Noticed you gas cans were directly on the ground for storage. If they're metal and you have the capabilities, try to get them off the ground (pallet preferred) for long term storing to prevent rust eventually taking hold.
Living in Ohio my entire life, I always keep on hand anything I might need to keep myself going through winter. Sometimes I can't make it out of my own driveway or county road sometimes. Heating with Wood, I keep on hand, 2 cycle oil, bar chain oil, extra chains, sharpening files, spark plugs, etc., I also keep all my power banks, jump pack anything rechargeable plugged in or charged in rotation. Of course I keep a lot of extra food, jugs of water just in case and so on.
Texan here. We were prepared for the past winter outage and are prepared for any future events - but unfortunately, many people did not learn from it and will be in the same situation when it happens again. I've spoken with many people that have changed nothing - no alternate heat or additional food/water.
I have a few friends who are all Texas disaster volunteers…none of them were ready when that storm hit except 1, only 1 has themselves ready for the next time. To say I’m frustrated with them would be an understatement.
An old Texan here , my way of life didn't change one bit in the snow storm last February, we actually had 22 inches of snow at my house and we kept right on living. My mother lived the the great depression so we know how to live. It's the city folks in Texas who suffer.
I’m in upstate New York and like some others have said, a lot of us spend the year getting ready for winter. I burn wood, and like to keep at least 2 years firewood on hand. Our power went out earlier this month and we still had heat. Food is another must. We always have lots of canned soups and chili and things from around October-April. I feel bad for you southerners when winter gets bad. It was around 2*F here this morning, but people here are just used to that. We are getting a nor’easter this weekend and nobody really cares, it’s just January. Probably the same way you all are ready for hurricanes and tornadoes and things.
@@jamiehess4211 not illegal. BUT the discussion has begun. Folks will say "thats not what it means"...however, as with everything its in increments. NYC has an environmental(and anti 2nd Amendment) bent that is driving the rest of the state. Two cycles boat motors is one thing I see that got banned. Electric off road quads will be standard moving forward.
Can't say ENOUGH about studded tires ... driven mostly 4x4 my entire life (38 years of driving) Several years ago was faced with owning a REALLY nice 2x E350..I put 4 top of the line studded tires on it. I can go places many 4x cannot. I was AMAZED!! Went up a "no winter maint" road at our mountain cabin. I went further than the 4x folks...I ended up on the snowmobile trail from the local ski lodge. Crazy effective. I also carry 4 welded half link tire chains, AND 4 tire cables (you can go faster). Just last night I ran my 2000 Honda civic 1.5 hours up into the mountains to deliver my son to an overnight Scouting event. Roads were nasty, my four studded tires on that little civic were equally AWESOME. Even my wife's posi traction diesel Jeep Liberty has 4 studded tires. Can't say enough if you live in snowy areas.
Build a genie shed they're easy to build. Videos on RUclips that show some real effective ways. I built one during a massive storm because jealous neighbors were complaining about noise. I fixed their ass, had light, family ate hot food & watched tv. It cuts well over 80% of the sound done right.
Sootch, you never stop being an essential source of information for me…for over 10 years I’ve watched and learned from your videos (I’m a bad fan however I only subscribed a little while ago). I don’t think I’d be as a good a prepper without your wisdom. Thank you great video again.
Good heat option is electric blanket coupled with a solar battery backup combo similar to one you showed. Jackery and Ecoflow Delta are good options. I got a Battery Daddy. Simple essential and low cost.
I like to think I have everything ready but with the recent polar vortex I realized that cooking outdoors in subzero weather wasn't going to cut it. I just ordered a butane stove and 24 cans of butane. Thanks for the idea!
@@richardelliott9511 yes thank you, I figured it would be shipped ground since it's flammable so I bought the stove that also runs on the 1 pound propane tank. I already have 3+ cases of the green cans for my catalytic heaters and lanterns.
The stove was delivered in just 2 days, butane will probably take 3 weeks or more. I did buy the dual fuel stove that also runs on one pound propane tanks. I think I'm going to do a test and see which fuel boils water the quickest. FYI I bought the Gas ONE GS-3400P on Amazon for $32.99.
@@jctedsap I have over 100 (1 pound) bottles of propane bought when they were around a dollar each. I also have several propane stoves but I'm saving the propane for my catalytic heaters should natural gas be cut off. Worst case scenario of course. In addition I have 2 different types of rocket stoves. It's important to be diversified.
Greetings from Germany, great channel. I was a member of the THW(like civil disaster service) and also the german army. We burried ouer generators (aircooled) for disclosing nois and heat. This old generators had a exaust extention. Just put this extention in a Tunnel from the generator underground caché - exaust extention - small eartrunnel. On top a Wooddoor, with a PVCpipe airintake. Watch out, if it rains or a flood. Also we had a adapter for a 25liter Jerrycan. It was gravity feed. A burried generator, with a long exaust earttunnel and a well isolated Toppdoor, reduces.the Bois, heat and smell signature. Later we had well shielded watercooled Generators. You could use the water cooling system for heating a tent or container, bypassimg the cooler and installing a „used „ carcooler in youre quater. 😁
If you store your generator outside please keep the tank full to keep moisture out, and mix Sta-bil in your gas. Shut the fuel line to off to drain the bowl when turning off and putting back away the refill. Luckily I store mine in my garage/basement along with the fuel to go along with it. Yes the fuel is stored in a large yellow fuel safe cabinet from a Habitat store next to the garage door and both have HVAC luckily! Steel jerry cans can be stored outside no problem but expensive. People that can't afford them, get 5 Gal racing jugs, they are about $30 and are far better than the newer Gov regulated gas cans. My transfer switch has been great and a must have prep! Here in the South we don't have the same resources for road preps and clearing like the states that see this every year. Power outages suck, but your plans need to be ready for that as well!
@@suzannewilliams3599 Summitracing, Jegs, Amazon, Ebay, anywhere you find high preformance automotive parts. They have them with filler necks, and you can also get awesome funnels as well.
I have lived in Michigan most of my life, I have driven many 4X4s. keep in mind a 4X4 can give you a false sense of security. you have great traction to get you moving in slippery conditions but you still only have 4 wheels braking like the rest of the cars on the road.
Yep here in the Midwest familiar with bad weather. One thing I do because I have stuff in my truck.... Cat litter, good shovel, the compact car battery charger, recovery tow strap and a plastic sled in case I have to leave the truck in bad snow. It will hold my gear and I’m the dog.
those of us who live in apartments and condos have more challenges for winter heating especially on upper floors. I can not have a fuel generator on my tiny deck so I keep my 2 mini solar power stations charged up
@Kaylynn Strain That’s why you get Buddy heaters. Buy a couple of 20 pounds propane cylinders to refill one pound canisters or get the hose for the 20 pounds!!! He showed you at the beginning of the video. I’ve used the Buddy heater for years to heat my travel trailer when camping. Just crack a window open in your apartment. Plenty of RUclips video instruction available on the topic if you are serious about it!!!
