inReach

Responsible disaster plans always include an arrangement to get in touch with a friend or relative outside your local area.  Whenever there is a natural disaster, one of the first things to break down is our system of communications. I have participated in several debriefing sessions following disaster exercises and the one problem always discussed is that of communication. If the Incident Commanders can’t get their messages out, then the entire mission is hampered.  Getting messages out of your local area is often easier to do than calling across the street.  Power outages affect the commercial radio stations and cell phone systems usually get jammed up with an overload of calls.  Ham radios can work when all other communication equipment is down, but that option requires licensing, training and a fair investment in specialized equipment.  Fortunately technology keeps developing and searching for the perfect solution.

Enter the DeLorme inReach.  Described as a satellite communicator using the Iridium satellite system it will send messages via text.  The inReach SE will operate either on its own or paired with a mobile device.  (Yes there’s an app available: Earthmate.)  There are different versions but the SE (screen edition) includes a dedicated SOS button to send an emergency message to DeLorme’s 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center.  Other features include a rechargeable 100 hour battery and an impact-resistant, waterproof case.

There are several devices on the market that provide grid-down communication, but none with this kind of two-way satellite communication.  The goTenna is an excellent product, as is FMRS radio technology, but both are limited in effective distance capability.  Ham radio operators are quick to point out, and correctly so, that their systems are capable of worldwide voice communication and can operate independent of the electrical grid.  As a licensed ham myself, I can tell you there is a substantial investment required to come up to that level of capability.  All these systems have benefits but all are limited in scope in at least one important aspect..

The inReach technology does carry a price.  The SE version retails for $300.00 (that’s a single unit, two may be required) then there is a maintenance/service fee.  Maintenance fees vary widely depending on your choice of service options but can be as much as $99.00 per month.  The fee programs are flexible, thus bringing the costs down considerably, depending on how much you plan to use the system.  (Remember how outrageous cell phone fees were for 60 minutes per month?)  I would expect that as the system grows and technology increases, those fees will become more reasonable.  

So as you perfect your disaster preparedness planning, consider how you will establish a solid means of  communication with your out-of-state contacts.  Texting with your cell phone is usually more reliable than voice calls during a crisis because of system overload, but the inReach satellite communicator may just be your best option.  

As always send your questions and  comments to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

This what it looks like.  If you'd like me to build you one, the cost is $299.00.  More pics to follow:

Solar Generator

Several months back Ted Koppel released the book, “Lights Out”.  His book explores what it would be like to have a nationwide electrical blackout for a lengthy period and the result of an in-depth look into the vulnerabilities of the nation’s power grid.  More than one reviewer called the book “scary”!  

I have written a few times on the loss of electricity and how to survive a grid-down, experience.  I own a backup generator, but they require fuel.  It is neither practical nor safe to store the amount of fuel needed to see one through a lengthy power failure.  I have calculated I have enough fuel on hand to keep my refrigerator and freezer running until the food contained therein is depleted.  

I have always thought solar energy was cool, but here on the Southern Oregon Coast, sometimes our days are “sunlight hindered” if you get the hint.  I have had some free time on my hands recently and stumbled across a set of online plans for a solar generator I thought was not only practical, but affordable.  This unit is portable, self-contained and capable of light duty usage.  

I based my unit on a Plano toolbox, available at most hardware stores.  The toolbox is built from heavy-duty plastic and seemed big enough to duplicate the plans I had seen online.  I ordered all the components from Amazon.com and in a few days the parts began to arrive.  In true “Tim Taylor” fashion I didn’t precisely follow the online example in that, instead of a 10 watt solar panel, I ordered a 20 watt unit.  After all it wasn’t that much more expensive and we all can use more horsepower. Right?  Instead of one, 12 volt, 18 amp, sealed lead acid battery, I ordered two.  Increased storage capacity you understand.  Then I added a 500 watt inverter and a solar charge controller.  I also added a 12 volt plug-in that looks like a cigarette lighter receptacle and a USB receptacle.  Those I mounted in the lid of the toolbox for ease of access.

After spending a few hours in my shop and three days sitting cross-legged on my living room floor, I have all the pieces assembled and wonder of wonders:  It works!!  Lights light up and when I plug my cell phone into a USB port, the phone goes “ding” and it charges.

