Click to Translate to English Click to Translate to French  Click to Translate to Spanish  Click to Translate to German  Click to Translate to Italian  Click to Translate to Japanese  Click to Translate to Chinese Simplified  Click to Translate to Korean  Click to Translate to Arabic  Click to Translate to Russian  Click to Translate to Portuguese  Click to Translate to Myanmar (Burmese)

PANDEMIC ALERT LEVEL
123456
Forum Home Forum Home > Main Forums > General Discussion
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Power Outage
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Tracking the next pandemic: Avian Flu Talk

Power Outage
 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
Scotty View Drop Down
Adviser Group
Adviser Group


Joined: March 06 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 846 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scotty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Power Outage
    Posted: March 31 2006 at 5:43pm
I had a power cut tonight and it was very dark night. No lights, no T.V. and no computer. This is what happened.
 
I probably have about 500 candles but it seems that I only have one candle holder. This wasn't a serious problem but it was certainly an error on my part. The candles reaction to my sneeze suggests that the three feet rule is worthless. Make it ten.
 
I needed seven candles to light a tiny room about 10 by 8. The heating died instantly but this room remained much warmer than the rest of the house. I'm guessing but I think maybe ten candles would be enough to boil a shallow pan of water.
 
Teenagers endured roughly three minutes without the T.V. before they started forming groups in the street. They were boisterous but well behaved. I'm sure that any mother can understand what the implications are.
 
I must also confess my own addiction. I just gazed at a blank monitor feeling as if the world had come to an end.Cry
Back to Top
RicheeRich View Drop Down
Valued Member
Valued Member
Avatar

Joined: February 08 2006
Status: Offline
Points: 203 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RicheeRich Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 5:50pm
Yes, the little Radio Shack handheld TV has been a lifesaver during long power outages. Not for myself, but for the little woman.
 
I prefer to strap on all of my guns and ammo and venture outside to keep an eye on the gangs forming out on the street.
Back to Top
Scotty View Drop Down
Adviser Group
Adviser Group


Joined: March 06 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 846 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scotty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 6:00pm
Let me see if I've got this straight. Your power goes out, its dark and you have a wife. What are you drinking, aspartane?
Back to Top
RicheeRich View Drop Down
Valued Member
Valued Member
Avatar

Joined: February 08 2006
Status: Offline
Points: 203 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RicheeRich Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 6:02pm
Yeah, she likes having the lights on for some stuff... I guess I could let her in on the fact that there's a generator in the garage, right?
Back to Top
Elizabeth View Drop Down
V.I.P. Member
V.I.P. Member
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 113 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Elizabeth Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 6:54pm
We have power outages all the time.  It's not a big deal here.  We just light a few candles (if it's not caused by earthquake, in that case you can't until you are sure there are no gas leaks)  Or the battery operated lanterns.  We either listen to CD's on the boombox and read, or play games.  Or listen to the radio.  I just ordered and received a hand crank radio that also is a flashlight, cell phone charger, siren, and has shortwave. We are having storms, so I'm actually kind of hoping the power goes out so we can try it outTongue  When our power goes out it can last anywhere from an hour to 4 days. 
Back to Top
Daydreamer View Drop Down
Valued Member
Valued Member


Joined: February 24 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 439 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Daydreamer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 7:28pm

Elizabeth~ would you care to share with me where you ordered your hand crank radio and how much it cost you? I was looking for them online and found one at Circuit City for around $50 I believe. If I can't find it cheaper, I'm going to order it.

As for the power outage, seems like anytime we have high wind or the slightest bit of lightning, we are out of power. The last time was 23 hours. My worst part of having no power is the blank monitor staring back at me. I'm addicted to the internet. It's bad.
Don't put off tomorrow what you can PREP today
Back to Top
Guests View Drop Down
Guest Group
Guest Group
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 8:23pm
Originally posted by RicheeRich RicheeRich wrote:

... I guess I could let her in on the fact that there's a generator in the garage, right?
LOL, right! It wouldn't hurt to show her how to run the generator and which fuel to refill the tank. LOL, yeah tell her.
Back to Top
maskman View Drop Down
Valued Member
Valued Member
Avatar