Thanks for the reminders, always good to go back over your prep's. Love your channel. And I always get a good laugh at the end of your videos. It just goes to show we are not perfect. Thanks for making my day. 👍🙏✌️
No doubt. I make sure to run my snowblower and portable generator throughout the year, but especially before the snow starts to fly. Also keep 2 spare tanks full of propane for the gas grill. Haven't gotten into solar yet, but that is coming. I also keep 3 emergency radios charged up, as well as 5 of those 4Patriots power cells for my mobile devices.
Small portable 2-way radios used by kids and in the outdoors are great to have too. Stay in contact with a neighbor who might be on the main road (to let you know if it's been plowed so you're not venturing out unnecessarily) and they also have a weather feature for National Weather Service forecasts and bulletins.
Awsome video as usual 👌🏻..just would like to add that your Refrigerators, freezers and coolers even though they are outside (Shops, barns ,garages and outside your home) will maintain internal temperature even though the outdoors are freezing temperatures, pack some or ice snow in them if not being powered will help keep them at cold or freezing temperatures. Great Video Don.
I have a Sportsman brand 3500W dual fuel generator, I only use propane and I just finished changing oil and servicing it, ie. checking gas hoses, operation, etc. It was a lifesaver last February when our power was cut off, I bought this generator because my particular street block always had the power cut off up to 3 days even in nice weather. Best thing I ever bought. Now I’m looking into solar because Sootch is right, these gennies are noisy.
Great ideas. I'm in CT. And we don't have many outages. But in 2013 both me and my wife's cars broke down in a giant blizzard. ( older. Vehicles). Since then we always keeps cords of wood for heat for our fireplace. And now , car kits. Thanks. Enjoyed the video.
Increasingly new vehicles break. I hear ABSOLUTELY maddening stories of folks getting stranded by 1-3 year old vehicles. .I like my old ones I can work on
I spend 2 or 3 days alone in the hills of Nevada every week, 33 miles from the nearest town, 7,000+ foot elevation. My 4 year old pull start 4,000 KW generator runs 4 hours every day and I have learned to keep a spray bottle of starter fluid and a screw driver handy, especially when it's cold (and it's always cold in the evenings).
I keep our metal gas cans under a tarp also but I keep them sitting on a few bricks so they don't sit in water/ice. I worry the bottoms could rust. Also, I run a long chain through the handles (there's propane too) and lock it all up to itself and a post. 👍
Finding winter & warm hunting clothing on clearance sale at Wmart since the past week. Warm Clothes Matter. Redundant backup heating in case one form fails, there’s backup to backup. Definitely Co and smoke alarms. Pw can and dry chem extinguishers.
I got the DeWalt version of the Mr. Heater Buddy that uses the rechargeable battery. It has a light in the handle and 2 USB ports. Works great. Got it from Sportsman’s Guide using the Sootch discount of course! Love the butane single burner stoves. The cartridges are only around $3.50 and I pick up one about every other trip to the store so having an inventory doesn’t break the bank. That’s key. Buying a little along the way makes it affordable.
@@frenchfryfarmer436 The other version uses D cell batteries to run the fan option. This one uses the rechargeable battery to run the fan, light and power the USB ports. It is not a ‘’forever running’’ power source but an extra one. The heater doesn’t have to use the fan to operate. I have multiple batteries already charged and they provide a temporary power and light source while adding to the operation of the heater.
Our Mr. Buddy heaters have been lifesavers on more than one occasion. Highly recommended. We use the small canisters for fuel coz I am not comfy with having the 20lb tanks inside the house.
Hi Don, Another great video. My brand new truck is not really set up yet (shame on me, but I just got it). The last truck had a carpeted Leer topper with a BedRug bed liner (for some shelter). These are on order for the new truck. The better half and I are older. I guess for a cold weather emergency where we might be stuck in the truck, I have a recommendation. I am more into comfort than just surviving. In the winter months I keep 2 US Military ECWSS (Extreme Cold Weather Sleep System) bags in the truck (one for me and one for the misses). The ECWSS is an acronym for a fancy 3 layer military sleeping bag set up. These are rated to minus 40 degrees below zero (F) with proper layering. I had a big buddy heater in the back of the truck when we were waiting for the new 511 store to open in Knoxville (they were giving out $500.00 gift cards to the first few people in the door). It was 20 degrees outside. I turned off the Buddy heater and tested the ECWSS in the back of the truck over night. I woke up in the morning WARM AS TOAST, no buddy heater or any other heat source. So if you cant run a heat source, don't have a heat source, or if you run out of fuel (butane, alcohol, candles, hot hands, ETC)... These can not only be a life saver, but you can be confident that you will be comfortable until you are rescued (without any heat source). Also in addition to any water jugs (that might freeze) you can keep a couple of water bottles in the ECWSS with you to keep them from freezing, so you have some water.
@@suzannewilliams3599 Hi Suzanne, I have 3 of them, I got one at an army navy surplus store and two on EBAY. The prices are high, but for a great piece of survival equipment, it is worth it. Try to make sure it states Tennier industries, then you know it is the real deal. There are now knockoffs for sale, some state "military style" or something similar I would not think they are mil spec and might not protect in extreme cold weather. I live in The Foothills Of The Great Smokey Mountains, it is not the coldest area of the country but it does get cold here. I think the wife told me it will go down to 11 degrees tonight.
I’m a truck driver I have food and water for me and my cat her name is fluff. I got a stove that use little bottles of gas. The truck has a diesel fuel heater for the inside of the truck for me. I help my tanks full at all times if I can. Now if you have a diesel car or truck that as D.E.F. Fluid it freezes at 12F so remember do your regeneration if you can force it at home and keep a bottle of D.E.F in house and put it in vehicle passenger compartment of your vehicle when traveling. If the D.E.F freezes the engine will shut off and will not start until it unfreezes and it can damage the filter for it. Now you should check if that tank is heated or not and if not where is it. Now if it is by the engine the engine should keep it working. If your car is a Tesla and you have a gasoline engine car keep the gasoline tank full most 4 cylinder car should be able to run for along time my old escort 1.8L engine used a 1/8 of fuel in 8 hours parked counting the 20 mile trip. Now lead acid batteries lose 20% power around 40 below and old batteries more test them. If your car is electric keep it topped off
@SensiblePrepper, it's always good to check the preps in your car and your vehicle. Things that you thought you had in your car may not actually be there anymore. Stuff happens. I watched a weather report this morning that said some really wintry weather may be coming to the Carolinas. Maybe you'll make a video about it.