As an interesting side note, I plugged a 60 watt floor lamp into the inverter.   The inverter has a readout that lets you know how many watts you are pulling.  The readout boldly proclaimed, “60 watts”.  I unscrewed the incandescent bulb and screwed in an LED bulb, the display:  3 watts. Besides the light is brighter than the regular bulb.  So if you’re agonizing over spending the extra for LEDs, go for it.  They will easily pay for themselves in time and (I haven’t tested this yet) but they seem to last longer than either the compact (spiral) fluorescents or the old school incandescent bulbs.

Please know, this won’t power up your microwave, blow dryer or any major appliance.  It will keep your phones charged, your laptop, tablet, toothbrush, bluetooth speaker, goTenna, battery operated power tools and nearly any other rechargeable device in your inventory.  

My total cost was in the neighborhood of $200.00.  I picked up all my wire and connectors at the local hardware store.  For now this is a work in progress so I will undoubtedly keep fine-tuning for a bit longer.  Also understand, I am not an electrician, but if you have questions about how I did it and where I got the plans, send me an email at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.

Listening to Venezuela

Ask any prepper why they prepare and you’ll get a variety of answers:  Societal collapse, major natural disaster, zombie apocalypse (whatever that is), or nationwide economic breakdown.  If you’ve been following international news, you are probably aware the (socialist) economy in Venezuela is in free-fall.  According to the Associated Press, shortages now top the nation’s list of concerns, even more than safety.  ATM limits of $8.00 per day have not kept pace with triple-digit inflation.  Long lines at pharmacies, banks, gas stations and even the mortuary don’t compare to the lines at grocery stores.  When the grocery supply trucks fling open their doors, no one knows if they will contain pantry staples or dog food.  Identification cards with fingerprint verification are used to monitor grocery purchases and shoppers are restricted to one shopping trip every eight days.  Are you getting the picture?

So what are they really short of?  Everything actually, but primarily, food.  On one hand the Venezuelan government is telling people that it’s illegal to hoard food, and at the same time they tell the citizenry they need to grow their own food. There was no exception or provision for those living in urban apartments.  (Check out my blog entries on growing sprouts in a quart jar.)  Then there’s the shortage of hygiene items.  Laundry soap, toilet tissue, toothpaste, feminine items and paper towels.  The list goes on and on.

How do you prepare against a nationwide shutdown?  Almost the same way you would prepare for any other disaster. With an economic meltdown, there will be little damage to the physical infrastructure.  But every other system, service and supply line will be crippled. Think of what’s on your shopping list and consider what all you would run short of if you couldn’t go to the store for a month, or longer.  Some of us go to the store every day to buy groceries for dinner.  Few people think ahead with no concern for anything ever going wrong.  I wonder if those folks in Venezuela thought their government would somehow make it all okay and ensure their needs were met as always? Many of us in the U.S. are exactly of that opinion.  We relax in the comfy hammock of government oversight and so-called consumer protection, not suspecting how fragile that entire house of cards may be.  Check your pantry, storage closet and supplies to see if you have on hand what what you’d need to survive a protracted period.  If you’re an urban apartment dweller, your needs and plans will differ from those of us in a rural setting.  Urban folks, need to decide to either “shelter-in” or to bug out.  Make your plans now!  City folk need to understand when there are shortages, there will always be those who are not shy about crossing the line to forcibly take what they need.

The phrase, “May you live in interesting times,” seems to be seeking fulfillment these past months.  Increased racial tensions, attacks on police officers, attempted coups, and terrorist activity across the globe make for a pandemic of global instability.  If you think this doesn’t affect you and the security of your loved ones, then snuggle down into your little hammock of denial and trust the government to meet your needs.  

As always, send your comments and questions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

Jump Starting Your Food Supply

    Whenever a person thinks of prepping, the first topic that usually comes to mind is food.  What to store, how much to store, how to store, and which store to go to?  There are all kinds of food packages you can purchase.  You can get a year’s supply of dehydrated or freeze-dried fare for $4,000 or a 72 hour kit for one person at WalMart for $64.00.

    I’m going to give you a list of items you can buy at your local grocery store, things that you would probably have on hand anyway.  The dehydrated kits you buy generally tout a 25-year shelf life.  So the normal things you purchase, should be rotated out every few months or so.  One rule of thumb when it comes to storing up food is;  buy food that your body is accustomed to eating!  During a disaster, your system will be on overload anyway, and there is no benefit to introducing a whole new menu to your gastric system in a time of crisis.  

    Some people lay in backpacking freeze-dried food to be eaten when the time comes.  That is all well and good, unless you have never tried those entrees and you experience a revolt of sorts when you’re already stressed out anyway.  Store food to which your body is already accustomed!   

