widely available marketed to people whose religions demand modesty at all times. It's perfectly wearable as an athleisure sort of look when you're hanging out around the water, as well as being surprisingly comfortable while swimming in it.
If you wear glasses, consider prescription sunglasses from a site like Zenni, Firmoo, or any of the many players in that space. Or if like me you hate taking your normal eyewear off, plain sunglasses that fit over regular glasses are widely available.
You could say that I choose to dress like a skin cancer survivor now, to reduce my odds of actually becoming one :)
Kimber makes a pepper "gun" that significantly reduces the risk of blow-back. It sort of looks like a squirt gun:
https://www.amazon.com/kimber-Defense-Less-Lethal-PepperBlaster-Pepper/dp/B07D3FBGPF
When I was traveling a lot and didn’t want to take a pharmacy on the plane, I took one of these folding pill cases to the actual pharmacy. I asked if they could and would print labels for my active prescriptions and explained that I wanted to travel lightly and legally. They were happy to help. I did this when they weren’t busy to increase my chance of success. And it’s nice. I thought about doing this because they put a prescription label on a plastic baggie once for something I can’t recall. They also did this for a locking pill bottle, and I’m sure they would label a small pouch.
I use this for the freezer in the garage:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NRKWL5W
They seem sensitive and dependable and the alarm is loud enough.
The kit is two sensors and one base which is where you set the boundary conditions and where the beep comes from. Note that you can't use two of these kits at the same time; they interfere with each other in weird ways. (I wanted to use 2 kits and monitor 4 areas, but they conflicted like crazy and was a total no-go. Stick to one kit.)
I don't know that I'd call it my favorite, because it's the only one I have, but here's the link to the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N1QSR48?th=1
It does what I need it to just fine, but I think I'd buy something more sturdy if I wanted it for hiking or emergency use. I wanted the mesh style so it wouldn't add too much heat during the summer. It also comes in sizes that fit me, being somewhat of a larger gal (wide, not tall, unfortunately).
For the future, I would suggest similar fans that use replaceable 18650 batteries. The 18650s will last longer per charge since the battery holds more power (anywhere from 2000mah to 3000mah in an 18650) versus the 10600 built-in non-replaceable battery in the one you linked.
Granted it doesn't have a light but I have several of these... 18650 battery fan
The batteries (18650s) are used in vaping so pretty much any vape shop should have some. They can also be ordered online.
I also have a small solar panel (Anker 25(?) watts) which can charge things directly via USB. I use it to charge power banks which I then charge other things with.
It's NOT wifi connected, but I have this little alarm and it's saved me once already when the door was slightly ajar.
The alarm isn't terribly loud, but I can still hear it from a floor above the freezer, and it keeps going off indefinitely. (The reviews for a lot of them said they stopped after a few beeps.)
Yeah, we got one like this, but don't buy it from amazon - go to your local big box retailer and get one. We have Princess Auto here in Canada, the pump was half the price compared to Amazon. https://www.amazon.ca/TecHome-115Volt-Portable-Transfer-Suction/dp/B08CY69X5V/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=water+transfer+pump&qid=1654431655&sr=8-3 There are 2 types of these pumps: one that will plug into an extension cord, and a DC one that will run off a battery. My husband got me the DC one, a little lawnmower battery to power it, and a solar panel to trickle charge the battery. Now he's working on putting it all together inside a plastic box ; i think he's watched some YouTube videos about it. It's not automatic- you can't leave this pump running because it will burn out if it goes dry, but it is portable. I was in the same boat - I'd need 300ft of waterhose to reach these gardens, this solves that problem and i can use rain water. For your application, a sump pump inside your rain barrel might work better if you want your irrigation to be fully automatic. A sump pump will turn off if the water gets too low.
Good idea about limiting perishables during summer months. We just had a microburst result in a 27-hr power outage. The only things we had to throw out were the meat, dairy, and some of the condiments. The butter, produce, and vinegar-based items were fine. The freezers stayed closed and weee fine.
At the end of the first 24 hours, when there was a possible extra day of outage, we bought some ice a two days worth of milk and yogurt to keep in the cooler.
