Wife wants to prep

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Victor18

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Question #1. What's the best freeze fried food? Mountain House looks good and sells in bulk, but is there a better option?

Question #2. What about water? There is just soo much water you can store in glass jars, I read its not safe to regularly DYI water treatment, but water supplies would be useless if there is a nuke attack with fallout. So what's the best solutions/solutions?

Question #3. Stoves for cooking? Just use camp stoves and store lots of propane/butane tanks, or what's option B?

Question #4. Do you store gasoline? Does it require rotation every few months or so?

I live in a typical suburban style house, with a small yard and basement aint that big, so options are a little limited.
 
Vapor

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I like augason farms. You'll want canned and dried food too.


Good filter. You can only store so much. There's natural filters you can make too.


Little alcohol stoves, camp stoves, or if you have wood a single fire pit.


I store some. Get ethanol free gas and ad stabil. I wouldn't store more tha. 10-20 gallons and in an unattached building/shed if possible.
 
Drinkthekoolaid

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First congrats.

My wife is still not on board, she just complains less about "all the things we'll never need" anymore now that there is so much uncertainty in the world.

Consider long term sustainable options like diverting your gutter into a water collection barrel system to harvest and store rainwater for gardening (or emergency drinking water after you purify it of course). Also stock some water wilter and collapsible camping plastic water jugs.

I don't have much freeze dried food just buy extra of things we eat and can goods, preserved noodles and rice etc.
 
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Victor18

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Diverting roof runoff to containers. Never thought of that.

We also do have a fireplace so we could boil water and cook food that way.

Canned food AND freeze dried? But I thought canned only lasts a few years while the freeze dried stuff lasts like 25 years.

I dont think Im prepping for the long term end of civilization, more like a possible say 6-month event. Wife fears we are going to war with China.

Basically covid-type supply chain issues multiplied by 1,000x. No food, no gasoline, no water, no supplies.
 
tirwin1

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Victor18 said:
Diverting roof runoff to containers. Never thought of that.

We also do have a fireplace so we could boil water and cook food that way.

Canned food AND freeze dried? But I thought canned only lasts a few years while the freeze dried stuff lasts like 25 years.

I dont think Im prepping for the long term end of civilization, more like a possible say 6-month event. Wife fears we are going to war with China.

Basically covid-type supply chain issues multiplied by 1,000x. No food, no gasoline, no water, no supplies.
Click to expand...
The first question is "what are you prepping for?"

  • End of the world zombie apocalypse (highly unlikely)
  • Covid type supply chain issues (very likely)

Make an estimate for how long supply chain issues for things like food, gas and water will be unavailable. Factor in the number of family members/people who will be with you and you can come up with some pretty good estimates of what you need fairly quickly. It might take some time to procure and create storage space for everything so start out small and keep adding to the stockpile.
 
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Hochulsucks1234

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My wife got into it as well and we started canning and dehydrating/sealing things. Consumes more time, but overall cheaper and builds skills. We do have freeze dried stuff..mainly Auguson Farms, Mt House, and Nutristore. Lot of that long term food complements stuff you grow and hunt/fish. Living off it exclusively would be tough from a balanced nutrition standpoint (not to mention the salt content).

We are surrounded by water and I added more wells with manual pumps. We stocked up on filters, but we do not expect to have to deal with sediment rich water, so they should last. Last resort I have Iodine and Chlorine tabs (and a still that is multi-use hehe).

Bought an old camp "cook stove" at an estate sale. Took a few guys to haul it, but I will use that too cook as it allows for open flame. Our stove for heat is soap stone, so not good for cooking.

I do not plan to drive if gas shortages come. I store some, but not a lot. I do store diesel for the generator, which lasts much longer than gas.
 
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Victor18

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Hochulsucks1234 said:
My wife got into it as well and we started canning and dehydrating/sealing things. Consumes more time, but overall cheaper and builds skills. We do have freeze dried stuff..mainly Auguson Farms, Mt House, and Nutristore. Lot of that long term food complements stuff you grow and hunt/fish. Living off it exclusively would be tough from a balanced nutrition standpoint (not to mention the salt content).

We are surrounded by water and I added more wells with manual pumps. We stocked up on filters, but we do not expect to have to deal with sediment rich water, so they should last. Last resort I have Iodine and Chlorine tabs (and a still that is multi-use hehe).

Bought an old camp "cook stove" at an estate sale. Took a few guys to haul it, but I will use that too cook as it allows for open flame. Our stove for heat is soap stone, so not good for cooking.

