We all know things happen with the change of weather. Especially in winter. Below will be a 3 tier list that might help someone in a power outage or emergency…
Tier1- quick emergency tier 2- extended emergency tier 3- long term.
“Power”
Tier 1-
Rechargeable Batteries X 2 for the important items (radio, lights)
Battery Charger w/ solar or vehicle adapter for batteries and cell phones USB External Battery Charger – Essentially a large battery that can recharge your smartphone up to 7 times on a single charge.
Solar Panels
Backup Solar power will last longer than any stored fuel you have.
Tier 2-
1000 Watt Inverter connected to a car battery for charging devices/running small appliances.
Spare fuel to run vehicle (min 25 gallons) 5 – 5 Gallon gas cans
PRI – G gas treatment for long-term fuel storage.
2000 W Generator
Tier 3-
Tri-fuel generator (gas, propane, natural gas)Spare fuel for generator (min 50 gallons) 10 – 5-gallon gas cans
PRI – G gas treatment for long-term fuel storage.
100 Watt Solar Panel kit
1000 Watt InverterDeep cycle Batteries
Siphon pump to acquire additional fuel
“Lighting”
Tier 1-
LED Flashlight with spare batteries – 1 per person
Candles – 15 Hour Emergency candles
Battery-powered lantern for common areas
Chemlights/ Light Sticks – Great option for younger hands or hands-free.
Tier 2-
Headlamps are awesome during a power outage. They allow hands free use.
Headlamps for each individual – infinitely easier and more practical than flashlights. Allows for hands-free tasks.
Propane lanterns – great outdoor lighting option or use within a well-ventilated area. They also put off a decent amount of heat.
Battery Recharger – It is important to get one that can charge multiple battery sizes if you have different battery uses.
Tier 3-
Oil lamps – the right kind can provide plenty of light and last longer than batteries, or should according to use.
Lamp Oil
Rechargeable Batteries for all headlamps enough to charge a set and use a set at the same time.
“Cooking”
Tier 1-
Propane Grill or Camping StoveSpare tank(s) of propane for the stove
EcoZoom Cook Stove
Tier 2-
EcoZoom Rocket Stove – Cook with small twigs or sticks.
Fire Pit with implements for cooking over fire.
Cast Iron SkilletCast Iron Dutch Oven
Tier 3-
Wood Burning Stove – I know these aren’t practical in all situations, but generally speaking, this is the best overall option in a grid-down scenario, all things being equal.
100 lb Propane tank or connection to run grill off natural gas.
Solar Oven – or you can make one easily enough much cheaper.
“Shelter”
Tier 1-
Appropriate clothing for the temperature. Warm weather calls for clothes that dry quickly and wick moisture away. Cold weather usually means layers and warm additions like hats and gloves.
Spare blankets/ screens for windows depending on the weather.
Tier 2-
A tent that sleeps your entire family.
Sleeping bags for each person – Appropriate to climate.
Kerosene heater or Propane Heater.
20 gallons of Kerosene.
PRI-D Kerosene/Diesel treatment for long term fuel storage.
Tier 3-
Alternate shelter – Camper with Solar power, cabin, or second living location
“Water“
Tier 1-
One gallon of water per person per day. For a four-person family, that is 4 gallons a day…
The easiest way to store and transport these for me is 5-gallon water jugs.
Tier 2-
1 gallon of water per person per day for 1 month.
Water filtration system like Big Berkey Light.
Rainwater collection system.
A bathtub full of water stored in a container for hygiene or drinking – Water Bob This requires some action before water pressure is cut off.
Private well
River or stream on your property
“News and Communication”
Tier 1-
World Band Receiver – pick up stations outside of your region.
Tier 2-Handheld UHF/VHF band transceivers – Baofeng makes an excellent and affordable model
2-meter antenna.
Backup Batteries for handhelds
Tier 3-Ham Radio – capable of HF, UHF, and VHF bands. HF will allow you to communicate with other countries.
Quad Band antenna.
Back up power as listed above.
“Security”
Tier 1-Shotgun with 100 rounds of buckshot ammo.
$300 dollars in cash
Survival Dog
Tier 2-
A handgun for each adult member of the family – 9mm, .40 or .45
250 rounds of HP ammo for each pistol, and an equal amount of FMJ.
2 magazines for each.
$500 dollars in cash.
Tier 3-
Battle Rifle for each adult member of the family (AK or AR platform).
1000 rounds of ammunition for each rifle.
20 magazines for each rifle.
Your own reliable team.
1 month’s salary or expenses in cash.
“Sanitation”
Tier 1-
A bathtub full of water stored in a container for hygiene or drinking – Water Bob This requires some action before water pressure is cut off.
Tier 2-
Spare 5-gallon bucket.
5-gallon bucket toilet lid – Converts any 5-gallon bucket into a porta-potty.
Trash bags – small for toilet/large for trash.
Cat Litter.
Tier 3-
Outhouse already built – again not practical in all situations.
All the above mentioned are just my opinions. Everyone has their own needs in their own areas. This is just to help start or improve an existing list.
Stay safe, Stay armed & GODBLESS……
~WV Leadership.