The only thing I’d do differently is to open the freezer just long enough to grab our giant ice packs and get that stuff into the cooler (with one large ice pack going into the fridge itself). Our camp stove worked great for cooking, our solar lanterns, head lamps, battery-operated fan, and kerosene lamps kept us well-lit and comfy. Our preps worked well, just wish I didn’t lose so much food.
These are the ice packs we use. When camping, they last for days. We have the large ones and the small ones for packing for our lunches.
I'm so short that I can't reach the bottom of our washing machine. This stool has been a game changer for me.
I have a feeling this could be a rough summer for those of us in the upper midwest. It's already been so much windier this year and we're barely into storm season.
I live in an apartment which makes generators and adding solar panels pretty much impossible. That being said, I do have a couple of decent coolers and make sure to have ice and those reusable freezer packs on hand. Also I love these solar lanterns, which I originally picked up for camping and hiking. The only thing I haven't got sorted is how to run a fan if the power stays out for an extended period. I don't mind hot temps as long as I have moving air.
They sell some battery-operated fans, and some include a USB port to charge devices. Something like these:
https://www.amazon.com/O2COOL-10-Inch-Portable-Desktop-Circulation/dp/B00ATSHMIQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=1QXP1R1ADBYRL&keywords=rechargeable+usb+fan+treva&qid=1653877916&sprefix=rechargeable+usb+fans+treva%2Caps%2C54&sr=8-8
This is the one I boughtfan. I haven’t fully tested it out yet other than to make sure everything worked. The high fan setting does seem to move quite a bit of air given the fan’s size. Be sure though not to have it facing anyone when you turn the light on. Someone in my house may have been seeing spots for few minutes…..
Don't mind at all! I got two of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088B7XF3T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
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There is an older version of the fan that's about half the price, but I got this version because the charge reportedly lasts longer. I don't want my fan to crap out while I'm asleep. I can't sleep if I'm hot. After Ida, even my little handheld, battery-powered fans made a difference in how miserable we were.
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The solar station I got is also expandable! I took a chance on an unknown brand because of a sale, so....*fingers crossed* it's not a dud.
I know the knife part is redundant but I use my Leatherman camping tool constantly. I keep one in my bags and in my car. Honestly I use the knife part to slice cheese on picnics haha. I won my first one in a raffle and it was so useful I asked for another for Christmas.
LEATHERMAN, Signal Camping Multitool with Fire Starter, Hammer and Emergency Whistle, Grey/Yellow with Nylon Sheath https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NJHX769/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AKPE60MP4ZG8YEYEWN75?psc=1
I highly recommend carrying a loud personal alarm on your keychain. I got sexually assaulted my first month in NYC and the officer recommended it and I have used it a few times and it worked!!! I buy them for my friends now. This link is to Amazon, but they sell them at most hardware stores, too. 8 Pack 140DB Personal Security Alarm Keychain with LED Lights, Emergency Safety Alarm for Women, Men, Children, Elderly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V3L4CRM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H44CD9EHJXR7ZGYS18ZD
I have a Duluth Trading canvas crossbody that I don’t think they make anymore but I think Carhartt has something similar:
Carhartt Women's, Durable, Adjustable Crossbody Bag with Flap Over Snap Closure, Wine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0751Y78TB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KBP1PFR9PTKAV1VXW38Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I carry a small camera bag - similar to this one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Camera-BAGSMART-Canvas-Vintage-Shoulder/dp/B0894RH2L6/ref=sr_1_19?crid=3JD4OCPFKHF75&keywords=camera%2Bbag&qid=1653511275&sprefix=camera%2Bb%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-19&th=1
If I need bigger then I get a military style canvas messenger bag. I'm pretty much done with heavy bags and purses though, so really the camera bag is all I usually need anymore.
I'm in Tampa, so I have sun blocking curtains up on every window. I use these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08S3M2K5C
On the sun side, they are white and some kind of vinyl fabric. It's like the same stuff they use now on mattress protectors: it's some kind of plastic, but it feels and moves like fabric. That makes them truly light blocking, not just darkening.
For short term outages (and day to day electric bills), darkening curtains are good. I haven't tested them in power outages lasting more than a few days.
