30 Days to Better Preparedness. Day 28. Fuel and other necessary items.
We are nearly at the end of our thirty days. When I started this series I felt it was a good time. Now we are drawing to a close I am amazed how much more I think now is the time to prepare than I did a month ago.
I have taken my own advice seriously. Today we both went to town, in separate vehicles and did the stock up of all time. I am blessed I can do this. Tomorrow I will still be putting stuff away as after getting home there were animals to do and garden to water and I just ran out of day and go.
Today I want to cover fuel and also a few things that just didn't necessarily get covered in any of our pantry posts. Yet they are important things.
I also want to say if you live in a cold climate please have alternative ways to heat your home. There are big issues with natural gas across the UK and EU as well as big price increases. But wherever we are if there are freezing conditions we need good alternatives.
We eventually invested in a generator a few years ago. Your flashlights, lanterns, generators etc are no good to you without fuel. A crisis is not the time to go out looking for fuel. Fuel is one of the first things to be gone. Long queues form. You do not want to be in this situation. It is so important to sort this out now.
There are too many variations to cover so I will say you need safe and proper fuel storage. The right kind of containers. The ability to get the fuel INTO the appliance or vehicle. Consider can you lift the container? Do you have suitable funnels or hoses? Think of everything you need. Having a practice run soon lets you know any flaws in the plan!
We store diesel. We have two large tanks. Our generators all run on diesel. I have heard now about some generators that will take different fuels which I think would be fantastic.
We store Petrol. This is stored in large jerry cans. We write the date it was purchased on the can and we rotate that through so it doesn't get old.
Jerry cans and fuel storage become just as hard to get as actual fuel in a criss.
We store about one years worth of wood for the fire. We have a big old shed with an annex and the wood is stacked in there. I have fire lighters, matches, lighters and all year I collect pinecones as kindling.
When I need to use the tube drier I save the lint and when there is an empty toilet paper roll I combine the two for a ready fire lighter supply.
Please consider alternative ways to heat the home in an emergency and store the fuel. We saw places that are not meant to be freezing freeze. We saw this in Texas. So dangerous as people are just not prepared for what they are not used to and people froze to death. Think about this like your life depends on it.
Now I want to throw in items that you don't know how much you need them until you don't have them!
From warm socks to birthday candles, glues, gorilla tape, nail files, stick tape, tweezers, tiny screws for glasses, hot water bottle, globes... so many things that are incredibly useful at the right time.
Lets put our heads together on this one. All suggestions are welcome! xxx
Lots to think about here. Australia has less than a months store of fuels. If there were shortages, fuel stations would be the first to run out, as fuel would be stored for emergency services and the military. For those people living in towns, having an alternative form of transport is worth thinking about. Push bikes, scooters, trikes or electric versions of these with large baskets for collection of groceries or foraging for foods, are a good transport alternative.
ReplyDeleteSmall sharp scissors for cleaning up wounds or cutting hair, good tweezers and splinter removers are other items I would consider necessary items.
Looking forward to seeing what others come up with.
Jane,
DeleteYou and Bluey are so creative I am positive that between the two of you that if you had to you will be able to get where you need to go one way or another fuel or not. The items you mentioned are great because they are necessary and versatile both. Wound care, grooming and even other emergency uses and small enough to carry if leaving were necessary just add a bar of your lovely soap and you have a fantastic kit.
XOXO
Vicky
Great topic to consider. We have a tiny wood stove and all that is needed to bring it in and vent it up through the fireplace chimney. We can both heat and cook with it. I also have spring tension curtain rods for doorways with thick curtains that can close off areas to keep warm. Our generator runs on propane so we have several spare tanks in reserve to run it. We chose this one because propane keeps so well.
ReplyDeleteIt has been very quiet at night here and that is not good. We live four hours inland from a major east coast port and goods travel by train from that port to an inland port about ten miles from us. The trains run at night and we have not heard them for several weeks. Just be aware that supply issues seem to be getting worse from our perspective.
