Solar Flares could wipe out Power Grid

Did you ever hear about the Solar Flares in 1859 that disrupted telegraph lines all over the world?  It is called the Carrington Event.

Read Wikipedia, The Solar Storm of 1859: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_storm_of_1859

Telegraph systems all over Europe and North America failed, in some cases even shocking telegraph operators.^[5] Telegraph pylons threw sparks and telegraph paper spontaneously caught fire.^[6]

We have a small re-enactment of that event going on today.  Just be aware that events like this have the possibility of knocking out power.  And since there were no electronic car parts, or computers, or cell phone towers in 1859, think of what might happen today if all those electronic parts got fried by an extremely strong solar flare.  It is definitely something to think about.

A massive solar storm arrived at Earth early Thursday, and is expected to shake the globe's magnetic field until early Friday morning, while expanding the Northern Lights.
A giant blast of plasma spat from the sun at as much as 4 million miles per hour Tuesday -- by some measures the largest solar event since late 2006 -- and it could lead to serious issues on Earth, forcing some planes to reroute, knocking out power grids, and blacking out radios.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/03/07/sun-fires-off-2-huge-solar-flares-could-impact-weather-on-earth/?intcmp=features#ixzz1oXne5ZM8

Headlamp flashlights

You will wish you had one of these!  They have a stretchy strap to put around your head so you can look like a coal miner.

You can aim the light right at what you need to see, and you will still have two hands free.  Holding a flashlight with one hand really limits you when you are are trying to cook dinner or change a diaper.

I took this picture in 2011 at Walmart.

They are $5.95 at Emergency Essentials here:
http://beprepared.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_CL%20F412_A_name_E_High+Uinta+Gear%99+Endurance+Headlamp
(If you want to order, our ward is doing a group order this month.)

Solar Yard Lights for emergencies

Remember, our ward will be practicing "No Electric Lights and No Powered Entertainment for One Night" next week (preferably Sunday night March 11). 

(Reposted from Aug. 5, 2011)

I went to Walmart the other day and found these solar yard lights.  The black one was $4 each, or you could buy a box of eight for $20.

The red/white one was on clearance from Independence Day.  It had been $1.50 each, and  now it is marked down to $1 each.

I bought one of each and came home and put them in my yard all day so they got charged in the sun.

The next morning I remembered to bring them inside about 11 a.m.  I put them in my windowless bathroom, and tested them to see how well they lighted the room.

In the dark room, I could hold the light up to my scriptures and read.

Seven hours later, they had not run out of energy.  Same test.  I could still read with them.

Twenty-four hours later, the $1 red/white one was going dim, but still had a tiny amount of light coming out.  The $4 one was still almost as bright as it had been 24 hours earlier, without any extra charging.

I am going right back to Walmart and buying a whole yard full of these things.  They will be a lot cheaper than using flashlights everywhere in the house when we have a power outage.  They are rechargeable, so that means they are much cheaper than using glowsticks.  And they are much safer than leaving a candle lit in the bathroom.

Solar Powered Christmas Lights

Remember, our ward will be practicing "No Electric Lights and No Powered Entertainment for One Night" next week (preferably Sunday night March 11). 


(Reposted from Jan. 15, 2012)

Here is a great way to light your house during a disaster, when you have no electricity.

Buy solar powered Christmas lights.

The day before Christmas I was at Walmart, and saw solar powered LED lights.  They were originally $20, on sale for $13.  (The brand name was "Philips" Solar Powered LED, 110 bulbs, Cool White Icicle Lights, For outdoor use, Lighted Length: 8 ft.)

I charged them for one day, then put them in my windowless master bedroom closet.  They shined for 4 days!  The closet was not as bright as using the ceiling light, but it was plenty light enough to get dressed.  If you needed more light I think you could use two strands.

I was so glad I had bought 4 sets, and next year I am going to buy more.

I am very excited that manufacturers are making solar powered items, because they are really going to help out people like me who can see their usefulness as a survival product.

I plan to loop them across the top of my draperies to light up a room during a power outage.  I just have to remember to charge them in the days preceding a hurricane or ice storm.

Lighting options using solar power

When the bad times really come, I don't want to have to rely on buying batteries from the store.  Here are some solar powered products that look really good.  Wouldn't the pioneers have loved these!