For longer outages: Putting canopies over your windows will help. Shutters can also help: they let in air without letting in rain/sun. That's why older Florida houses have louvered windows: they let in air without letting in rain.
Some other tips are bigger, long term fixes, like having large trees over your roof to shade your house. Setting up your house so the windows/doors are directly opposite so you have cross ventilation.
If you compare Florida houses built before and after AC, there are some big differences. All the newly built, quickly thrown up, "open floor plan", cookie cutter houses with no trees SUCK when the power is out. My house, though, which is a ranch-like house built before AC is pretty tolerable with no AC. But I have tons of windows, doors on each end of the house, and so great ventilation.
I got this one :)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RN3Y6TL?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I have used it for maybe a couple of hundred hours. So far so good.
Swing-A-Way is the best buy it for life can opener brand there is. I have THIS one it's great for my carpal tunnel. They also make a regular old-school one.
I'd like to get something like this when I can. Quite a bit more expensive, but a lot more useful in a bad situation.
That said, I think our end goal would be to have a whole house generator added to our home for instances where there's a power outage, with some kind of fueled option for extended use.
Yup. Most I found are rather small but there on for a Caesarian I found that can be cut smaller if need be
Emergency Wound Closures Band-Aid Adhesive Bandages, Zip Stitch Stickers Device After Caesarean Birth, Injury, Survival (1 Pcs x Individually Wrapped) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YYZ5T1W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CT463VQNYPR34V2WGSKF
Plus there’s this lil guy I found along side them
Disposable Skin Stapler (Suture Thread Alternative) with 55 Preloaded Wires Plus Stapler Remover Tool for Outdoor Camping Emergency Survival Demo, First Aid Field Emergency Practice, Vet Use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQY1G61/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q1RA6F9AJ429DM7FNKC4
As a kid, I remember someone giving me a gift of these paper-thin wafers of soap in a small case. I was pretty meticulous about washing my hands around the age of ten and I was really sad when I ran out.
Turns out you can get them at camping and outdoor supply stores like REI (and amazon if you're inclined).
This one. I haven’t tried it out yet but it has pretty good reviews. I’m sure the knife subreddit would make fun of it but I don’t plan on being in the woods for anything but leisure time.
>travel urinal
If you haven't already, make sure to practice with it! I got one of the generic "Go Girl" funnel things so you can pee standing up. I tried it at home, and peed all over the bathroom floor :-(
The trick is to make sure it's pressed all the way onto your body so that it creates a seal. Otherwise it creates a whirlpool that shoots out of the top of the funnel. The last thing you want is to mess up your only set of clothes while being out-and-about.
If you're willing to shop online, you can buy anything on Amazon. You may be able to find the Bob's Red Mill brand of them at a health food store though.
This one is 6 bags for $14; I've purchased them and they taste great.
https://smile.amazon.com/Buckwheat-Groats-Grechka-Boil-Grams/dp/B07HFPQQDW/
I got these several years ago. Due to the shape of the bag they seem to hold a lot more than a ziploc!
2pcs/pack Lermende Clear Toiletry Bag, Clear Makeup Bag for Women & TSA Approved Toiletry Bag Travel Carry On Airport Airline Quart Sized Clear Cosmetic Bag - Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079GS4RSP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XAA4A27HMZEYQYB197N5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If for whatever reason you can't find a nice one used, I got this Nesco dehydrator and it's not bad for the price. I've had it for three years and use it 2-3 times a week and it's still great.
My first piece of advice, if you're going to dehydrate anything spicy, designate specific racks, trays, etc for those spicy things. Label them prominently. Especially on plastic trays like I have, it can hold onto the spice for a bit and transfer it when you may not want it to.
My second piece of advice, dehydrate onions outside.
I have this book, and it's super helpful: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dehydrating
See also the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
The main thing for dehydrating is "it's done when it's done". Since humidity plays a factor in how long it takes to remove moisture from an item, there's no set "dehydrate for 8 hours"; it's an estimate, and you may need to go longer.
Also, there's a thing called "conditioning". Don't just put the lids on and stick them in the cabinet because you may come back to moldy food. Dehydrate the food, put it in jar, seal it, and check it every day for a few days. Shake it to see if anything sticks together; if so, you may have moisture still in the food, and you may need to dry it some more.
