Preparedness for when

newlywed

Popperwell wrote: »

I would certainly have windows open and probably work in the passage alongside the house if I am staying here and possibly just outside in the garden but it would only be to heat water or something quick like soup/baked beans if the electric failed as I only have gas CH, everything else is electric...

We have gas CH but it's controlled by an electricery timer thingy, so when we had a power cut, there was no heating either.... just so you can add hot water bottles into your plan in case it's the same.....

Popperwell

newlywed wrote: »

We have gas CH but it's controlled by an electricery timer thingy, so when we had a power cut, there was no heating either.... just so you can add hot water bottles into your plan in case it's the same.....

I think that could be a problem here too...for the timer but I think it uses an electric pump to pump water around the system and if that fails there is an electric emmersion heater option too...but that would be no use either...it would be a cse of using blankets, warm clothes and diving under the duvet.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Thinking about it, I do have a tiny little bit of preparedness.

In the pet food cupboard, I have a box containing the wet food (easily pick up able), an airtight container with dried food in (with a handle) and the cat carrier with the insurance policy documentation and medications in a plastic bag taped to the lid.

Oh, and the plastic wheeled trolley that the basket sits on is neatly folded behind it, so I wouldn't have to lug three wailing cats and food in my arms, I'd just pop food in it and the carrier on top and wheel them out the door.

So any emergencies relating to them (and they would all fit into one box, albeit a little unhappily ) and I'm out the door.


Oh, then there is the tool kit. And camping/fishing gear, ready to go at a moment's notice (although that is because I actually like fishing, not in case I need food urgently). The medications in the kitchen cupboard are separated into their categories - painkillers, antihistamines, etc - in ziplock bags and labelled clearly in a small basket - so they are easy to pick up. If I have the expected change in meds next week, I'll have to sort it out so I have a mini injecting kit/safe place to inject wherever I go.


The rest, well, I am reluctant to hoard things - I grew up with a hoarder parent, so huge mounds of stuff really stresses me out. Any more than two of something and I'm stressed, more than 3 and I'm hyperventilating.


I live in the town centre, so I'm not too worried about roads being blocked or being stranded, but I think it might be a plan to gradually build up a small backup of a few things.


Mainly for when the government decide that I am to live on thin air, but I suppose the riots could kick off again.

newlywed

just wondering whether this would get more use than a camping stove...

http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-portable-bucket-charcoal-bbq/207-3429.prd?recommendationId=7126e251-626f-4e65-86b8-4a46bab22bc3.0&skuId=207-3429

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

newlywed wrote: »

just wondering whether this would get more use than a camping stove...

http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-portable-bucket-charcoal-bbq/207-3429.prd?recommendationId=7126e251-626f-4e65-86b8-4a46bab22bc3.0&skuId=207-3429

I got one a few years back - and kept it in case the oven packed up.


It came in very handy when waiting for the repairman to come last spring.

Popperwell

newlywed wrote: »

just wondering whether this would get more use than a camping stove...

http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-portable-bucket-charcoal-bbq/207-3429.prd?recommendationId=7126e251-626f-4e65-86b8-4a46bab22bc3.0&skuId=207-3429

If the gas or electric fail just about anything woud work but in this situation we'd need access to a garden or an open space even if it was outside the front door. I guess with the product you have highlighted there are no gas cannisters...I would risk my camping stove with plenty of ventilation...

I could eat a lot of food cold but my camping stove is to get hot water, heat soup, do a quick simple meal but hopefully both the utilities will not be off at the same time but I am dependent on electric for all meals...

valk_scot

newlywed wrote: »

just wondering whether this would get more use than a camping stove...

http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-portable-bucket-charcoal-bbq/207-3429.prd?recommendationId=7126e251-626f-4e65-86b8-4a46bab22bc3.0&skuId=207-3429

It can cause a buildup of CO2 so not for use indoors either. Also it's not like gas, you can't just switch it off once you've boiled a kettle.

Now this is a nice gizmo, I've had one for about eight years now. It's very stable and keeps the heat well up and away from the work surface, the gas cannister type is more reliable than the cylinders and the cannister is well shielded from the burner. I still wouldn't recommend using it indoors, it's an outside cooker. But other than that it's not at all bad.

If you're using any type of gas camping cooker outdoors btw using a wind shield or placing it in a very sheltered corner will help your gas last a great deal longer. Use a thin based pot if possible and use a lid to conserve gas as well. And remember the word simmer is unknown to most camp cookers, they're either full blast on or about to blow out in my experience.

prepareathome

Well I know I am going to annoy some lurkers on here as I have ordered gadgets - gasp, horror I am not being fully OS - I have spent the birthday money son in Oz has sent me on things I have wanted for many years but money always needed elsewhere, but son made me promise I would not do what I always do and use money for bills......so I have bought a ghillie kettle ( after due deliberation I went with that, it was the whistle that won me over) and a dutch oven.

If its ever dry enough for us to have nice day out which we used to do in the past they will be used, usually take a camping stove - flat type with. Kettle will be back up for power cuts and dutch oven can be used in the oven as well as outdoors so to me I see it as both are useful items. I did consider a cobb but my heart was wanting the kettle and dutch oven, been wanting them for two many years not to get them now. Now just got to wait till they arrive as would be bank holiday when I order them so will not be sent out till Tuesday, ah well waited years what is another week, its to long I want them Now!

D&DD

PAH great choice, I have a couple of dutch oven cookbooks if you need any pointers/recipes I'd love these but can't do the open fire thing here so no real point atm.

Thanks so much for posting all the safety tips re camping stoves etc they're really helpful.

(same goes for the Cobb although its called an oven it has to be used outside.)

Fru I use my headtorch when I'm using my sewing machine lol

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Don't mean to go too far off topic, but do you ever find that people misread your Stopped Smoking Wed as Stopped Smoking Weed, by any chance?


Or is that just me that thinks that way?