Posts tagged "prepper info"

Prepper Basics – Solar Powered Equipment For Disaster Prepping

 

Being able to use the awesome power of the sun has become more and more popular and that is no different for preppers. As a new or experienced prepper when you sit down and look over various fuel sources you realize that there is only a finite amount. This is especially true in a disaster or doomsday scenario. This makes using solar power an ideal option and a real advantage to any prepper. Using solar power can be ideal for not only long term doomsday prepping but also very useful in any power outage situation.

 

A solar power system will contain three basic components which include solar panels, charge controller, and batteries. Rays from the sun hits the solar cells of your solar panel or Photovoltaic (PV) panel from there the power is transferred to a silicon semiconductor. From there your power is converted into direct current or DC electricity , it now flows through your connecting wires and will end up in your storage battery.

First thing to do when you consider purchasing equipment for your solar power system is to target which items in your home you want to power and how many watts you will need. Maybe you just want a small or simple system for use during a short-term type of disaster for items like rechargeable batteries , small lights , or laptops or maybe you are looking at something more permanent and more advanced. Once you figure out what kind of system suits you best you can build a solar power system to best fit your needs. You can always start off small to keep your investment manageable and then expand on it a little at a time.

There are various types of Solar Equipment for you to consider. Each has there own advantage and use. Here is a break down of some types of solar equipment for preppers to consider.

 

 

Solar Panels

Starting out with a simple solar power system may want to start with a basic set of Photovoltaic panels. These Photovoltaic panels can be used to set up three different types of photovoltaic power systems. These systems are stand alone , grid tied , and grid connected with stand alone capabilities. You can get a detailed outline of the solar panel equipment needed to each of these three Photovoltaic power systems and how to use them here.

Solar Generators

These are great alternate options over your basic diesel and gasoline generators. They are of course very energy efficient because they require no fuel for them to run , they don’t produce any of the dangerous fumes, and they are very quiet units. They can be a bit of a larger investment but they can last for as long as 25 years and they require no addition cost once purchased to run them. These can be great no only for preppers in a disaster scenario but can be used regularly to help reduce your current electricity bill while maintaining the unit.

Solar Battery Chargers

These are great for preppers and ideal for a doomsday or survival scenario to recharge much needed batteries. These units come in different forms some which use a trickle charge and some that can be connected to solar panels for quicker charging and even provide small scale lighting for a limited time. It is important to be sure the unit you choose can charge a variety of battery sizes and is setup with smart capabilities to not over charge your batteries. These units can be waterproof making them ideal items to add to your bug out bag.

Mobile Solar Power System

These units are also great for a preppers bug out bag. Being able to utilize fold-able solar panels will give you a mobile option to be able to power small devices. Just keep in mind that these fold-able solar panels that are 35 watts or greater will provide 6 volts of power so to get 12 volts of power you will need two panels wired in a series.

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Posted by Prepper - June 5, 2012 at 8:40 am

Categories: Prepper How To   Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everyday Reasons for becoming a Prepper besides a Doomsday Scenario

 

The prepper movement has become more and more mainstream over the last year or two but there are still some with odd reactions. Im sure we have all heard some of the comments about preppers like they are nuts , paranoid worry warts , and onward. There are many who don’t believe that any sort of doomsday scenario will ever occur with in their lifetime. But the doomsday or end of world scenario alone is not the only reason to do a little prepping.

There are reasons which are a little more mainstream and may even make a little more sense even to those of you who don’t believe in prepping. We have listed here some reasons to have emergency supplies and stock piles like many modern day prepper would have. You may want to consider some of these reasons to prep even though you still wouldn’t consider yourself a prepper.

 

Natural Disasters – Most of us live in an area that can be hit by some kind of natural disaster be it a hurricane , tornado , or earthquake. This may not be a doomsday scenario but having a bit of preparedness could go a real long way to making your life easier on you and your family in this sort of situation.

Unemployment/Job Loss – With the economy in the shape its in these days job security is shaky for more Americans then ever before. Having a emergency food and supplies stock could be a huge edge for keeping you and your family fed and house running if you happen to have a sudden job loss or a massive cut in hours.

Evacuations – Never know when something happens in your area which causes you to make a quick evacuation from your home. Having a bug out type bag that can be grabbed quickly containing important documents and supplies can be very important. Having all your important papers and supplies organized can be a lifesaver.

Power Outages – Sudden and possibly extended power outages are something everyone has to deal with at some point. Having some emergency prepper supplies packed away can make a huge difference in keeping your family fed and as comfortable as possible.

House Fire – This could happen to any of us at any time and having a evacuation plan and a bug out type bag could be a life saver. With little to no time to get out of the home to avoid death or injury a little prepping could make the difference in saving the lives of you and your family and getting out some of your important paperwork , information, and supplies.

Mechanical Car Problems – I know not all of us travel in out of the way area’s at least on a consistent basis but if you do having a little prepping done could be very important. A breakdown can happen anywhere so having a way to communicate for help along with keeping you and your family hydrated , fed, and warm if needed until help arrives is a must. So a little prepping in this case can go a long way.