I have a small mountain vacation cottage. With mini closets. Tiny Appliances. Can not store under house with vapor barriers. I stored some items under loft stairs. I dont want it cluttered and junky. Nice place to chill. No shed. Blue Ridge No. Georgia Area. I can do basic prep but I have to realistic on I am fortunate to have a camp. I use s lot of 5 gal buckets and sm stacking Huffy for camp and food supplies. Tip. Ollies has great Tarp prices.
A standard kerosene heater works well, and you can cook on it. My generator plugs outside to a self-contained 6 plug outlet, so no electrician, you can find it on Amazon. Mpower makes some nice solar lanterns and 72-hour candles you can get at Dollar Tree. Our pellet stove and solar generator work well , with a 3 burner campchef to cook outside if we have to.
Tell everyone…. Carry a sealed, dry, wood ash in all their vehicles if you get stuck , Put some ash over your tires an at the base in which direction your going. It is messy, but it works. I climbed many of mountains going home.
Praying for all y'all going through this frozen he'll right now. Thank you again for all of your tips! And I know you and your family are doing OK, in spite of all that's going on in SC. (Air hug)
Simple thing, grab any immediate gear EVERY time you leave the car. My car was in an accident and my winter coat was in the seat. Police wouldn't let me go back to the car. It was a blizzard. I lost my gear and vehicle on the side of the road with no one knowing where I was miles from home in zero visibility. I also learned some EMS are not helpful and can be harmful. (To be clear, the trip had an altitude difference of nearly 5000 feet with a 20+ degree change. )
I keep an insulated pair of coveralls gloves and full face ski mask in my car. Plus a king size wool blanket and 2 cheap fleece throws. Also keep a case of bottled water and some nonperishable foods. I have one of those butane cook stoves along with a small cook sets for back packing. And a small tarp which I use to cover some this stuff in back of car. Some things fit nicely under the front seats. I also keep other essential items at all times like jumper cables, tow strap, enough tools and extra parts for minor repairs. Extra oil and antifreeze plus various other fluids. A folding camp shovel and large knife. Plus I have my B.O.B. in car at all times. Since I drive a small wagon all of it is accessible without getting out. I hope I never need any of it but am glad it's there in case I do.
i have the 10 inch bauer and ryobi chainsaws that run on their 18v batteries. they are easy to use and work surprisingly well. not too intimidating for amateurs like myself either. good way to get started
Did you say "electric chainsaws" ? For preparing for a power outage?? Am I missing something? ?. Long term how does that work? If you live in a cold climate (cloud cover) how will you replenish the 18volt batteries ?
@@frenchfryfarmer436 charge off your car or generator. they use the same batteries as your other power tools. i know ryobi and milwaukee for example sell inverters also. definitely not going to replace a gas powered chainsaw
Thanks for this winter reminder. When you mentioned wool socks, I'd wholeheartedly recommend Darn Tough brand of merino wool. Made in the USA, guaranteed for life. Warm in winter, cool/wicking in the summer.
I am sure you are always thinking about backup to help someone else too. We all know new friends who had trouble the last couple years or moved and they just haven't had time to get fully prepared. As for not waiting to buy new gear, find that good backup chainsaw when no one else is interested. You get more and pay less. Great job on the video, you did not miss much.
SHALOM... SO GREAT TO SEE Y'ALL'S CHANNEL TODAY FROM BLOODY HARLAN KY. BLESS U AND FAMILY. THIS IS THE GREATEST ENTERTAINMENTING SHOW ON RUclips. 🛡🇺🇸🌟📜🌟🇺🇸🛡
If you have a wood stove/heater you have the majority of ur needs met. We just put our refrig foods in a cooler. Make ice in bucket set out during freezing weather. Then put that ice in the cooler.
Excellent and through presentation! I took notes on the indoor stove. My sister lives in NJ and they are constantly getting hit since Super Storm Sandy. They have food and sleeping bags, but I don’t know what else, so I’m sharing this with her. ✨
You mentioned, and showed, a solar generator. I have a Titan Solar Generator with 3 batteries. Each battery is 2000wh. It is the best on the market, in my opinion. They are expensive and on a 4-5 month backorder, but worth it. I have 1000w of solar for it. We use it as emergency backup power and we use it to power our RV while boondocking. We always enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.
Hey Sootch - this is random but it just popped in my head taking out my dogs stitches. You should make a video on how to do homemade wound stitches. Would be informative
I’m in the northern Adirondacks of NY! I readied my house after the 1998 ice storm that crippled the northeast. I was without power for 27 days in January. I had fellow firefighters that were a great help to keep my house from freezing up. I swore never again. Over the years I have gathered more items, more knowledge. Using non ethanol gas is a must. Non ethanol gas will store for a year without treatment, but two years with treatment. It’s always best to rotate your gas supply. I have a wood stove that heats my entire house, but you need to cut your wood a year in advance. I added solar five years ago and bought a few Jackery power units. They are real handy. We can run the generator for a few hours during the day, charge the Jackery’s with solar….then at night put the genny away and use the Jackery’s to power TV and a few lights if needed……we mostly use oil lamps! Being prepared for such events turns what could be a disaster into a inconvenience!!!
Closing your curtains keeps the heat inside, Solar Panels on the Roof to charge the batteries or power the house partially in the form of the Fridge and Freezer possibly the lights so at night you let the Generator powering things until daylight hours. Generators can come with Solar Recharge or use and alternate fuel to power these days.
You will need to get the filter for the big buddy heater if you’re hooking it up to a grill tank. so it won’t pull the particulates in the tank into the heater and clog it up.you don’t have to use the filter with the 1 pound tank.
Not completely true. When running a hose where the regulator is built into the heater it can pull oils and plasticizers out of the rubber. The 10ft hose made for the Big Buddy is made from a different compound and does not require a filter. The other size hoses they offer do require a filter.
I have a solar red dot...comes with a CR battery for back up. I recently bought a BOSS mr heater propane heat water pump/shower...got it for 100 from Bezos...built like a tank
Find a way to make room to put your home wood in safe storage . Line your garage wall with it . It can act as a bullet barrier . Others will want that seasoned wood . Use a garage attic made stronger to age your wood . And rig that attick as a back up living space . Set to run on solar power walls are bare run wire set up cover insulate gabble bent openings change to windows .
Two years ago, I hired a licensed electrician to put in an outlet form my 15 KW generator. The connection goes to my panel. I have a device that will not allow me to back feed when the generator is running and powering my home. It saves a lot of trouble and time.
