Winter blackout contingency planning

lindatoo

wittynamegoeshere said:

Do people of a certain age never drink anything cold that isn't alcoholic?  I don't get it, if you're thirsty just drink some water.  If people are so set in their ways that it's booze, a cuppa or nothing then they themselves are their biggest problem, not the electricity supply.

It seems peculiar to actually put money, time and worry into creating a solution to a problem that doesn't actually exist unless you're some kind of slave to routine.

The same goes for broadband, if it's disconnected then I'll read a book, we'll talk to each other or go for a walk. 

Some people are a slave to routine through no fault of their own.

 My best friend had a massive stroke at the age of 50. It left him bed ridden living alone, depending on daily visits from carers and myself. He had little interest in food, all he wanted was regular cups of tea and to watch his TV. One winter when we started to get power cuts in our region, I was so worried bought a camping stove, torches  and books to read to him (His stroke affected his ability to read himself) etc, the power cuts never came our way but being able to be prepared in a very small way very much relieved my anxiety so it was well worth putting the time and money in. I accept that this an extreme case but there are people out there in similar situations.

ariarnia

wittynamegoeshere said:

We have elderly relatives, who do have something of a routine obsession, and do only drink hot drinks normally.  But I will definitely not be providing them with a camping stove.  I'd much rather hear them moaning about having to drink corporation pop than hearing about their house burning down.

It should be pretty much self-limiting, that those who aren't capable of choosing then buying a stove probably aren't the best people to be using one.

This all sounds endearingly caring but potentially very hazardous.

why are you assuming my mil is 'obsessed' with routine or incapable of buying or safely using a stove? people buy people things and do things to help even when it's not 'necessary'. at least our family do. its a way to show you listen to what they've said and care about how they feel even if you don't agree or think the same way. 

seems to me your showing some very ridgid and illogical thinking there. not able to understand that people might make different choices and prioritise different things than you depending on there likes and lifestyle and that it's okay if they do as long as it doesn't hurt anyone and they can afford it. 

lindatoo

wittynamegoeshere said:

We have elderly relatives, who do have something of a routine obsession, and do only drink hot drinks normally.  But I will definitely not be providing them with a camping stove.  I'd much rather hear them moaning about having to drink corporation pop than hearing about their house burning down.

It should be pretty much self-limiting, that those who aren't capable of choosing then buying a stove probably aren't the best people to be using one.

This all sounds endearingly caring but potentially very hazardous.

The stove I bought wasn't for my friend to make drinks for himself that would just be madness as he couldn't even get out of bed. I bought a stove so I could make the drinks because it was me that was anxious. The point is if buying a few bits relieve anxiety it is worth it, to me anyway;.but I understand your point although I doubt anyone would put a camping stove in the hands of someone incapable of using it safely. At least I hope not.

facade

My eBay USB lamps arrived today, and there is A Problem that I didn't foresee.

The power bank switches off after a few minutes because there isn't enough load from one of them, I'll have to wire a second one in parallel to keep the powerbank on.

Apodemus

facade said:

My eBay USB lamps arrived today, and there is A Problem that I didn't foresee.

The power bank switches off after a few minutes because there isn't enough load from one of them, I'll have to wire a second one in parallel to keep the powerbank on.

Yep!  I had a UPS for the phone and router and had to add load to keep it running, which of course hugely shortened the back-up time available, rather defeating the purpose!

Ultrasonic

wittynamegoeshere said:

I'd be cautious about any rechargeable solution, as it means you're going to need to leave it on perpetual charge.  

Why? I won't be.

[Deleted User]

wittynamegoeshere said:

I'd be cautious about any rechargeable solution, as it means you're going to need to leave it on perpetual charge.  This could use a fair bit of power over time, but I'd also worry about damaging the battery or overheating/fire, especially if it's noname chinesium type of stuff.

I've got a battery lantern and a pack of decent disposable batteries from a reputable source.  If they don't get used in the next five years I'll stick them in something else and buy some new ones.

I think it is good to have a mix but you don't need to leave rechargeable batteries on perpetual charge.

Li-ion batteries only lose 1-2% per month so you can charge them up and forget for 6 months. NiMH loses charge a bit quicker though and should probably be topped up monthly.

The clear advantage of rechargeables is the cost but if you only use something as a backup once a year then maybe that doesn't matter, but if we are going to see rolling blackouts this winter then the rechargeable will soon pay for themselves.

GingerTim

Besides, if you know a power cut is coming at 3pm on a Thursday, you know to charge the battery/powerbank before then.

ariarnia

i don't know about anyone else but every year we have a preping for winter checklist. that includes things like getting out the duvets and winter curtains, checking if anyone needs new slippers pjs or blankets, testing the boiler/rads, checking the drains roof and chimniy, filling the log store. that kind of thing. now we have some rechargeable torches then i would think checking and charging them in the autumn would be added to the general list. theres not much reason to expect to need them during the summer when its barely dark 3 hours a night. if we do have blackouts then i would have thought charging them after they've been used would be enough to say we'd have charge for the next time needed. no need for excessive or obsessive worry or anxiety about it. just sensible routine practicality. 

markin

My power bank only works with the lamp on medium/ High.