 

Becoming a prepper doesn’t mean you have to believe the world is going to end tomorrow or next week but simply being a little more prepared for various situations. You also don’t have to have massive stockpiles of food and supplies to be a prepper simply putting away enough to keep you and your family fed and hydrated should something unexpected happen can be enough for you. There is no set way or set of rules for being a prepper each and every one of us can be a prepper in our own way.

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Posted by Prepper - May 14, 2012 at 1:37 am

Categories: General Prepper Info   Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Prepper Basics – Get Home Bag

 

Everyone has heard the term “Bug Out Bag” and we all know it is an important tool for a prepper. But these days we find ourselves in our cars a whole lot be it a commute to work from a suburban home locations or general overall travel. Since we are in our vehicles so often it is important to also include it into our prepping needs. It is essential as a prepper to be ready for any scenario in which your vehicle would become a useless tool and you need to be able to get back to your home or elsewhere on foot. Putting together a “Get Home Bag” and having it in your vehicle at all times is an important step for all preppers. Your GHB may be a key tool in being able to get yourself back home to your family.

We will put together a prepper check list here for items that should be included in your Get Home Bag.

Water/Water Purification – Having water is one of the most important parts of your bag but remember you will be on foot so you will have to adjust your carrying limits. To offset for not being able to carry tons of water you need to plan on being able to collect and purify water along the way. So adding a water purification kit to your bag is recommended as having water is a key essential.

Food – Again since you will be on foot a smaller amounts of food 1-2 days worth should suffice. Things like peanut butter and crackers or energy bars are nice additions to the food section of your bag as they can take up little space and are light but full of essentials.

Hat/Rain Gear – On foot you would be in the hot sun for a long period of time and a hat (wide brimmed recommended) will help to prevent sun exposure. Also it is impossible to predict the weather conditions at the time so packing along rain gear is a key as it could be a life save in cold and rainy situations. You can also adjust this area to the weather conditions of your area.

Medical – Keeping a first aid kit in your bag is a must. Also be sure to add in pain relievers for muscle pains and headaches which may occur from the foot travel and possible dehydration.Also possibly small amounts of any personal drugs that you may need to take on a daily basis.

Shoes – A pair of comfortable and worn in shoes that are built for walking are a big key. Being often in business attire you may not be in footwear that are suitable for longer distance travel. This can also be adjusted for terrain found in your area.

Maps/GPS – In this kind of scenario you will likely need to take the shortest route to where your looking to get so using the roads won’t be as useful. Roads may also be packed with people you just as well stay away from.You will definitely benefit from any shortcuts which can be navigated using local maps or handheld GPS devices.

Protection – The decision on the level of protection carried is a personal one based on training and comfort. Not everyone is comfortable carrying or using a firearm so you may want to include items like knives or pepper spray. Also laws in your particular state may not allow for carrying concealed weapons leaving your bag needing other protection devices besides firearms.

Miscellaneous – You should also add in items such as fire starting devices like matches, lighters, or flints. Other items such as a flashlight , multitools, extra batteries , glow sticks, toilet paper, extra piece of clothing (sweatshirt), and binoculars are also great additions to your bag.

Just be sure to remember while packing your “Get Home Bag” that you will be on foot and having to carry this bag with you during your travel so keeping it to a comfortable weight is important. Be sure to first concentrate on your key essentials and then adding on some miscellaneous items as the space and weight limits you have set allow for.

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Posted by Prepper - April 20, 2012 at 7:53 pm

Categories: Prepper Supplies   Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Prepping The Basics – Food and Water

 

It is easy for many beginning preppers to want to jump into things by purchasing all kinds of gadgets and more modern mail order gizmos. Although you may one day need these things and they are fun to purchase and experiment with they are not the basic essentials. When the time comes you may end up needing all sorts of things like guns and various gadgets but there is one thing that is certain you will need and that’s food and water.

So remember when planning on ways to invest your prepping dollars to concentrate on the prepping essentials and basics like food and water before moving forward to other items. It is extremely important to not get caught up in the hype of less essential items and not put enough prep into these two most basic of things. Here are some basic prepper information to remember when prepping these basics.

FoodIt is recommended to have on hand at a minimum 6 months worth of food and up to 1 year being a safer goal. Get all the food you can prepped including freeze dried foods , canned foods , MRE’s and other food items that offer a long shelf life and are safely packaged. It would also be a plus to have some plan in place to be able to grow a minimal amount of food items to help extend your food stock pile.

WaterWhen prepping your water supply remember that 1 gallon of water per peson per day is the required amount for survival and 2 gallons of water per person per day is recommended. You can help to estimate your water needs by tracking how much water you drink and other wise use per day , you will quickly learn how fast water seems to be used up. Be sure to properly prepare your water supply accordingly remembering how essential a component it is.

Once you have the most important basic’s prepped properly then you can feel more comfortable about moving on and adding other items off your check list. Having enough or more then enough of the basics will insure that you get off to a proper start in becoming a solid prepper !

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Posted by Prepper - April 17, 2012 at 9:45 am

Categories: Prepper Supplies   Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,