You'll have to play around with how thick/thin you want to slice the food before you dry it; my first cucumber chips turned out paper thin, cubed eggplant turned out rock hard :-( some food is better shredded then dried, etc. Try a few different ways to see what you prefer.
Check Facebook marketplace for people who are selling them. I got one for $10, and it turned out to be an older model of a top brand (Nesco). It has a basic on/off switch, and I like it better than the digital one with preset temps and times, but that's just me.
I have a stockpile of Plan B from Amazon. It is pretty cheap $8.
My Way Emergency Contraceptive 1 TabletCompare to Plan B One-Step by Busuna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NKMY5E2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HFQRBMP4NEZJY1X3CKDF
It wasnt cheap, but it works great. Electric Cooler and Warmer for Car and Home with Wheels - 48 Quart (45 Liter) Holds 60 Cans or 6 Two Liter Bottles and 15 Cans - Dual 110V AC House and 12V DC Vehicle Plugs https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01D3O9UB4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_JR0FV3GXY7PZKR0SGJ7Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Dishpan shaped, with handles like a bucket AND collapsible. I love these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VF44XFS/
Add a solar shower and you're good to go - mine pumps with a foot pump!
I agree with you on the nail trimmers. I found a pair of Swiss Gear trimmers (wow, the price has doubled since I bought mine) that live on my keys and take up about the same space as a couple keys. A pair of Uncle Bills Sliver Grippers, a geocaching micro bison tube fits 5 Ibuprofen, and a Leatherman Squirt rounds out the keychain. Since they all live with my house key, I literally never go anywhere without them.
A Facebook friend of mine had the same issue with her dog. She bought one of these dog carrying slings. She highly recommends it. My dog seeks out the basement as her safe spot during storms anyways, but I'm thinking of getting one for emergencies.
just bought this scissor pen doohickey at a stationery store that are handy for arts and crafts but could definitely handle stuff like gauze, fishing wire, twine, etc
I have my dad's old green thermos and another smaller stainless steel thermos and both are fantastic and so handy to have. A good thermos is a sound investment.
I did flashlights for Halloween one year and the kids LOVED them.
For party favors I also found 'roadside bingo' boards at the dollar store - came with a dry erase marker and a wipeable surface so they could be reused. Perfect 72hr kit thing if you ever had to evacuate by car.
Glowsticks are disposable, but can also be found at the dollar store and are great for entertaining in pretty much any emergency situation.
A link if anyone wants to check it out. I'm sure you can find it at places other than Amazon.
For the dogs, I bring pet First Aid kits, with added gas-x to buy time in bloat/gastric torsion emergencies, extra leashes, those cheap orange reflective collars with phone numbers written big in sharpie (when I had a shy dog in the past who nobody could catch), aluminum shade cloth (this sort of thing- Cool Puppy Aluminet Shade Cloth Panels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LG1CB4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SMC0172Y93XF8E134AP1 (keeps cars cooler), cooling vest and life jacket for the paddle board, plus extra water, and a little rechargable camping shower/hose to rinse off mud (plus dog towels). We use the blue water tanks and got a shower that fits into the opening.
If you like your post-apocalyptic fiction laced with a heavy dose of mythology and some very, ah, adult theming, may I humbly suggest the Chronicles of the Covenant series, written by Michael Aurelius with significant assistance from yours truly. Basically, we've developed the kind of story WE enjoy reading, given that we were both steeped in the SF/Fantasy genre from a very young age (and we're both now retired, so that's a while).
The first two books are available on Amazon in either Kindle or POD paperback. Book 3 should make it out this summer, and Book 4 hopefully in December. There are at least two more books in the works, depending on where the story leads us, plus a World Guide to help with keeping things straight.
I got a first aid kit for our new living space and a childproof/waterproof first aid box to fill with items and store in our patio box for backyard mishaps.