Get the big propane tanks then only get maybe dozen little one pounders, then there is a little 8$ adapter so u can refill the little tank from the big 20 pound tank
I'm off grid in the mountains. I have found a way I tried and proven that works and I slept with out any heat or electrify at all for a real SHTF sanereo. I tried this on the coldest nights without running any heat or electricity at all!!! I was so warm I woke up I had to take off some of my hat layers and some layers of blankets I was getting so hot. Prep and prepare now the storm is coming!!!
@@pennylaur7687 I had a sleeping mummy style bag, another rectangle style sleeping bag over it and with 9 blankets on top. I was very warm on the coldest day of the winter. Too hot started to sweat had to take some blankets off.
we are many layers & levels of ready. motor oil is important vehicles & gas generators need changes and price across the board is going up now. walmart prices have gone up so heads up.
FLORIDA Here power failures has always been a problem this weekend COLD But we are going to below 30*F MONDAY I had a 32kw gasoline generator, but Family took it and pawn it for cigarettes and Vodka
It ain't the little bit of snow, we have in the South. It all the dang ice! (But, I didn't know SC. got so much snow, this year. We have not hardly seen any, in GA.)
Solar battery generator like, jackery, blueti or Energizer are awesome, keeping in mind 500w to 1000w for most small devices, that keep a power charge in them are valuable too.
STABIL 360 for your gas. Can't say enough about it. I inherited a generator. Ran it in the Summer. Went through a Winter and it wouldn't start in March. Took apart the carb, bowl, etc. There was GEL in the carb and bowl from water. Gel. Couldn't believe it. Drained the gas. 1 quart of water phase in a gallon of gas. Unbelievable. Used Stabil 360 since then. NO problems in generator, saws, blowers, mowers, etc.
The tank has to be kept full and has to be well sealed. Any outside atmosphere that gets trapped in the tank or that can get into the tank causes trouble with ethanol blend gas. I've had no problems keeping ethanol blend for up to 2 years in my generator. That's with no stabilizer.
Don't forget to keep your cars gassed up. With a full tank, most cars can idle for aday or two and can be used as a lifeboat to warm up in. That gas can also serve as a back up supply for your other gas powered accessories when siphoned out. Also 12 to 120volt inverters are pretty cheap these days and linked to your car can provide emergeny electric either in addition to or in lue of a seperate generator. Plus it's quiet and won't draw so much attention as a stand alone gas generater!! Use heavy duty extension cords only, #12 or heavier.
Glad you mentioned drive slower in winter conditions regardless of 4WD or 2WD:) I've lived in the mountains of NC up around Watauga/Avery/Mitchell Counties my entire life, and I can drive my front wheel drive car, better than many newer folks who've moved up here with 4WD:) LMAO!
I set up for my generator a monthly test run, just an alarm on my cell phone. I hook a small heater to a plug for about a 10 minute "load test" You need to go quality on those electrical cables the smaller cables can be problematic over time and depending on how much is connected and distance to those from gen cause line drop so more electric use from gen also. I purchased several lamp oil wicks could have made but they were cheap and use olive oil in small jar for lighting til i have gen up..
⚠️Portable Generator Safety Tips: 1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards. 2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Also please never use your generator in your deck or balcony. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house. 3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules. It’s also not safe to move your generator while it’s running. 4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords. ruclips.net/user/shortseFigDfnPkcQ?feature=share and here is a short video more about keeping others safe when using generators Hope this helps
@@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast I agree except the "quaiified person only comment. That being stated an unnamed generator company wanted to install a 22 kw gen for emergency use. I informed said company that x amount wattage was only during emergency ops. I am running an 8 kw with surge to 10kw fine.
Sootch How are you are one of the most prepared man I have ever seen. Unfortunately I don’t have the luxury of space where I live so it’s all I can do to store what I can but hopefully in the next two or three months when my lease runs out where I live I can move somewhere a little further off the beaten track with a little bit more storage space
Noticed you gas cans were directly on the ground for storage.
If they're metal and you have the capabilities, try to get them off the ground (pallet preferred) for long term storing to prevent rust eventually taking hold.
Ha, heck yeah 👍 I just commented about that. I keep ours on bricks. Chained up to a post.
Living in Ohio my entire life, I always keep on hand anything I might need to keep myself going through winter. Sometimes I can't make it out of my own driveway or county road sometimes. Heating with Wood, I keep on hand, 2 cycle oil, bar chain oil, extra chains, sharpening files, spark plugs, etc., I also keep all my power banks, jump pack anything rechargeable plugged in or charged in rotation. Of course I keep a lot of extra food, jugs of water just in case and so on.
Texan here. We were prepared for the past winter outage and are prepared for any future events - but unfortunately, many people did not learn from it and will be in the same situation when it happens again. I've spoken with many people that have changed nothing - no alternate heat or additional food/water.
We are prepared for cold in houston area
I have a few friends who are all Texas disaster volunteers…none of them were ready when that storm hit except 1, only 1 has themselves ready for the next time. To say I’m frustrated with them would be an understatement.
We were prepared last winter ❄️, at home, going to work was a pain but I work close to home.
@@nancyforster2388 many things I suggested to neighbors they didn’t do. He got a new kitchen, I didn’t. Not sure who was right.
An old Texan here , my way of life didn't change one bit in the snow storm last February, we actually had 22 inches of snow at my house and we kept right on living. My mother lived the the great depression so we know how to live. It's the city folks in Texas who suffer.
I’m in upstate New York and like some others have said, a lot of us spend the year getting ready for winter. I burn wood, and like to keep at least 2 years firewood on hand. Our power went out earlier this month and we still had heat.
Food is another must. We always have lots of canned soups and chili and things from around October-April.
I feel bad for you southerners when winter gets bad. It was around 2*F here this morning, but people here are just used to that. We are getting a nor’easter this weekend and nobody really cares, it’s just January. Probably the same way you all are ready for hurricanes and tornadoes and things.
Four years ago we didn't get above freezing for 10 days down here. We thought we were in a frozen hell. You guys probably just laugh this off.🤣
Didn't NY state Senate jus pass a bill making wood stoves illegal by 2024?
@@jamiehess4211 not illegal. BUT the discussion has begun. Folks will say "thats not what it means"...however, as with everything its in increments. NYC has an environmental(and anti 2nd Amendment) bent that is driving the rest of the state. Two cycles boat motors is one thing I see that got banned. Electric off road quads will be standard moving forward.