The following items were developed for use in 3rd world countries. The solar panel is incorporated into the item and the only thing that has to be done is to place them outside during the day for use at night.


http://www.bogolight.com/
A solar powered flashlight.  $19.99 or $29.99.

http://www.amazon.com/d-light-S10-Solar-LED-Lantern/dp/B004B924OG
A lantern with a solar panel on top.  4 hours light on high or 8 on low. Once again you hang it outside during the day . Provides very good light.  Everyone loves these for camping.  It is called  the S 10 d.light.


http://www.dlightdesign.com/products_D.LIGHT_S250_global.php
The S 250 model d.light  has a larger more focused beam lantern.  It comes with all the adaptors for charging a cell phone. The solar panel is larger for this item and is separate but again you simply set the item outside during the day.

Coleman lanterns versus Oil lamps

Remember, our ward will be practicing "No Electric Lights and No Powered Entertainment for One Night" next week (preferably Sunday night March 11). 




Here is what my husband said (and he has been camping a million times).


Coleman lanterns: 

We just heard that propane lanterns should not be used indoors. ***See disclaimer note at bottom.*** 
Fuel: They use cans of propane fuel.  (a 1 pound can is shown above, but you can also attach them to a 20 lb. tank using an attachment hose.)
They produce very bright light.  You can read or play games or prepare food easily.
Two-mantle lanterns produce twice as much light as One-mantle lanterns, but they also use twice as much fuel as One-mantle lanterns. 
It is handy to buy a pole to attach to your 20-lb propane tank, which allows you to hang the lantern on the pole.  




Oil Lamps:

They are safe to use inside.
They give off very low light, almost as dim as a candle.
Fuel:  This one uses lamp oil, some use kerosene.  
You have to clean the glass chimney.
You need to practice using them, the wick needs trimming after use.
Buy extra wicks for long term emergencies, you can find wicks in the camping aisle at Walmart.






* * * *DISCLAIMER:  I got the following from another blog.  We have used a Coleman propane lantern inside our house with the windows open, so we do use them inside.  Read below:

> I was surprised to learn at Coleman's website that only their battery
> powered lanterns should be used indoors.  This is from their FAQ:
> "We do not recommend using fuel burning lanterns indoors or in enclosed
> areas due to the danger of fire and the emission of carbon monoxide (CO) and
> the effects of carbon monoxide exposure. Only battery-powered lanterns
> should be used indoors."
> Is there a brand of fuel burning lantern that's safe for indoor use?

This is their lawyers talking.
Kerosene lanterns were the norm for cabin and house lighting for many
decades. Still the norm in many parts of the world.
Propane lanterns are just like the gas lamps people had in their houses
prior to the arrival of electricity.
A propane lantern is perfectly fine in a reasonably-ventilated space.
Meaning, don't use it an airtight close and fall asleep with it on!
The danger of knocking over a lantern is obvious, as it is with
candles, etc.
Buy a Coleman or Century propane lantern. If Coleman has now stopped
selling propane lanterns, buy from who still sells them.
--Tim May 


Also, our Big Buddy propane heater is safe to use inside, so I don't see why using the exact same bottle of propane would be any different using it in a lantern.

March Emergency Essentials order

This order is not endorsed by the Church.  It is one of many ways to get food storage.



http://beprepared.com/default.asp?SID=GOOGLE&EID=GLB200801066&gclid=CPja-pvE0K4CFYbe4AodTzQYQA

To my ward members:  Please get your checks made out to me by March 18. (Please don't give me checks in the chapel.)

In my opinion, here are some of the good deals this month:

Group specials:  (If we get one set of these, all of our order has free shipping.)  If you look at these on their website, the more expensive price shows.  If you click on it, the cheaper price shows.

Freeze dried chopped spinach.  #10 cans. We need to order 12 cans, to get the sale price of $9 (instead of $13.95) and free shipping.

As a group leader, they sent me a free can of FD spinach to try.  I ADORE spinach dip, and buy frozen chopped spinach for $1 per package.  So I tested the FD spinach, and it rehydrated in just a couple of minutes, and I made some spinach dip, and couldn't tell the difference.  I am definitely going to buy some, because then I can make spinach dip anytime I want to without running to the store for the frozen stuff.

I will give a small baggie of freeze dried spinach to anyone who wants to try it out.  Just come over and get some.

Dehydrated Chopped Onions.  #10 cans.  We need to order 12 cans, to get the sale price of $8 (instead of $10.95.) and free shipping.