Thank you for this series! It's been so helpful! We run our heat on propane and have gotten our tank filled. We also have a wood stove and the guys are always working on wood (year round).
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to think of Christmas, now, and to prepare to have supplies on hand to celebrate this special holiday!
Deanne,
DeleteGood job! We work on wood year round too because we just never know how much we will use. Planning for Christmas now is a great idea. With the different shortages that have been happening temporary or other wise getting what we can now guarantees that the holidays will go as we like or close to it. It is never wrong to plan ahead for things and prepare.
XOXO
Vicky
Hi Annabel! I can’t believe we are nearing the end of this month of preparedness. The topic of fuel is a great one. We store petrol in Jerry cans as well, there is a fuel stabilizer chemical we put in them. And like you, we rotate our use of that stored gas so that we don’t let it sit around too long. I don’t know the details about how long diesel can be stored but I know that Petrol has a specific and relatively short life (3-6 months). I googled fuel stabilizers and here is a quote: “Fuel stabilizers (available on Amazon from brands like STA-BIL) are petroleum-based additives you can mix in with gasoline prior to storing it to slow oxidation and volatile compound evaporation and extend the shelf life of the gas. Depending on the product, the stabilizer can increase gasoline shelf life to between one and three years. Stabilizers work best when you mix them with new gasoline; they’re ineffective at slowing the degradation of old gas, and they can’t return contaminated gas to working order”. And the last two thoughts. First, you are correct in warning that the storage containers have to be the right size. Petrol weighs about 8 pounds (I can’t remember the exact weight so I am estimating) a gallon, so my husbands 5 gallon Gerry can is too heavy for me to lift, so we have a few 2 1/2 gallon cans that I can use more easily. I can’t remember if we covered this under cooking, but I store two extra filled bbq propane bottles for fuel for cooking, along with the one that is used at the bbq.
ReplyDeleteWork gloves, paper phone list,heavy plastic sheeting, the wrench that turns off your gas valve, backups of critical items- most experts say don't have just one knife, way to start a fire, source of light, way to cook, have a back up because things happen during times of disaster that can cause the first one to get lost, stolen, or destroyed. Don't forget that your camping gear does double duty as preparedness gear.
ReplyDeleteKathryn- Washington State
Kathryn,
DeleteWonderful list! And your right you do always want to have a spare or a back up for things. Things are not always guaranteed. Things may not work properly or break and would do us no good and in an emergency we don't want that.
xoxo
vicky
Hi Annabel,
ReplyDeleteI was following along last week, just way to busy to comment. Today's post is a great one. Unfortunately, no fireplace, but I do have a volcano cook stove for outside. I can and have used in right outside the sunroom door. I have bags of natural charcoal (it's charcoal of hardwood with no added chemicals) as well as some wood.
Just to add to your list of random things ; scissors, JB Weld (including the waterproof one).
basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, hand saw), extra can opener, pens. Blessings, Laura
Laura,
DeleteGreat list! I have seen a volcano cook stove how wonderful you have one. And to be able to cook right outside your sunroom door is fantastic! Wood is something that can be easy to gather mostly. Branches and twigs if necessary and so good to keep on hand just in case. An extra can opener is a good item and maybe even a few to share too, everyone has electric this or smart that. We do need a can opener if our food is canned and yet that item is often overlooked.
XOXO
Vicky
This may seem an odd item but a few weeks ago I purchased a magnifying glass for embroidery. There is a cord attached that goes around the neck and the magnifier rests on the chest. The length is adjustable. There is also a light that can be used that runs on two AA batteries. Anyway, when I began using it for embroidery I thought how extremely useful this would be for seeing a splinter or checking a cut or small wound. Using it along with my glasses works so well. The next time I'm out I plan to get one to add to my first aid section. And this is not really a pleasant topic but kitty litter, bags, and a five gallon bucket make a temporary indoor potty if ever it comes to it.