Here’s the beginning of a shopping list:  (The second half will come next week.)

1.  20 lbs of rice.  Rice seems pretty boring, but it is filling, nutritious and adaptable to a wide variety of entrees.

2.  20 lbs of pinto beans.  Beans are also a valuable part of every storage plan.  Combined with rice they fulfill a protein need in your menu.

3.  20 cans of vegetables.  Green beans, peas, corn and canned tomatoes are a good start.  Buy what you already eat and enjoy.

4.  20 cans of fruit.  Peaches, pears, pineapple, fruit cocktail, all to your taste.  

5.  20 cans of meat.  Chicken, tuna, shrimp, salmon, vienna sausages, beef stew and don’t forget Spam.  Those square cans fit really well on the shelf and if it’s fried, you can make the kids believe it is “camping bacon.”  It worked for my kids anyway.  I even recently found some canned roast beef.

6.  4 lbs of oats.  A warm bowl of oatmeal can be a welcome meal any time of day.  Topped with some canned fruit, it makes a refreshing treat.

7. 2 (or more) large jars of peanut butter.  A good source of protein and surprisingly filling.  Tastes good too!

8.  Pick up a supply of powdered drink mix.  Tang, Crystal Light or similar product.  Make sure it’s loaded with vitamin C.

9.  5 lbs of powdered milk.  It’s great protein and is loaded with other nutrients.  It’s filling and can be used on that oatmeal as well.

10.  5 lbs of salt.  Salt is an essential for survival as well as a food enhancer.  Our bodies need salt to survive.

    You don’t need to fill this shopping list all at once.  Watch for sales.  Pay attention to the “buy one, get one” promotions.  Use coupons.  One reader told me she saved several thousand dollars in just one year by using coupons.  At the same time she built a substantial pantry for use in a disaster.  

    As always, send your comments and questions to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.  

Jump Start Your Food Supply

Part II

    Last week we began a shopping list of groceries to get started with your food storage plan.  These are everyday items you can buy at any food market.  All the experts recommend storing food with which your body is already familiar.  In the event of a disaster, everyone’s system is under stress and introducing strange food into your diet will only serve to sideline you at a time when you need to be 100%.  

    Don’t try to do this all at once.  Watch the sales, shop the bargains and buy what you know.  You can get the dehydrated meals if you like, and they will keep you alive, and they do look good stacked in your pantry, but I’m willing to wager that you’ve never tasted them.  

    If you missed last week’s column, you can check my blog (see below) in a few weeks for a complete list.

11. 10 lbs of pancake mix.  Buy the “just add water” variety, such as Krusteaz. Simple to make, easy to fix and everybody’s familiar with hotcakes.  Don’t forget a jug of syrup

12.  2 lbs of honey and 2 jars of jam.  Everybody needs a little sweetness.

13.  10 lbs of pasta. Again, easy to fix, familiar to everyone and a great comfort food.

14.  10 cans or jars of spaghetti sauce.  Goes great with the pasta.  Cheap and satisfying. It’s not homemade, but it does dress up the pasta.

15.  20 cans of soup or broth or soup mixes.  The beauty of soup is that they are a budget friendly, all-in-one meal solution and most require only water for preparation.

16.  1 large jug of cooking oil. Olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut or some other cooking oil, but definitely get some.

17.  Spices and condiments.  “Spice” up your pasta and oatmeal with some of the spices you already have in your cupboard and are accustomed to using, but lay in some extra.  Garlic, pepper, tabasco, all your favorites.

18.  5 lbs of coffee and 100 tea bags.  For some of us life just isn’t life without our coffee.  Tea can be therapeutic and soothing as well.

19.  2 large bags of hard candies.  Peppermints, butterscotch and lemon drops can go a long way toward making a hard situation bearable.

20.  Flashlight and extra batteries.  Lots of extra batteries.  Ok, I know, this isn’t edible.  But you can never have enough flashlights and batteries.  

    Now I know what you’re saying.  There are a lot of essentials I forgot.  Remember this is a “starter” list.  Some might say we need flour, wheat, yeast, and other baking necessities.   Quite frankly a whole lot of folks today don’t have a clue what to do with flour, nor do they have an oven that works without electricity.  Those things,  and others,  are important and should be a part of every food plan so don’t pass them up for your comprehensive plan.

    As always, send your questions and comments to disasterprep.dave@gmail.com.