Water shortages, gas, and blackouts - oh my!

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Cristo Rei

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Everyone also knows about the gas thing, I think. Remember months ago talking to @JohnDB about not trusting the grid and thinking I was paranoid about believing we would experience blackouts everywhere at some point.

Turns out- not really all that paranoid

Blackouts Threaten Entire U.S. West This Summer as Heat Awaits

US West Prepares for 1st Water shortage declaration

Might be a good idea for some people to have a little bit of a plan

In the state of Victoria, Australia they closed down the cheap coal power stations and installed expensive and useless solar and wind power...
Now we have what they call "brownouts"... Its basically a forecasted blackout...

We're ok with water and gas supply. For now
 

JohnDB

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Cell phones and all internet connections are only going to be good for a few days if there's a complete grid blackout.

The generators powering them only have diesel for a couple days. They can and will add more. But it's not independent of a power grid.

Natural gas systems are not susceptible to going down. During the summer when demand is at its lowest they store deliveries by turning gas into a liquid and storing it. Then during peak demand they turn it back into a gas (adding smell back into it) and sending it out for distribution into the pipelines. They have a natural gas powered generator (go figure eh?) So they pretty much are not susceptible to ever going down in a power outage or by being hacked.

Water is more local. The water towers in your area hold days worth of clean water in their tanks. Gravity is all that's required...so long as gravity works....you are gold. Fill the tub with water to store some. (Clean it first)

Food and etc....
Ok. Look at the recent panic buying. Toilet paper, groceries, fuel and etc. You need these things BEFORE a catastrophic event. Mormonism has a requirement for two years worth of groceries stashed. (Don't ask me why) They have been preppers long before it ever became fashionable and a fad.

One of the things about power outages is your generator...most just use the one that comes factory standard with it.
No where near enough.

At night your house stands out like a lighthouse...and the noise will direct a thief to your generator. It gets really quiet and dark when there's no electricity. All while you are asleep.
 
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JohnDB

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One other thing about catastrophic grid collapse. Most people need medicine of some sort. Diabetes, blood pressure, and psychotropic meds. Not many don't.

So only at best about 10 percent of the population will survive it. And that's if you are part of a self sustaining community. Otherwise it's one percent. Most people will die from dumb accidents. Infections from cuts, self inflicted gunfire, burns, monoxide, car accidents, and fires.

If it's a sustained outage then it will be the former pet dogs that get people. Family pets become ferrell when unfed. They form packs and hunt collectively. And they will hunt EVERY food source: sheep, cattle, people.

Basically people will die by the hundreds and thousands by not correctly recognizing dangers or benefits. I was watching Survivor television program and most contestants were starving while literally surrounded by food sources they didn't recognize... others harassed by wild animal and had zero defenses to even deter animals.
 
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DuckieLady

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Now we have what they call "brownouts"... Its basically a forecasted blackout...
Who picked that name... That is NOT what that sounds like.

Mormonism has a requirement for two years worth of groceries stashed. (Don't ask me why) They have been preppers long before it ever became fashionable and a fad.
I don't understand why this isn't a Christian thing. In a disaster situation, why wouldn't we want to be ahead to lead the gospel instead of false religions going out to lead everyone astray?

I was watching Survivor television program and most contestants were starving while literally surrounded by food sources they didn't recognize... others harassed by wild animal and had zero defenses to even deter animals.
I don't think it will go that far ... I don't think, but makes me think I need to replace my foraging guide. Dont you just deter animals usually with urine and loud noises? (Like shaking a can of rocks)
 

JohnDB

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I don't understand why this isn't a Christian thing. In a disaster situation, why wouldn't we want to be ahead to lead the gospel instead of false religions going out to lead everyone astray?


I don't think it will go that far ... I don't think, but makes me think I need to replace my foraging guide. Dont you just deter animals usually with urine and loud noises? (Like shaking a can of rocks)

None of that is going to work with a predatory animal driven by hunger. It's only going to make it zero in on you.