I compared the Emergency Essentials price of $8 for 30 oz, to Sam's Club price of $13.88 for 50 oz.  The EE price was .27 per ounce, and the Sam's Club price was .28 per ounce.  So it wasn't a huge savings, but if you are in the market for dehydrated onions anyway, please consider buying them here so we can get the free shipping.

March specials: (These are just cheaper prices.  We don't have to buy a certain amount to get this price.  Doesn't help us get free shipping.)

Heirloom Seed Combo Pack.  $18.99.  These are good to buy if you believe we are going to have to live off of our gardens someday.  Keep seeds in your freezer, and rotate them every year.

Freeze-dried Chicken Breast strips.  $28.99 each.  (About 50 cents cheaper if we buy 6 or more.)  I have heard this meat turns out really good when rehydrated, just like freshly cooked.  I haven't tried it myself.

Provident Pantry Instant Nonfat Dry Milk (the blue label). #10 can.   $15.49 each, regular $19.95.  (About 50 cents cheaper if we buy 6 or more.)  This is the milk that my friend's family said is the very best to drink.

Good things that people have asked me about:

100 hour Plus Emergency Candle.  $4.50.  

High Uinta Endurance LED Headlamp flashlight.  $5.95.  I wore one of these flashlights on my head during my announcement in Relief Society last Sunday.  The ones at Walmart are $14.

Mr. Heater indoor-safe propane heaters, Emergency Essentials carries 3 different models:  All three of them have a low-oxygen shut-off sensor, and a tip-over shut-off sensor

Mr. Heater Big Buddy, $136.99. Heats up to 400 sq ft.   (This is the one I have.  It has a battery-powered fan.).  I saw a couple in the clearance department at Walmart last week for $129, there might be one left.

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy.  $94.95.  Heats up to 200 sq ft.  (It also has a battery powered fan.)

Mr. Heater Little Buddy.  $69.95.  

Kelly Kettle, outdoor cooking system, base camp combo.  $109.95.  My husband has been wanting to buy this, he thinks it is a great way to cook while camping.

Boxed Water Kits.  Kit containing 5 boxes/bags, $30.99. Kit containing 20 boxes/bags, $114.99.   Each box when filled weighs 40 lbs.  Stackable up to 3 high to save floor space.  My mom has these in all her closets.

If you want to receive your own catalogs, please email me with your mailing address and I will submit your name to Emergency Essentials.  I think it is helpful to receive the catalog, it seems easier to browse through all their products.

Walton Feed Order- spring 2012

Wanda M., from the Chapel Hill ward, sent me the following (I have changed it a little.)

Dear friends,

Twice a year, Melissa C., a dynamic amazing sister in South Carolina, runs a multi-stake, multi-state Walton Feed order.  Walton Feed is a food storage / bulk foods company in Idaho.  Because Melissa combines orders over such a large area, she gets good discounts.  In many cases, her price WITH shipping is less than the website's price WITHOUT shipping.

To keep the prices as low as possible, we ship the food out by truck.  This means (a) we have to wait for the food to be delivered -- sometimes several months; and (b) when the food is delivered, everyone who ordered needs to help with the delivery.  It is not a quick process; it takes about two hours.  If you cannot lift, you can make sure things are organized properly and labels are facing out.  It is amazing, but these simple, non-lifting tasks can cut the order time in half, and that's important!

This order is run entirely by volunteers.  Nobody makes any money on this order except Walton Feed.  This order is not endorsed by the Church.  It is one of many ways to get food storage.

So, it now is time for the spring 2012 Walton Feed order.  Deadline to have orders to Amy is Sunday March 25.  That is a strict deadline.  I have attached a spreadsheet price list, and a .pdf price list.  To order, you enter your order on the spreadsheet and e-mail it back to me.  Then send me a check for the appropriate amount. (You need to make the check out to me- AMY)  I combine all the orders, and e-mail one combined order to Melissa, and snail mail her one large check for our stake.  She combines all the orders she gets, works out the kinks, organizes the trucks and routes, and sends it to Walton Feed.  Because her bank freaks out when she walks in with 200 checks to deposit, she asks for one check per stake.  I guess 50 checks is all the bank can handle :-).

--Wanda M.

From Amy:

I FOUND OUT:  YOU NEED TO PUT MY NAME ON THE CHECK.  

Please email me if you are thinking of ordering, or if you have any questions.  If I can't answer them, I will have you call Wanda.