An apron to cover my clothes when gardening so I can do less laundry Women’s Pinafore Square Apron Baking Cooking Gardening Works Cross Back Cotton/Linen Blend Dress with 2 Pockets https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0875YFQJR/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_SATWN5QHZW0KM41TNP2C?psc=1
These are all things I have recently added to my preps or are things I always have on hand: Nail clippers (I actually really like the baby kind with the plastic grip), safety pins, bars of soap, eyeglass repair kit, eye drops, small folding scissors, safety goggles, road atlas, matches, toothbrushes, bandannas, reusable glowsticks Limited-time deal: Reusable Glow Stick and Flashlight Combo, 6-in-1 Multi Use Flashlight with Emergency Whistle https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08G1W5T56/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_dl_7BFEX9EV9H6X04B1P71Z
Big hand fans. When there is no AC and no electricity a hand fan can make a big difference in personal comfort. I have one of these in every family member’s 72 hour kit.
HONSHEN Chinese Folding Fan White Hand Fans Bamboo Fan with Traditional Chinese Arts Handicraft (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXDTRQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S8RXM3BBECEV9KQRYEEE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Light sources are big. Flashlights, lanterns, batteries, matches.
I've got one of these all-in-one weather radio/flashlight/phone banks in my emergency essentials backpack, chargeable by solar, hand-crank and USB: https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Version-RunningSnail-Emergency-Flashlight/dp/B01MFCFKG5/ref=asc\_df\_B01MFCFKG5/
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That's the only kind I knew as a child. Still have one just in case but I use my kitchen aid one because comfort is important. The old one also left ultra raggedy edges.
I’ve had my can opener for about 30 years. It’s no frills and all metal. https://www.amazon.com/Chef-Craft-Can-Opener-Tapper/dp/B00LSD7KIS/ref=mp_s_a_1_27?crid=3HDEE8CYG8CS7&keywords=can+opener&pscroll=1&qid=1649189146&sprefix=can+opener%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-27&wIndexMainSlot=27
I remember that storm, we were without power for 8 days in that heat. Ugh.
For decades, I've hung this type of survival blanket inside my windows, using clothes pins or paper clips to hang them. They are see through but reflect heat & sunlight back outside and keep temps much lower in a room without making the room totally dark or totally blocking the view through the window. They are cheap, lightweight and I re-use them year after year by storing them in a plastic bag marked with the room and window that each survival blanket fits onto. Keep a few clothespins or paper clips in the plastic storage bag to skip the "where did I put the clips?" part of installing them. https://www.amazon.com/Leberna-Emergency-Blankets-Designed-Marathons/dp/B01HGUJ29Q/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=14Y7UX5K1LZVU&keywords=survival+blankets&qid=1649175342&sprefix=survival+bla%2Caps%2C1887&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jc...
Coolrunner Disposable Urine Bags, 20 Pack Camping Pee Bags, Disposable Urinals Vomit Bags for Travel Urinal Toilet Traffic Jam Emergency Portable Toilet Bee Bag for Men Women Kids Patient (Grey-20p) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VPV36B3/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_P76GHTK3CF4DMDQ3S9VT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Heh, I "bought" it, when it was free on Amazon several years ago.
As for power, I do have a couple of solar panels with USB chargers attached to them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FMFGGNR/
And
https://www.wish.com/merchant/57f4d4184287ed1078c22ceb/product/5d6f5bed18ed523e712670d5
I was pretty terrible at cooking early on, mainly I think because I'm not overly interested in it but also I never really knew how. People make comments like "taste it and add salt if needed" and I genuinely couldn't even tell if something needed salt. I looked around my kitchen for a "dash", like a teaspoon. I literally used bacon grease for a birthday cake because the instructions on the box clearly said "grease the pan".
What helped me was to learn a few recipes that I was excited about and that my family liked. Most of my stuff started with single pot / Dutch oven stuff. I would take my kids camping and see other dads cooking things so it helped me see that (a) at least these dudes are into it so maybe I can too and (b) it was different terrain than my home kitchen which I always felt like an outsider in.
Making some flop dishes and having a birthday cake that tastes like bacon can reinforce the "helpless male" thing. Most people don't like to do things they're bad at.
This was the book that got me started, maybe can get some recipes under his belt to build confidence.