Foraging is very complicated. Maple vx Birch vx oak vx the various evergreen trees. Most trees have uses that are wonderful...but that doesn't mean that other more readily available things aren't available. Various plants are edible but that doesn't mean that you want to or should in large quantities. Dandelion is good...but too much can make you dehydrated even if you are drinking plenty of water.

See how complicated it is?
There is a lot to know for foraging. Peas and beans are your friend...but cooking them brings ALL the critters around. And THE most important thing is washing after a meal. Boiling water is an SOP...but in today's world it will more likely concentrate dissolved toxins.
 
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stunnedbygrace

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I figured you would know about that out of anybody here. I thought something was up.

I will be stocking up on a few gallons of water, if the Lord wills it, just to be safe. Normally, I'm super skeptical, and it's really not about the news article at all, I'm in WA, but something makes me think I need it. Can't explain it.

There are also tablets you can put in undrinkable or iffy water to make it potable. Might take up less storage room than gallons of water. You might even be able to make brackish water drinkable...perhaps if you boiled it and then put the tablet in? I don’t know for sure.
 

stunnedbygrace

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None of that is going to work with a predatory animal driven by hunger. It's only going to make it zero in on you.

Foraging is very complicated. Maple vx Birch vx oak vx the various evergreen trees. Most trees have uses that are wonderful...but that doesn't mean that other more readily available things aren't available. Various plants are edible but that doesn't mean that you want to or should in large quantities. Dandelion is good...but too much can make you dehydrated even if you are drinking plenty of water.

See how complicated it is?
There is a lot to know for foraging. Peas and beans are your friend...but cooking them brings ALL the critters around. And THE most important thing is washing after a meal. Boiling water is an SOP...but in today's world it will more likely concentrate dissolved toxins.

You guys are reminding me of a book series I read years back. I think it was an EMP knocking out electricity grid and how a neighborhood came together to figure out how to do everything from washing clothes to protecting the neighborhood. Can’t remember the name of the series but I enjoyed it.
 
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JohnDB

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You guys are reminding me of a book series I read years back. I think it was an EMP knocking out electricity grid and how a neighborhood came together to figure out how to do everything from washing clothes to protecting the neighborhood. Can’t remember the name of the series but I enjoyed it.

Groups are a double edged sword...they can be good or bad. Most are morally bankrupt but claiming to be on the side of righteousness of God...but it's usually their own as they define it. Then usually someone will get the bright idea of some foolishness. And the group will evaporate overnight.

Remember America's early societies that were supposed to be Utopias free from sinners? Philadelphia was one such society. So was Utah...so was every city in California. So was Boston. So was Virginia.

Some early American Utopian societies disappeared. They died by a variety of means. Food poisoning, sickness, indians, and failed crops.

Usually a perceived key important person will guide leadership into giving them something completely selfish. (Extra portions of something... food, land, housing, wives or whatever) and then the whole group is toast after that.
Just the way it usually goes.
 
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stunnedbygrace

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There are also tablets you can put in undrinkable or iffy water to make it potable. Might take up less storage room than gallons of water. You might even be able to make brackish water drinkable...perhaps if you boiled it and then put the tablet in? I don’t know for sure.

I also know that canned hams stay good for a surprisingly long period of time. Good grief it just occurs to me I don’t remember topic of thread. I’m probably crashing it off the tracks, lol. Sorry. Just gabbing.
 
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stunnedbygrace

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Groups are a double edged sword...they can be good or bad. Most are morally bankrupt but claiming to be on the side of righteousness of God...but it's usually their own as they define it. Then usually someone will get the bright idea of some foolishness. And the group will evaporate overnight.

Remember America's early societies that were supposed to be Utopias free from sinners? Philadelphia was one such society. So was Utah...so was every city in California. So was Boston. So was Virginia.