To my ward members:  Email me and I will email you a spreadsheet and price list.

Scented Candles too stinky

(Remember, our ward will be practicing "No Electric Lights and No Powered Entertainment for One Night" next week (preferably Sunday night March 11). 



Ben H. told me of his family's experience with an extended power outage.  They thought they had plenty of lighting, since they had an abundance of scented candles.

He said that was a mistake, because all those scented candles were overpowering and his family just couldn't stand all the fragrance in the air.

Now, his family has stocked up on other types of non-electric lighting.  He recommended buying some of the 100-hour emergency candles.  (And no, they aren't scented!)

Here is a link to those emergency candles.  I've never used one, so I can't tell you if I recommend them or not.  They are $4.50 each.  If you want some of them, I will be doing an Emergency Essentials order for our ward this month.

http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=CL%20C700

Reminder: "No Electric Lights, No powered entertainment" next week

Remember, our ward will be practicing "No Electric Lights and No Powered Entertainment for One Night" next week (preferably Sunday night March 11). 


Start collecting non-electric lighting.  Flashlights, batteries, lanterns, kerosene lamps, glowsticks, candles, matches, solar lawn lights, etc, are options.  Determine if you need to buy more, and buy them.

Rules:
Choose one night (during the week of March 11-18). 
Use no electric lights from 4 pm until the following morning.  Other electricity (for cooking, laundry, etc.) is okay.
Use no powered entertainment or media.  Pretend the power has been off so long that all your rechargeable electronic devices have gone dead.  You may talk on the phone minimally, but don't use your phone's games or internet.


Goals:
See if you have enough emergency lighting.
Learn how to entertain the children and adults without power.


To my ward members:
Email me and tell me what you learned, and I will publish it anonymously, so we can all learn together.

Keeping your kids happy in a natural disaster

Remember, our ward will be practicing "No Electric Lights and No Powered Entertainment for One Night" next week (preferably Sunday night March 11).  Click on the following article and think about what it would REALLY be like to be without lights or entertainment for 13 days, like that family was.




http://mamasfoodstorage.blogspot.com/2008/10/keeping-your-kids-happy-in-natural.html

Here is the first-hand account of a family who lived without power for 13 days after Hurricane Ike, in 2008.

A short excerpt:

"My first bit of advice for your kids is that you focus on what needs to be done and NOT leave the news on all day so they can hear that doom, gloom and devastation are on their way. My younger daughter who has been potty trained for months had 2 accidents on Friday before the storm. She was very clingy and whiny. It serves no purpose for them to be scared more than necessary. My suggestion would be to have a TV or radio on somewhere away from the children so that you can have up to date info without having them have to worry. 

During the storm my older daughter slept the whole time so we didn’t have to comfort her or keep her busy at all. The 3 yr old was agitated and awake a lot of the time. We kept her occupied by letting her hang with Dad and make sure everything was ok, she had her own flashlight and stayed right with him. Giving her a job seemed to really keep her mind off of things, and hanging out with Dad helped her to feel safe."

It is great to learn from someone who has lived through something like that!

"Why would I want to use the dry canner instead of going to the cannery?"

You might ask “Why would I want to use the dry pack canner?”

IT MAY NOT BE CONVENIENT FOR YOU TO CAN AT THE CANNERY

You might have small children or a busy life, where you cannot go to the Greensboro cannery and stay for several hours canning your food there.  If you can buy the food in bulk at either the cannery or Sam’s or Costco, then you would be able to borrow the dry pack canner and package all the food at your own home on your own schedule.

YOU MAY WANT TO CAN SOMETHING THAT THE CANNERY DOESN’T CARRY.

The cannery only has a limited list of commodities to buy:  Three types of beans, powdered milk, white rice, white sugar, two kinds of wheat, dehydrated apple slices, carrots, macaroni and spaghetti, 2 kinds of oats, dry onions, and potato flakes.  If you want to get something different, an exotic kind of rice or grain, a different type of pasta, something the cannery doesn’t stock, then you could can it at your house.

YOU MIGHT BE IN A HURRY

If you read enough of my posts, you might be getting an idea that time is getting short and we really need to get our food storage sooner, not later. (Hint, hint.)  However, when I talked to Sister Mangum this week, the first opening she has for someone to go can at the cannery is APRIL 16.  She said that if I was just picking up empty cans and/or bulk food (in big bags), I could come get them at a time when others are already scheduled.