ReplyDeleteGinger
I just ordered new flashlights and those packs of handwarmers you can buy. I've already added a single burner camp stove and a couple of additional hot water bottles to the cart for next month's order. I don't drive so not a worry and I live in an apt. without a fireplace so can't do much about that. But - with a camp stove (and butane fuel canisters) I could at least heat water for the hot water bottles along with having cups of tea and some hot food.
ReplyDeleteThe handwarmers also come in packs for your feet so would also be handy to have. People tend to have these sorts of things here for outdoor sporting events during the winter but they would help if you are stuck indoors without heat.
Margie from Toronto
I was watching what was happening in the UK with the gas prices and wondered if there would be any trickle on effect here. I always wonder that with fuel too whenever there is a war or another problem in the petrol-producing regions. We also keep jerry cans with fuel in it, but as we have been in lockdown I think they might be empty because we just haven't been going anywhere. Definitely time to refill. And I also need to replace our hot water bottles as two of them died this winter. Thanks for the reminded Annabel and, again, thanks for having the foresight to get this done now!! Excellent timing, as always :)
ReplyDeleteKirsty ~ itsaclassicallife.blogspot.com
We own two vehicles. The one we drive the most is sometimes low on gas, but the pickup truck always has a full tank, or close to it.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for mentioning the ability to lift fuel cans. We could store gasoline, but we couldn't lift the can! A full 5 gallon can weighs 80 lbs. plus the weight of the can. Also excellent advice to consider all of the related stuff you might need, such as funnels, etc. I realized I didn't know where my barbecue lighter was, so I bought two more!
--Maxine
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the nudge from you to buy a generator. Tip--learn how to start it and write down the instructions in your own words and keep the note right with the generator!
--
I hope none of us ever need any of this stuff!
I did the math wrong! If "a pint's a pound the world around," a gallon would weigh 8 lbs. x 5 gallon gas can = 40 lbs. plus the weight of the can. Still too heavy for this old lady to handle! But not 80 lbs., either!
DeleteHi Annabel (and everyone),
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important topic, and one we struggle with. We finally decided to save up for a whole-house generator and natural gas line as our backup.
Something that I did not think to store extras of, and needed, was cotton balls! I didn't use them for much of everything, but got a terrible ear infection this summer and needed something to protect my ear canal from water in the shower and to keep the medicine from running right out. You can bet I have extras now! I could see these being useful for wound cleaning and personal care, too. (And if you need them for ear problems - extra petroleum jelly is also a good idea.)
We also learned to keep extras of fuses for the lawn mower, "treat" canned food for the kitties in case someone needs to be encouraged to take medicine, epoxy, wood glue, and wood filler, cute muffin tin liners and sprinkles, and puppy training pads (these can be remarkably useful if a pet is having problems or if a family member has a surgery site that's a little weepy - they can go right under the sheet and make clean up very easy).
I hope everyone has a good week.
<3
Kathy
Sadly, this would only work if you live on a farm. There's nowhere I could or would store fuel, wood or extra gas at home.
ReplyDeleteDear Living near the sea, When we lived in the city we stored fuel. If you have any kind of shed, laundry even, basement... as long as they re in the correct containers then you can. If you live in a small apartment and have no kind of outdoor storage I would dream up with someone or with family where you have a place for such supplies. There is always a way I think. The news out of the UK re fuel today is even worse! Good luck! Love Annabel.xxx
DeleteCombs, hairbrushes, razor blades & holder, toothpicks, bamboo skewers, lightbulbs, batteries, tick remover, headlamps, paracord, N95 masks, military clotting sponges, nitrile gloves, individually wrapped thermal blankets, bentonite clay, Epsom salts, ear plugs, padlocks, ribbon, Defense Spray, handsaw, hatchet, tent, sleeping bags, thermal wraps, rice bags, Eucalyptus, Lint rollers, bungee cord, swivel hooks, Wysi cloths (need a few drops of water); I suppose the list is endless 😉
ReplyDeleteWe keep all sorts of tools, containers, lime, plant foods, pruners, etc. These have multiple and many uses. We keep spare cell phone charging cords and an extra wifi. We stock two years of toothbrushes, travel toothbrushes, travel toothpaste and two years of household toothpaste. Travel toothbrushes and paste are great barter items or to help someone out.