Some early American Utopian societies disappeared. They died by a variety of means. Food poisoning, sickness, indians, and failed crops.

Usually a perceived key important person will guide leadership into giving them something completely selfish. (Extra portions of something... food, land, housing, wives or whatever) and then the whole group is toast after that.
Just the way it usually goes.
Yeah, the series had them kicking out someone...
 
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stunnedbygrace

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I found the series, by the way. Authors name is Terri Blackstock. First book was called Last Light. Good read.
 
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JohnDB

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I also know that canned hams stay good for a surprisingly long period of time. Good grief it just occurs to me I don’t remember topic of thread. I’m probably crashing it off the tracks, lol. Sorry. Just gabbing.

No...not really. What to do when you have a major grid collapse is every bit pertinent to the discussion. Joining a survival group is every bit a part of that.
 

JohnDB

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I also know that canned hams stay good for a surprisingly long period of time. Good grief it just occurs to me I don’t remember topic of thread. I’m probably crashing it off the tracks, lol. Sorry. Just gabbing.

When there's a grid collapse...
Calorie dense foods are the new currency. Metals are worthless unless you have a use for them. Spices are also extremely valuable. So are sealants. Medicines are too. Just saying.
 

amigo de christo

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Everyone also knows about the gas thing, I think. Remember months ago talking to @JohnDB about not trusting the grid and thinking I was paranoid about believing we would experience blackouts everywhere at some point.

Turns out- not really all that paranoid

Blackouts Threaten Entire U.S. West This Summer as Heat Awaits

US West Prepares for 1st Water shortage declaration

Might be a good idea for some people to have a little bit of a plan
I have a five point plan .
J
E
S
U
S
He alone is all i need my dear sister . God feeds the birds He indeed shall take care of the lambs .
Therefore my mind has peace . Trust in GOD and take every Word to be absolute truth . The Words of JESUS are absolute truth .
Now let the LORD be praised . Thats right fluffy , just leap up and praise the glorious Lord .
 

DuckieLady

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I also know that canned hams stay good for a surprisingly long period of time. Good grief it just occurs to me I don’t remember topic of thread. I’m probably crashing it off the tracks, lol. Sorry. Just gabbing.
I got a couple of those canned hams a couple of years ago at Grocery Outlet. Not for storage, was just going through a hard time. The ones with the old fashioned little turning key to untwist!

It was like rocket science to me and the thing snapped off. Lol :D I like spam. I can open it.

When there's a grid collapse...
Calorie dense foods are the new currency. Metals are worthless unless you have a use for them. Spices are also extremely valuable. So are sealants. Medicines are too. Just saying.
I would add to that list after corona, yeast. It was out everywhere. Had to learn to make potato yeast and then potato bread eventually in the microwave.

I really like the Townsend cooking videos. Is it all delicious? No, does mushroom ketchup and coffee eggs sound good? Ha!! But it helped me work through hard times, along with learning to cook Indian food.

Never again if I can help it
 

Cristo Rei

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Who picked that name... That is NOT what that sounds like.

Ahahaha... :D...
I have no idea who came up with "brownouts".
Someone down here in Australia.

The news will say something like...
"We forecast brownouts for these regions between 3pm and 6pm due to extreme heat"
As if its a natural event or something that should be tolerated...
They even try say that because of "climate change" we need brownouts

No brownouts last summer but... It was the coldest in living memory...
 

stunnedbygrace

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Cristo Rei, I think I recognize you by your picture that you once came to a zoom I participated in! You only came once as I recall...I’m certain by your pic that it was you...
 

Marvelloustime

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I have a five point plan .
J
E
S
U
S
He alone is all i need my dear sister . God feeds the birds He indeed shall take care of the lambs .
Therefore my mind has peace . Trust in GOD and take every Word to be absolute truth . The Words of JESUS are absolute truth .
Now let the LORD be praised . Thats right fluffy , just leap up and praise the glorious Lord .
So true brother.
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:25-27‬ ‭