The Camp Dutch Oven Cookbook: Easy 5-Ingredient Recipes to Eat Well in the Great Outdoors https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0727SFVPB/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_gl_1XM9ZCY16QF09SNX6ZKG
You can also get these for sliding doors and windows. They’re meant for baby proofing but they work quite well and don’t leave damage in rental units. My parents used them as a backup lock at our lake house (both the screen and the glass door had handle locks but this prevented them from sliding in case).
Welhore Fashion Sliding Door Lock - Baby Proof Locks for Sliding Windows - Child Safety Locker - Keyed Security Holders for Door and Window Frames - Made of Aluminum Alloy - Protection for Children and Anti-Theft - Home, Office and Business (2pcs) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B095S2TKLT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2KSW2Q31GX373BYD1SPX
Hi. Here a link (just for reference) for how the lock of the sliding windows in my house looks. Located in the middle of the frame, they are pretty useful and easy.
https://www.amazon.com.mx/Prime-Line-MP4065-pasadores-ventanas-correderas/dp/B07795T49F
Window locks:
Boao Set of 15 Sliding Window Locks Aluminum Metal Window Locks Security Safety Door Locks Adjustable Security Locks with Keys (Silver) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07FX4YH6W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PWRY9EY4K7G2KVE4WRKN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Lights that are on timers so it looks like someone is always home/awake.
Doorbell camera.
Above all, take a self defense class. Check to see if your local police station offers them.
I bought these for myself and my daughters. I love them. I’m sorry you had to deal with that creeper at Walmart.
Can I just add that with this alarm also buy a resqme for the keychain. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000IDYKQO/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_ZYHQN862WMR3GCDW1JJA?psc=1
I got 4 of them, one for husband, me, my mom and my sister.
I just bought the alarm to add it to my keychain and one for husband 😁
I bought these ones, for my personal, for my house sitters and for my friends KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm, 6 Pack 140DB Personal Security Alarm Keychain with LED Lights, Emergency Safety Alarm for Women Elderly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NLFQS7T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5184G26EF02G9YAMJMC1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 and I’ve tested them a few times a year because I’m sure I batter them around a lot! I just ordered more if they got quieter in case my son spilled something on them. I found one in a go bag from years ago deep in a closet and it was still crazy loud.
absolutely, having a little robot to do the yelling for you is key in some cases, you don't even have to think about yelling, just pull the keychain pin and it yells for you this one that I found on amazon Canada (since I am Canadian) is even pretty to look at and USB C charged with a year of standby power.
Yea, I should definitely get one for myself too, saw this one on amazon Canada (since I am Canadian) and it's even USB C charged and super pretty, so it can go on the keychain and not look ugly. Cause while I want to be safe I also care about the style, lol. Will have to order one at some point cause yea, that would be smart.
i get the etude house variety packs. I've tried other brands but these are the only ones that don't irritate my sensitive skin. my fave of the kinds is the snail mask and the pearl mask. so hydrating and dewy. :)
ETUDE HOUSE 0.2mm Therapy Air... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CH2FD9C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I didn't want to use the name because it's from an MLM company and I don't want to be seen as pitching them 😕. You can find it on Amazon now though I guess. It's Renew it's magic.
Not sure if it's available in your country, but I have this one: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B099VZ2DNP/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_PP5WNXPMH5R0D69C2FN9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's has several compartments, it's waterproof, spacey enough for all the stuff, but small enough to fit into my handbag (or any other backpack I have with me, including the diaper bag).
I have a fireproof bag like this ($12). I haven't put it to the test, but it makes me feel a little better to have it.
I went to the library and perused their online card catalog. I love the card catalog. I found Veggie burgers every which way.
Here’s a link on Amazon because I don’t think you have access to my local library
Veggie Burgers Every Which Way: Plus Toppings, Sides, Buns and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/1908117192/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_V3YEA1PDYE10NPAAH8ZM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
My bag is tailored for a motel stay. I keep most of what you listed. I also keep microwavable packable camp dishes in my go-bag, similar to this:
I don't like to eat fast-food for every meal. Most motels have a microwave and I can get instant oatmeal, soups, tea, etc. at convenience stores or grocery stores if I have to leave my home on short notice.