@@jongregory5308( New Yorker here) LMAO 🤣
Can't say ENOUGH about studded tires ... driven mostly 4x4 my entire life (38 years of driving) Several years ago was faced with owning a REALLY nice 2x E350..I put 4 top of the line studded tires on it. I can go places many 4x cannot. I was AMAZED!! Went up a "no winter maint" road at our mountain cabin. I went further than the 4x folks...I ended up on the snowmobile trail from the local ski lodge. Crazy effective. I also carry 4 welded half link tire chains, AND 4 tire cables (you can go faster). Just last night I ran my 2000 Honda civic 1.5 hours up into the mountains to deliver my son to an overnight Scouting event. Roads were nasty, my four studded tires on that little civic were equally AWESOME. Even my wife's posi traction diesel Jeep Liberty has 4 studded tires. Can't say enough if you live in snowy areas.
Thanks for this! We have a nor'easter coming my way with a lot of snow and winds in the forecast and it's always good to have these reminders!
Build a genie shed they're easy to build. Videos on RUclips that show some real effective ways. I built one during a massive storm because jealous neighbors were complaining about noise. I fixed their ass, had light, family ate hot food & watched tv. It cuts well over 80% of the sound done right.
"Helping others is who & what we are". You're the man mate. The best segment up to date. Cheers matey. Greetings from Australia.
Sootch, you never stop being an essential source of information for me…for over 10 years I’ve watched and learned from your videos (I’m a bad fan however I only subscribed a little while ago). I don’t think I’d be as a good a prepper without your wisdom. Thank you great video again.
We all start somewhere. Glad to see you here & commenting!
@@innergoof19 been commenting for years. Lol
Same here. He was one of the first gun/prep channels I started watching.
Good heat option is electric blanket coupled with a solar battery backup combo similar to one you showed. Jackery and Ecoflow Delta are good options. I got a Battery Daddy. Simple essential and low cost.
I like to think I have everything ready but with the recent polar vortex I realized that cooking outdoors in subzero weather wasn't going to cut it. I just ordered a butane stove and 24 cans of butane. Thanks for the idea!
Plan well ahead with butane, it can only be shipped via ground. My last order, a few weeks ago, took well over a week to get here.
@@richardelliott9511 yes thank you, I figured it would be shipped ground since it's flammable so I bought the stove that also runs on the 1 pound propane tank. I already have 3+ cases of the green cans for my catalytic heaters and lanterns.
The stove was delivered in just 2 days, butane will probably take 3 weeks or more. I did buy the dual fuel stove that also runs on one pound propane tanks. I think I'm going to do a test and see which fuel boils water the quickest. FYI I bought the Gas ONE GS-3400P on Amazon for $32.99.
@@rocketsurgery8337 Propane is hotter.
@@jctedsap I have over 100 (1 pound) bottles of propane bought when they were around a dollar each. I also have several propane stoves but I'm saving the propane for my catalytic heaters should natural gas be cut off. Worst case scenario of course. In addition I have 2 different types of rocket stoves. It's important to be diversified.
Love my Buddy heater.
I love these videos. Even if it's just to refresh stuff in your mind you already heard before.
Need more videos more often. You take the time to explain things in detail ! Keep them coming … this info is more important now than ever
Greetings from Germany,
great channel.
I was a member of the THW(like civil disaster service) and also the german army. We burried ouer generators (aircooled) for disclosing nois and heat. This old generators had a exaust extention. Just put this extention in a Tunnel from the generator underground caché - exaust extention - small eartrunnel. On top a Wooddoor, with a PVCpipe airintake.
Watch out, if it rains or a flood.
Also we had a adapter for a 25liter Jerrycan. It was gravity feed.
A burried generator, with a long exaust earttunnel and a well isolated Toppdoor, reduces.the Bois, heat and smell signature.
Later we had well shielded watercooled Generators. You could use the water cooling system for heating a tent or container, bypassimg the cooler and installing a „used „ carcooler in youre quater. 😁
Northern Indiana we always loose power. We have had a genny hookup for years to run the house. Mother Nature does what she does.
If you store your generator outside please keep the tank full to keep moisture out, and mix Sta-bil in your gas. Shut the fuel line to off to drain the bowl when turning off and putting back away the refill. Luckily I store mine in my garage/basement along with the fuel to go along with it. Yes the fuel is stored in a large yellow fuel safe cabinet from a Habitat store next to the garage door and both have HVAC luckily! Steel jerry cans can be stored outside no problem but expensive. People that can't afford them, get 5 Gal racing jugs, they are about $30 and are far better than the newer Gov regulated gas cans. My transfer switch has been great and a must have prep! Here in the South we don't have the same resources for road preps and clearing like the states that see this every year. Power outages suck, but your plans need to be ready for that as well!
Where do you find 5 gallon racing jugs?
@@suzannewilliams3599 Summitracing, Jegs, Amazon, Ebay, anywhere you find high preformance automotive parts. They have them with filler necks, and you can also get awesome funnels as well.
@@RL-RL thank you!
@@suzannewilliams3599 Manards
@@dustinatwood7077 thanks 😊
I have lived in Michigan most of my life, I have driven many 4X4s. keep in mind a 4X4 can give you a false sense of security. you have great traction to get you moving in slippery conditions but you still only have 4 wheels braking like the rest of the cars on the road.
Yep here in the Midwest familiar with bad weather. One thing I do because I have stuff in my truck....
Cat litter, good shovel, the compact car battery charger, recovery tow strap and a plastic sled in case I have to leave the truck in bad snow. It will hold my gear and I’m the dog.
those of us who live in apartments and condos have more challenges for winter heating especially on upper floors. I can not have a fuel generator on my tiny deck so I keep my 2 mini solar power stations charged up
@Kaylynn Strain
That’s why you get Buddy heaters. Buy a couple of 20 pounds propane cylinders to refill one pound canisters or get the hose for the 20 pounds!!! He showed you at the beginning of the video. I’ve used the Buddy heater for years to heat my travel trailer when camping. Just crack a window open in your apartment. Plenty of RUclips video instruction available on the topic if you are serious about it!!!
Thanks for the reminders, always good to go back over your prep's. Love your channel. And I always get a good laugh at the end of your videos. It just goes to show we are not perfect. Thanks for making my day. 👍🙏✌️
Hello from Tulsa, OK. Wood stove is next on my list. We have a generator. Stay safe everyone. Great video.
No doubt. I make sure to run my snowblower and portable generator throughout the year, but especially before the snow starts to fly. Also keep 2 spare tanks full of propane for the gas grill. Haven't gotten into solar yet, but that is coming. I also keep 3 emergency radios charged up, as well as 5 of those 4Patriots power cells for my mobile devices.
I've bought several 15 LB Propane tanks at garage sales, .. pennies on the dollar.
@@gamerfortynine ?