We have seven bookcases of books, shelves of games and plenty of puzzle books for adults and children. If there is no internet, people will become bored quickly.
We use battery candles as nightlights around the house. We keep plenty of batteries on hand for these. If people have pets this is much safer than candles and if there is no electricity they still work.
Dear Glenda, Thank you for your great list. Razors! I also cannot live without ear plugs. Many good things here. I also have saved toothbrushes and mini sized toothpastes. I have a lot of really good books saved in case the internet goes down and also sewing etc of course. Thank you so much! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI Googled the straw box that my grandma used to use to save on fuel and have dinner ready when we had a road trip. It was her version of a slow cooker. You just have boil the food to get it going and then put it in a insulated box with a cover and dinner ready in about five hours. I guess they call them straw boxes for cooking ,Jay boxes for cooking, insulated boxes for cooking. It is a real thing. Annabel sO thought of you and your road trips to see Lucy and the grand babies. Our grandmother's were so smart.
DeleteHugs,
Patti
Hi,
ReplyDeleteWe have a small solar charger for the cell phone.
It was under 20 dollars. We have many solar lights
from Amazon and Wal-Mart lighting up the yard. I saw a solid oven on prudent himself blog a long time ago. She would bake stuff in it. I saw plans on the internet to make an inexpensive one. It would be great if there was no fuel. We have candles and matches no more pets. You can also heat water for a shower in a black bag you hang outside. They have these at camping stores or you can make your own.
They also have plans to make large solar water heaters. Basically a black box with glass that has a tank inside. We used to have one of these that was gravity flow at roof leavel. They also have small solar panels that run small electronics. The cans of stereo that caters use will hear a little something. I will be looking into some inexpensive solor. My grandmother used to use a wood box with straw in it to cook good on trips in the car. The idea was you got it boiling then added to the box with the straw ect. closed the lid and and covered it with a quilt and the original heat finish cooking it. She would do this in the morning I wish I knew what it was called. Blessings
Much love,
Patti from San Diego
Solar oven on the Prudent Homemaker. Not solid oven lol spell check was helping.
DeleteThank you for guidance on this time of uncertainty. It is a scary time again.
ReplyDeleteThe Costco in our area (Mesa, Az) is already out of toilet paper and stopping for a sandwich at subway shop a large sign on the door alerts you to no turkey available. Due to supply.
It just seems like there’s no end to this negativity.
I pray for faith to help with the dealing of this stuff..
Thank you 🙏🏼
Nana,
DeleteKeep preparing as you can. Preparing can help ease some of the worries we have with the things going on. There have been several shortages or limits put on things here too, pet food is one of them. The negativity does seem never ending with some new issue occuring each day, but we need to stay as positive as we can right now and know that by preparing we are making our world at home a better place. Take care!
XOXO
Vicky
Nana,
DeleteWe have good luck ordering things on line.
We have been able to order in Target .com and have things shipped directly to the house. Also Amazon and Wal Matt .com also comes with 3 day shipping it is just wonderful th a the things come right to the door. Last night we ordered toilet paper from Target.💕 Have a blessed week.
Much love,
Patti
We are in the uk, the petrol crises has been frightening how things can spiral out of control, thankfully we had fuel, I store wood for the fire anywhere and everywhere, once my greenhouse is empty a lot will go in there, you just do not know what the winter will do with climate change. It has been so brilliant this series on being prepared so much I have learnt and getting done, thank you and for all the ladies comments too, their ideas have really helped.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteYou are so very wise to store wood where you can and so clever to store it in greenhouse too. Winter can get so nasty and it is truly better to have it and not need it. With plenty of wood cooking can be done outside if necessary, used for heating and cooking and heating water so good job!
XOXO
Vicky