I also keep a roll of quarters for old coin-op washing machines or vending machines.
An inexpensive, packable, rain jacket and shower shoes are also good to consider.
Awesome! It feels so good to be more prepared for emergencies!
One thing I feel is crucial for a go bag is these portable urine catch devices for women. Being stuck in a line of cars evacuating can cause bladder and kidney infection. My husband and son just peed out the door but it was harder for me. I keep them in the car and in my purses. My sons friend was feeling nauseous in my car so I gave him one in case he threw up. So handy!
Camping Pee Bags, Disposable Urinals Vomit Bags for Travel Urinal Toilet Traffic Jam Emergency Portable Toilet Bee Bag (Grey-20p) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VPV36B3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_P2GJMZ5M9K6D0C6YFF7D
I’d recommend:
Always Maxi Pads Size 2 Long Super Absorbency Unscented with Wings, 42 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G8DDCLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_9KXV5R8TN95FBX0BPT17
And these: Always Maxi Pads Size 4 Overnight Absorbency Unscented with Wings, 33 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G8DDC44/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Q4APSRVEB2XW6GERZ94N
Never mind about the color coding. 😅
To be honest, setting aside the drawbacks of buying from Amazon, the basic Kindles are just as good and in the same price range as other readers. The base model is under $100 and frequently goes on a deep sale. The next model up, the Paperwhite has the same storage (8gb) but better LED lighting, is waterproof and uses USB-C. There are also usually refurbished ones available if you look around.
They also come with the convenience of the Amazon Kindle store built in which makes buying and downloading easy. They can act as an external drive when connected to the computer that you can just drag .pdf's and ebook files onto (along with a good few other formats). I'd wager other eInk readers operate similarly but I can't specifically attest to that.
If Amazon isn't the route you want to take, the key is to stick with eInk and once you have your files downloaded to put it on airplane mode and recharge it every month or so if you're not using it. I've seen Kobo come up as a common alternate brand lately in a similar price range.
I used to work as an insurance claim adjuster. I had a house fire claim once where the fire started on the 1st floor, the family were all upstairs in their bedrooms. The fire spread to the stairway, trapping them upstairs. They ended up having to jump out of the 2nd story windows to escape. All of them were injured from that jump.
On my next break I ordered 2 of these ladders for my house. They fit in the closets upstairs, we’ve practiced with them twice a year since.
If you have a 2 story house with only one staircase you should really have a least one escape ladder.
Plus all the smoke alarms and fire extinguishers you can afford.
House fires are devastating. If you can’t put it out at least have an escape plan.
I have this, it’s portable and will charge cell phones and batteries. I haven’t tried it yet but it was well reviewed.
[Upgraded]BigBlue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger(5V/4.8A Max), Foldable Portable Solar Phone Charger with SunPower Solar Panel Compatible with iPhone 11/Xs/XS Max/XR/X/8/7, iPad, Samsung Galaxy LG etc. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01EXWCPLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_5CES7V20HY3MCABKXASN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have a deck of cards, kindle that has some survival books on it but it mostly just has light reading type of books or books I know I love, and a travel size domino set I got from Amazon.
To piggyback off of your headlamp and flashlight comments, I also got my husband something like this (can’t find the exact one anymore, but this is the idea) and he uses them constantly for dealing with wiring and working on his truck.
Her other book on making plant based, calorie dense, dehydrated meals for backpacking look interesting too.
Gourmet As Heck Backpacking Dehydrator Meals: Lightweight, Calorie-Dense, Plant-Based Recipes for the Trail https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R74DKSS/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_VW198DEW8RMCKVSP8C7V
For U.K. peeps it’s £5 on Kindle, I think that’s worth a punt!
Also saw this book, but I have no idea how good that one is. Tho for £2 ish Kindle & £4 ish print not a huge waste if it’s naff. Gonna get it after the other one maybe?
The Single Woman's Guide to Urban Disaster Preparedness: How to keep your dignity and maintain your comfort amid the chaos: Volume 1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1479276405/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Z7AK6B6D4WQGSHJY1BF0
Came here to say this! I read that book years ago and it had me hooked from page 1. Always trust your gut.