Preparing for Y2K: Back
to William's Archives.
A list
I have made a short list of some of the things I am getting together,
just in case the lights go out on January 1, 2000. Since I live
in a rural area with somewhat undependable power, many of these
are things I would have anyway. The fact that my power provider
is somewhat unreliable gives me a unique perspective on the Y2K
problem. I know what happens when the power goes out. If you are
not prepared, it could even be fatal.
For example, what if, suddenly, the pumps stopped and you could not get potable water? How would you keep your baby alive? That's just one thing, but a very serious thing. Since I have a well with an electric pump, lack of water is a problem I must deal with quite frequently. Here is my list. Don't ever consider it to be complete. Start with this if you like, but keep thinking on what could go wrong. My plan is to be prepared for three months of chaos. Then, of course, pray that it doesn't happen.
1. Water is the first and most important thing. Without it, your life expectancy is not figured in days but in hours. One solution is to have a supply of bottled water, but how much? A better way is to have some bottled water and a still. Then you can use whatever water you find, even sea water. You should be able to build one. If a Ridge Runner can build a still and hide it from the feds, you can do it.
2. Food is the second most important thing. It's not that difficult. The important thing is to remember that there may not be any refrigeration. You don't want a freezer full of stuff which will spoil in a few days. You want dried and canned goods. Basic stuff like beans, canned vegetables, canned meats, canned fruit, and dried fruit. Add simple enhancing items, like salt pepper, herbs, spices, mustard and ketchup. Try to have stuff that you will eventually use anyway.
3. Now, it would be nice to be able to cook your food. If you are a camper, you are already prepared for that. You have some kind of a camp stove, probably propane, and a supply of fuel. If you don't have one, consider getting one. You will need this or some other heat source to make your still work.
4. If this disaster does strike, it's going to come in the middle of winter. In the north, how to keep warm will be a problem. I have a couple of kerosene heaters for that problem and I keep a reasonable supply of fuel for them. If you have a fire place, it's a good idea to have a supply of firewood. In the worst case, many layers of clothing along with quilts and blankets will save the day. Sleeping bags would also be nice.
5. Being able to see in the evening and at night, though not essential, would be nice. Again, campers are already prepared. They will have at least one propane lantern. If you get a lantern, make sure it uses the same fuel as your camp stove. Don't complicate things.
6. Other things you will need are flashlights with a supply of batteries. Don't count on some cheap plastic flashlight. Have at least one good one. In addition, you will need a way of starting fires. That is, matches or lighters of some kind. Either way, make sure you have enough. The stores may not be open. Candles, of course, will also be useful. Simply remember that we don't leave candles unattended, especially if we have children around.
7. Now, because I deal with power outages frequently, I go a bit beyond the essentials. I have a gas powered electric generator and a supply of gasoline on hand. I can't power all of my stuff with it, but I can run my pump and my appliances. If there was something to watch, I could also watch television.
8. Some people will feel that a goodly supply of cash will be useful. I cannot argue with that notion. I can only say, that letting the world know you have cash on hand is a damn good way to get yourself killed. Since I already have items 1 through 7, I will defer on the cash.
That's my short list for now. If I think of other things, I
will pass the thoughts along. Also, next week, I will give you
the information I have learned about building a still.
Back to William's Archives.
|
|
|
|