There's nothing wrong with buying a propane tank 2nd hand.
propane tanks have a shelf life stamped on them, some places will not refill them so keep that in mind
@@patrapper7367 My place does.
Ah yes! Liquid Bropane... burns hot, hot, HOT! 🤣
Just kidding. Bropane don't work!
Good for you.
Great content! Bolt down your generator! Central Kentucky and the tornados here, get ready! God Bless and stay safe.
Small portable 2-way radios used by kids and in the outdoors are great to have too. Stay in contact with a neighbor who might be on the main road (to let you know if it's been plowed so you're not venturing out unnecessarily) and they also have a weather feature for National Weather Service forecasts and bulletins.
Awsome video as usual 👌🏻..just would like to add that your Refrigerators, freezers and coolers even though they are outside (Shops, barns ,garages and outside your home) will maintain internal temperature even though the outdoors are freezing temperatures, pack some or ice snow in them if not being powered will help keep them at cold or freezing temperatures.
Great Video Don.
I have a Sportsman brand 3500W dual fuel generator, I only use propane and I just finished changing oil and servicing it, ie. checking gas hoses, operation, etc. It was a lifesaver last February when our power was cut off, I bought this generator because my particular street block always had the power cut off up to 3 days even in nice weather. Best thing I ever bought. Now I’m looking into solar because Sootch is right, these gennies are noisy.
Generator during the day, batteries at night. Sort of like a WW2 diesel submarine.
Great ideas. I'm in CT. And we don't have many outages. But in 2013 both me and my wife's cars broke down in a giant blizzard. ( older. Vehicles). Since then we always keeps cords of wood for heat for our fireplace. And now , car kits. Thanks. Enjoyed the video.
Increasingly new vehicles break. I hear ABSOLUTELY maddening stories of folks getting stranded by 1-3 year old vehicles. .I like my old ones I can work on
I spend 2 or 3 days alone in the hills of Nevada every week, 33 miles from the nearest town, 7,000+ foot elevation. My 4 year old pull start 4,000 KW generator runs 4 hours every day and I have learned to keep a spray bottle of starter fluid and a screw driver handy, especially when it's cold (and it's always cold in the evenings).
I keep our metal gas cans under a tarp also but I keep them sitting on a few bricks so they don't sit in water/ice. I worry the bottoms could rust. Also, I run a long chain through the handles (there's propane too) and lock it all up to itself and a post. 👍
Great idea! 👍
Only use salt if you don't have cats or dogs. Sand doesn't hurt the paws. Also use vaseline or handlotion for the paws.
Finding winter & warm hunting clothing on clearance sale at Wmart since the past week. Warm Clothes Matter. Redundant backup heating in case one form fails, there’s backup to backup. Definitely Co and smoke alarms. Pw can and dry chem extinguishers.
I like my butane stove because it came with an adapter that I can hook up to a propane tank!
long live the republic stay warm
I got the DeWalt version of the Mr. Heater Buddy that uses the rechargeable battery. It has a light in the handle and 2 USB ports. Works great. Got it from Sportsman’s Guide using the Sootch discount of course! Love the butane single burner stoves. The cartridges are only around $3.50 and I pick up one about every other trip to the store so having an inventory doesn’t break the bank. That’s key. Buying a little along the way makes it affordable.
That's excellent
Absolutely!
A "rechargeable" battery for emergency heater use in power outage? ...huh.
@@frenchfryfarmer436 The other version uses D cell batteries to run the fan option. This one uses the rechargeable battery to run the fan, light and power the USB ports. It is not a ‘’forever running’’ power source but an extra one. The heater doesn’t have to use the fan to operate. I have multiple batteries already charged and they provide a temporary power and light source while adding to the operation of the heater.
Our Mr. Buddy heaters have been lifesavers on more than one occasion. Highly recommended. We use the small canisters for fuel coz I am not comfy with having the 20lb tanks inside the house.
In a emergency text message use less cellular band than a phone call. And sometimes you can send a message but you can’t make a call.
Good word about helping others, with caution. It's the reason we were put on this earth. Thanks for being a good example.
Hi Don, Another great video. My brand new truck is not really set up yet (shame on me, but I just got it). The last truck had a carpeted Leer topper with a BedRug bed liner (for some shelter). These are on order for the new truck. The better half and I are older. I guess for a cold weather emergency where we might be stuck in the truck, I have a recommendation. I am more into comfort than just surviving. In the winter months I keep 2 US Military ECWSS (Extreme Cold Weather Sleep System) bags in the truck (one for me and one for the misses). The ECWSS is an acronym for a fancy 3 layer military sleeping bag set up. These are rated to minus 40 degrees below zero (F) with proper layering. I had a big buddy heater in the back of the truck when we were waiting for the new 511 store to open in Knoxville (they were giving out $500.00 gift cards to the first few people in the door). It was 20 degrees outside. I turned off the Buddy heater and tested the ECWSS in the back of the truck over night. I woke up in the morning WARM AS TOAST, no buddy heater or any other heat source. So if you cant run a heat source, don't have a heat source, or if you run out of fuel (butane, alcohol, candles, hot hands, ETC)... These can not only be a life saver, but you can be confident that you will be comfortable until you are rescued (without any heat source). Also in addition to any water jugs (that might freeze) you can keep a couple of water bottles in the ECWSS with you to keep them from freezing, so you have some water.
Where did you find the ECWSS sleeping bags?
@@suzannewilliams3599 Hi Suzanne, I have 3 of them, I got one at an army navy surplus store and two on EBAY. The prices are high, but for a great piece of survival equipment, it is worth it. Try to make sure it states Tennier industries, then you know it is the real deal. There are now knockoffs for sale, some state "military style" or something similar I would not think they are mil spec and might not protect in extreme cold weather. I live in The Foothills Of The Great Smokey Mountains, it is not the coldest area of the country but it does get cold here. I think the wife told me it will go down to 11 degrees tonight.
@@arlenewolf5260 thank you so much!! I will be on the hunt for the real deal!
I always hit the 👍🏾 before I start your videos
I’m a truck driver I have food and water for me and my cat her name is fluff. I got a stove that use little bottles of gas. The truck has a diesel fuel heater for the inside of the truck for me. I help my tanks full at all times if I can. Now if you have a diesel car or truck that as D.E.F. Fluid it freezes at 12F so remember do your regeneration if you can force it at home and keep a bottle of D.E.F in house and put it in vehicle passenger compartment of your vehicle when traveling. If the D.E.F freezes the engine will shut off and will not start until it unfreezes and it can damage the filter for it. Now you should check if that tank is heated or not and if not where is it. Now if it is by the engine the engine should keep it working. If your car is a Tesla and you have a gasoline engine car keep the gasoline tank full most 4 cylinder car should be able to run for along time my old escort 1.8L engine used a 1/8 of fuel in 8 hours parked counting the 20 mile trip. Now lead acid batteries lose 20% power around 40 below and old batteries more test them. If your car is electric keep it topped off
@SensiblePrepper, it's always good to check the preps in your car and your vehicle. Things that you thought you had in your car may not actually be there anymore. Stuff happens. I watched a weather report this morning that said some really wintry weather may be coming to the Carolinas. Maybe you'll make a video about it.
