Sneakers
Just sneakin' around....
Kinda full of politics for the moment, so looking at other things. One thing that keeps popping up in my YouTube Suggestions are "preppers" with "What I did Wrong" and "What I'd do Differently" videos. I quoted "preppers" because many of these people just aren't. Spent a lot on money on toys and supplies, but didn't think the obvious through, and fully expected their preparations would allow life-as-normal with minor inconveniences, and didn't consider the true meaning of "emergency preparedness". Granted, these storms caught entire regions off-guard and there were some things you just couldn't foresee, like entire towns being washed away. There just isn't any prep for that.
Those with well water thought they were fine with a generator and didn't need to store water. Flood waters rendered wells totally useless and contaminated. Supplies stored in the basement in cardboard boxes were destroyed. The ones that really got me were those lamenting that their little 500 watt portable battery didn't have enough power to make coffee. Not one of these people ever heard of perk pots that work over a fire or propane stove? Or drip makers or French presses that only need hot water? Septic systems were useless due to flooding, but no one could figure out how to crap in the woods? Dishes piled high in the sink because dirty water couldn't be put into the flooded septic system? Sponge baths when you can't shower? These folks all need to go on an extended survival camping trip.
I started watching these vids thinking maybe they had some real words of wisdom that I could use. Now I watch them and cringe. Yeah, I know I sound harsh considering what many went thru, but common sense is lacking.
Anyway... I did come across one very good idea. When you run an extension cord from the generator outside to inside, put it thru a window and use a pool noodle. Also as he shows, if your generator has an L14-30 connector, use a 240v extension cord from the generator into the house, and a 240v to 120v adapter once inside to reduce the number of long extension cords that need to be run outside. Ideally, install an outdoor generator outlet with an interlock on your breaker panel and eliminate the extension cords. Not expensive at all.
Those with well water thought they were fine with a generator and didn't need to store water. Flood waters rendered wells totally useless and contaminated. Supplies stored in the basement in cardboard boxes were destroyed. The ones that really got me were those lamenting that their little 500 watt portable battery didn't have enough power to make coffee. Not one of these people ever heard of perk pots that work over a fire or propane stove? Or drip makers or French presses that only need hot water? Septic systems were useless due to flooding, but no one could figure out how to crap in the woods? Dishes piled high in the sink because dirty water couldn't be put into the flooded septic system? Sponge baths when you can't shower? These folks all need to go on an extended survival camping trip.
I started watching these vids thinking maybe they had some real words of wisdom that I could use. Now I watch them and cringe. Yeah, I know I sound harsh considering what many went thru, but common sense is lacking.
Anyway... I did come across one very good idea. When you run an extension cord from the generator outside to inside, put it thru a window and use a pool noodle. Also as he shows, if your generator has an L14-30 connector, use a 240v extension cord from the generator into the house, and a 240v to 120v adapter once inside to reduce the number of long extension cords that need to be run outside. Ideally, install an outdoor generator outlet with an interlock on your breaker panel and eliminate the extension cords. Not expensive at all.