Joined: March 24 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 71 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote maskman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 9:33pm
and don't forget the fuel stabilizer for all that gas for the generator
 
consider a generator sub-panel for your breaker box if you plan to use it a lot, extension cords are a hassle, and can pose several serious hazards.
 
we are literally the last house on the line, and we have had a generator for about a year.  last major prep was the sub panel and fuses.  it is not installed yet, but i have what i need to get the job done
 
cost of sub-panel $100, plus fuses, readily available at lowes, home depot, etc. - at least for now.  you will need to have an electrician install it for you
 
DO NOT INSTALL THIS YOURSELF - YOU COULD DIE IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING
 
we have a well, so we need power for the pump (double pole) and fridge and 1 other breaker (maybe, if 5000 watts is enough )
 
a new generator needs a break-in period, just like a new car engine, so get your's broken in now, while you can still get more gas
 
 
 
hope and pray for the best; prepare responsibly for the worst
Back to Top
Guests View Drop Down
Guest Group
Guest Group
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 9:39pm
Originally posted by RicheeRich RicheeRich wrote:

Yes, the little Radio Shack handheld TV has been a lifesaver during long power outages. Not for myself, but for the little woman.
 
I prefer to strap on all of my guns and ammo and venture outside to keep an eye on the gangs forming out on the street.
 
SO, I am not the only one.Clap
Back to Top
Elizabeth View Drop Down
V.I.P. Member
V.I.P. Member
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 113 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Elizabeth Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 10:19pm
Daydreamer, I got it on line at the National Geographic Website.  I don't recall the exact website address just now, but I'm sure if you put that in your browser you'll find it.  I was at work, and I was all caught up, so I was looking for a hand cranked radio, (that is what I put in my browser) and I had to go through several sites till I found what I was looking for at a decent price.  It was about $60 with tax and shipping, but I think they had it listed for about $45? Something like that.  Another thing.  I have not gone back and looked, because I have been really busy lately, but I could have sworn it said it was hand cranked AND solar operated.  The one I have is not, it is hand crank only.  But the husband thought it was cool, and since it arrived without my having told him before hand, and he actually liked it, I'm not returning it.  I of course got it because as any prepper knows, batteries get expensive when you start buying tons of them.   So when I started to realize this could really go a long period of time, I knew I could not possibly buy that many batteries.  Now I can save the batteries for the battery operated lanterns and flashlights, unless anyone knows where to get a hand crank lantern?
Back to Top
redcloud View Drop Down
V.I.P. Member
V.I.P. Member


Joined: March 08 2006
Status: Offline
Points: 334 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote redcloud Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 31 2006 at 10:34pm
Daydreamer,

You might try www.nitro-pak.com. That's where I got mine.

They have a radio that is solar/handcrank/rechargeable with shortwave bands so you can listen to who's left in Europe.
Back to Top
Left Field View Drop Down
Adviser Group
Adviser Group


Joined: January 13 2006
Status: Offline
Points: 176 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Left Field Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 01 2006 at 7:26am
do a google search for solar flashlights, usually around $12 each including postage.  Charge them up and keep then in the light until needed.  I found 6 garden lights at goodwill for around $30 one day, they are solar and need recharging daily, but will work for light when needed and put out plenty of light.  no batteries needed.
Back to Top
Daydreamer View Drop Down
Valued Member
Valued Member


Joined: February 24 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 439 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Daydreamer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 01 2006 at 7:49am

Thank you Elizabeth and Redcloud for the information. I will look into that. We live in tornado alley so this radio is on my list for multiple reasons.

Don't put off tomorrow what you can PREP today
Back to Top
sweetpea View Drop Down
V.I.P. Member
V.I.P. Member
Avatar

Joined: March 27 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 299 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sweetpea Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 01 2006 at 8:39am
you can also try "Emergency Essentials," I believe they're having sales on their flashlights this month ...
"When an emergency arises, the time for preparation is past."
Back to Top
Guests View Drop Down
Guest Group
Guest Group
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 01 2006 at 12:59pm
If you need backup power, the easiest way I have found, is to buy a deep cycle battery, buy a couple of 12 volt light bulbs and install them in lamps. Old ones you don't need is best, as you will need to cut off the plug ins.
Attach alligator clips to the wires of the cords and attach to battery. You now have lights.
Add a power inverter and you can use the computer. Adding another battery extends run time.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down