This is the Best preparation RUclips site that I've seen.i also like his Gun reviews also.
I have a small mountain vacation cottage. With mini closets. Tiny Appliances. Can not store under house with vapor barriers. I stored some items under loft stairs. I dont want it cluttered and junky. Nice place to chill.
No shed. Blue Ridge No. Georgia Area. I can do basic prep but I have to realistic on I am fortunate to have a camp. I use s lot of 5 gal buckets and sm stacking Huffy for camp and food supplies. Tip. Ollies has great Tarp prices.
A standard kerosene heater works well, and you can cook on it. My generator plugs outside to a self-contained 6 plug outlet, so no electrician, you can find it on Amazon. Mpower makes some nice solar lanterns and 72-hour candles you can get at Dollar Tree. Our pellet stove and solar generator work well , with a 3 burner campchef to cook outside if we have to.
Tell everyone…. Carry a sealed, dry, wood ash in all their vehicles if you get stuck ,
Put some ash over your tires an at the base in which direction your going. It is messy, but it works.
I climbed many of mountains going home.
Praying for all y'all going through this frozen he'll right now.
Thank you again for all of your tips!
And I know you and your family are doing OK, in spite of all that's going on in SC.
(Air hug)
Simple thing, grab any immediate gear EVERY time you leave the car. My car was in an accident and my winter coat was in the seat. Police wouldn't let me go back to the car.
It was a blizzard. I lost my gear and vehicle on the side of the road with no one knowing where I was miles from home in zero visibility.
I also learned some EMS are not helpful and can be harmful.
(To be clear, the trip had an altitude difference of nearly 5000 feet with a 20+ degree change. )
Don't forget the de-icer and ice scrapers!
Great video...!!
Figure for voltage drop...on ext cords......
I keep an insulated pair of coveralls gloves and full face ski mask in my car. Plus a king size wool blanket and 2 cheap fleece throws. Also keep a case of bottled water and some nonperishable foods. I have one of those butane cook stoves along with a small cook sets for back packing. And a small tarp which I use to cover some this stuff in back of car. Some things fit nicely under the front seats.
I also keep other essential items at all times like jumper cables, tow strap, enough tools and extra parts for minor repairs. Extra oil and antifreeze plus various other fluids.
A folding camp shovel and large knife.
Plus I have my B.O.B. in car at all times.
Since I drive a small wagon all of it is accessible without getting out.
I hope I never need any of it but am glad it's there in case I do.
i have the 10 inch bauer and ryobi chainsaws that run on their 18v batteries.
they are easy to use and work surprisingly well. not too intimidating for amateurs like myself either. good way to get started
Did you say "electric chainsaws" ? For preparing for a power outage?? Am I missing something? ?. Long term how does that work? If you live in a cold climate (cloud cover) how will you replenish the 18volt batteries ?
@@frenchfryfarmer436 charge off your car or generator. they use the same batteries as your other power tools.
i know ryobi and milwaukee for example sell inverters also.
definitely not going to replace a gas powered chainsaw
pick each other up, & live the golden rule✌️
Dude, number one in set up that's a given is keeping it off the ground.
Thanks for this winter reminder. When you mentioned wool socks, I'd wholeheartedly recommend Darn Tough brand of merino wool. Made in the USA, guaranteed for life. Warm in winter, cool/wicking in the summer.
I love your channel, it is a smart way to prep. Thanks from Texas
I am sure you are always thinking about backup to help someone else too. We all know new friends who had trouble the last couple years or moved and they just haven't had time to get fully prepared. As for not waiting to buy new gear, find that good backup chainsaw when no one else is interested. You get more and pay less. Great job on the video, you did not miss much.
SHALOM...
SO GREAT TO SEE Y'ALL'S CHANNEL TODAY FROM BLOODY HARLAN KY.
BLESS U AND FAMILY.
THIS IS THE GREATEST ENTERTAINMENTING SHOW ON RUclips.
🛡🇺🇸🌟📜🌟🇺🇸🛡
If you have a wood stove/heater you have the majority of ur needs met. We just put our refrig foods in a cooler. Make ice in bucket set out during freezing weather. Then put that ice in the cooler.
Excellent and through presentation! I took notes on the indoor stove. My sister lives in NJ and they are constantly getting hit since Super Storm Sandy. They have food and sleeping bags, but I don’t know what else, so I’m sharing this with her. ✨
kerosene : 1 camp cook top, 2 heaters, 3 lamps . I am in north Georgia , these have served me well.
You mentioned, and showed, a solar generator. I have a Titan Solar Generator with 3 batteries. Each battery is 2000wh. It is the best on the market, in my opinion. They are expensive and on a 4-5 month backorder, but worth it. I have 1000w of solar for it. We use it as emergency backup power and we use it to power our RV while boondocking. We always enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.
I think of it like a spare tyre, I don't want to use it, but it's handy when I need it
Hey Sootch - this is random but it just popped in my head taking out my dogs stitches. You should make a video on how to do homemade wound stitches. Would be informative
I’m in the northern Adirondacks of NY! I readied my house after the 1998 ice storm that crippled the northeast. I was without power for 27 days in January. I had fellow firefighters that were a great help to keep my house from freezing up. I swore never again. Over the years I have gathered more items, more knowledge. Using non ethanol gas is a must. Non ethanol gas will store for a year without treatment, but two years with treatment. It’s always best to rotate your gas supply. I have a wood stove that heats my entire house, but you need to cut your wood a year in advance. I added solar five years ago and bought a few Jackery power units. They are real handy. We can run the generator for a few hours during the day, charge the Jackery’s with solar….then at night put the genny away and use the Jackery’s to power TV and a few lights if needed……we mostly use oil lamps! Being prepared for such events turns what could be a disaster into a inconvenience!!!
Closing your curtains keeps the heat inside, Solar Panels on the Roof to charge the batteries or power the house partially in the form of the Fridge and Freezer possibly the lights so at night you let the Generator powering things until daylight hours. Generators can come with Solar Recharge or use and alternate fuel to power these days.
You will need to get the filter for the big buddy heater if you’re hooking it up to a grill tank. so it won’t pull the particulates in the tank into the heater and clog it up.you don’t have to use the filter with the 1 pound tank.
Not completely true. When running a hose where the regulator is built into the heater it can pull oils and plasticizers out of the rubber. The 10ft hose made for the Big Buddy is made from a different compound and does not require a filter. The other size hoses they offer do require a filter.
I have a solar red dot...comes with a CR battery for back up.
I recently bought a BOSS mr heater propane heat water pump/shower...got it for 100 from Bezos...built like a tank
Find a way to make room to put your home wood in safe storage . Line your garage wall with it . It can act as a bullet barrier . Others will want that seasoned wood . Use a garage attic made stronger to age your wood . And rig that attick as a back up living space . Set to run on solar power walls are bare run wire set up cover insulate gabble bent openings change to windows .
Coleman stove using a 20 pound tank is what I use, after the 1 pound tanks are used up.
Two years ago, I hired a licensed electrician to put in an outlet form my 15 KW generator. The connection goes to my panel. I have a device that will not allow me to back feed when the generator is running and powering my home. It saves a lot of trouble and time.
Its called an auto matic transfer switch can get one at RV center
I would recommend using the 40# propane tanks. The small bbq tanks do not hold enough fuel for the Mr Big Buddies.
Good idea👍
I'll be sure to keep my tarp fresh. Great vid. Lots of little details I actually went and got done, spruced up. Watched it 3 times.
It's good a candle in a jar in your vehicle in case you are stranded, so you can have heat without running your vehicle.
Get the big propane tanks then only get maybe dozen little one pounders, then there is a little 8$ adapter so u can refill the little tank from the big 20 pound tank
I'm off grid in the mountains. I have found a way I tried and proven that works and I slept with out any heat or electrify at all for a real SHTF sanereo. I tried this on the coldest nights without running any heat or electricity at all!!! I was so warm I woke up I had to take off some of my hat layers and some layers of blankets I was getting so hot. Prep and prepare now the storm is coming!!!
Most are clueless how that works....unfortunately. slept in my car many nights. Coldest was on a winter ice climbing trip to ADK.
-28 air temp. Frosty
Your comment doesnt say what you tried. Im seeing this 2 months after the post so...
@@pennylaur7687 I had a sleeping mummy style bag, another rectangle style sleeping bag over it and with 9 blankets on top. I was very warm on the coldest day of the winter. Too hot started to sweat had to take some blankets off.
Lamp fuel can also be used cook little servings of food from hobo stove
Don't forget to keep oil and filters for those generators...
I’ve used the gas generator to charge the Jackery solar generator.
we are many layers & levels of ready. motor oil is important vehicles & gas generators need changes and price across the board is going up now. walmart prices have gone up so heads up.
FLORIDA Here power failures has always been a problem this weekend COLD But we are going to below 30*F MONDAY I had a 32kw gasoline generator, but Family took it and pawn it for cigarettes and Vodka
It ain't the little bit of snow, we have in the South. It all the dang ice!
(But, I didn't know SC. got so much snow, this year. We have not hardly seen any, in GA.)
Solar battery generator like, jackery, blueti or Energizer are awesome, keeping in mind 500w to 1000w for most small devices, that keep a power charge in them are valuable too.
Always have heavy blankets in the truck just in case. Learned a lot from last years polar vortex here in Texas
Another great video.
Ppl need to actually use what they have before they need them. That way you know it works and its capabilities.
Another thing to keep in vehicle would be tire chains. look for the bungee style connectors
I have Honda generators that have converted to propane. Propane stores a long time. It is easier on your generator than gas.
Good tips as usual Don. We have the Mr buddy and can close off our living room if needed. Of course our generators with cords.
Prep On T-man
STABIL 360 for your gas. Can't say enough about it. I inherited a generator. Ran it in the Summer. Went through a Winter and it wouldn't start in March. Took apart the carb, bowl, etc. There was GEL in the carb and bowl from water. Gel. Couldn't believe it. Drained the gas. 1 quart of water phase in a gallon of gas. Unbelievable. Used Stabil 360 since then. NO problems in generator, saws, blowers, mowers, etc.
The tank has to be kept full and has to be well sealed. Any outside atmosphere that gets trapped in the tank or that can get into the tank causes trouble with ethanol blend gas. I've had no problems keeping ethanol blend for up to 2 years in my generator. That's with no stabilizer.
I learned that my small generator runs most of my power outage needs but although that is the case its not quiet.
Don't forget to keep your cars gassed up. With a full tank, most cars can idle for aday or two and can be used as a lifeboat to warm up in. That gas can also serve as a back up supply for your other gas powered accessories when siphoned out.
Also 12 to 120volt inverters are pretty cheap these days and linked to your car can provide emergeny electric either in addition to or in lue of a seperate generator. Plus it's quiet and won't draw so much attention as a stand alone gas generater!! Use heavy duty extension cords only, #12 or heavier.
Southeast Texas..humid year round.. not cold at all this year
Here in West Central Indiana, some Shell gas stations have a pump that has no alcohol in it.
Glad you mentioned drive slower in winter conditions regardless of 4WD or 2WD:) I've lived in the mountains of NC up around Watauga/Avery/Mitchell Counties my entire life, and I can drive my front wheel drive car, better than many newer folks who've moved up here with 4WD:) LMAO!
I set up for my generator a monthly test run, just an alarm on my cell phone. I hook a small heater to a plug for about a 10 minute "load test" You need to go quality on those electrical cables the smaller cables can be problematic over time and depending on how much is connected and distance to those from gen cause line drop so more electric use from gen also. I purchased several lamp oil wicks could have made but they were cheap and use olive oil in small jar for lighting til i have gen up..
⚠️Portable Generator Safety Tips:
1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards.
2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Also please never use your generator in your deck or balcony. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house.
3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules. It’s also not safe to move your generator while it’s running.
4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords.
ruclips.net/user/shortseFigDfnPkcQ?feature=share and here is a short video more about keeping others safe when using generators
Hope this helps
@@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast I agree except the "quaiified person only comment. That being stated an unnamed generator company wanted to install a 22 kw gen for emergency use. I informed said company that x amount wattage was only during emergency ops. I am running an 8 kw with surge to 10kw fine.
Thanks for the info. I definitely want to get a couple of those Biolights.
Sootch How are you are one of the most prepared man I have ever seen. Unfortunately I don’t have the luxury of space where I live so it’s all I can do to store what I can but hopefully in the next two or three months when my lease runs out where I live I can move somewhere a little further off the beaten track with a little bit more storage space
I have a small 200 watt solar panel set up with a small batt just to recharge flashlights ect and its a small investment
We live in East Tennessee and we will have some rain tomorrow so hopefully everyone at lub will do their job