I do not plan to drive if gas shortages come. I store some, but not a lot. I do store diesel for the generator, which lasts much longer than gas.
Click to expand...
True, the freeze dried stuff is very high in salt. Is there long-life canned food?
 
Jmac00

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I'd be prepping more for a president Kamal-toe heels up harris taking over. THATS when the shit will hit the fan.

and a Zombie apocalypse, will be a picknick compared to a harris presidency
 
spat

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Victor18 said:
Question #1. What's the best freeze fried food? Mountain House looks good and sells in bulk, but is there a better option?

Question #2. What about water? There is just soo much water you can store in glass jars, I read its not safe to regularly DYI water treatment, but water supplies would be useless if there is a nuke attack with fallout. So what's the best solutions/solutions?

Question #3. Stoves for cooking? Just use camp stoves and store lots of propane/butane tanks, or what's option B?

Question #4. Do you store gasoline? Does it require rotation every few months or so?

I live in a typical suburban style house, with a small yard and basement aint that big, so options are a little limited.
Click to expand...
The proper mindset is key.

You need to decide what sort of situation you're prepping for.

Anyone in NY who isn't prepped for the equivalent of the 91 ice storm is certifiably insane IMHO. But that's not all that hard. Being prepared for a couple weeks of no stores and no power, then back to normal isn't difficult.

The key thing to remember, is that even for a hard core prepper targeting a TEOTWAWKI situation, your preps are a bridge to get you from where you are today to whatever the *new normal* is going to be.

So, you don't need years of food. You need months to fall back on till you secure a new source.

Food is obviously far from the only thing you need, but that mindset is the same for all other commodities too.

It's also important to think about what's most important, and how comfortable you want to be.

You can survive for weeks on some energy bars that fit in a lunch box, but you're going to need clean water, and maybe heat every day. Also, energy bars are going to get real boring real fast. But if your goal is to just not die until someone else fixes society and rescues you, that'll do.

I think it's best to prep for real world events, so pick a natural disaster and see what you think those people wished they had.

Start small, with the '91 ice storm and work your way up to Hurricane Katrina, or the economic collapse of Venezuela. You just have to imagine that sort of collapse translated to your area.
 
GOPerfect

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The knowledge that I share with everybody just getting into food prepping is the following...

Buy more of what you already use, buy more of the food that you already eat. If you are looking for long term prepping, you can do it yourself much cheaper. You can bag and can your own foodstuffs. Rice, beans, stuff like that. Mountain House is decent food, but it's rather pricey. You can do less damage to the bank accounts by just buying the food that you already eat. We have close to 1500 cans of food in our house, probably more than that.

We also do long-term storage, both store bought and self storage. As for the water, I have bottles and bottles and bottles; and cases and cases and cases of water.

Water filtration products as well. Whether tablets, bleach, or a filtering system. Life straws are great and simple tool to have. They are not too expensive to pick up a half a dozen or so.
 
Cooolone

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Air - minutes
Water - days
Food - weeks
Ammo?
Commodities?
Shelter?
Communication...

I'm not a proper, but I'm prepped to survive a little longer than the unprepared. Not prepped to survive any apocalyptic event, because would I want to? Not sure... But definitely prepped enough to be able to get from here to somewhere better. Prepped enough to possibly barter along the way if supplies run low, or stand fast if assessed a short term event. Like the Ol' Bear joke, I just need to Outlast the guy next to me, then I can raid his stores, move on, etc. Lol...

That all said, I want to get into canning and store those things as noted, we like and what we consume and control the contents. Not yet, but once out of NY, so soon... And just like here, there'll be a pool that will have some thousands of Fallon's of liquid life to draw on if needed. Rain water is loaded with forever chemicals now, so filter that stuff well if for consumption. I need to add stock to the chemicals department too... Lol, again, downsized a bit for the move/relocation, then will build it all up! In the interim, yes, lifestraws, freeze dried food packs, various camping gear, etc., etc.

Funny thing is while reading this, and traveling recently, I realized that we didn't pack any bugout stuff in the vehicle... Totally metal lapse that if something were to happen while away from home base, we are completely naked and exposed! Total metal lapse, will have to sit and reexamine this situation...

So while on the subject, for those who've traveled to foreign countries, what prep have you done, what do you take along for the journey? Hmmmmm... Gonna have to think about this too now! Lol

Arrrrrgh
 
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Your biggest thing is lacking room . Put up shelving in the cellar Perhaps even a food pantry with a locked door .
A freezer would be good with a generator . Along with Spat we went through the ice storm also ...One week without electric. A freezer does not have to run 24/7 on electric. A half an hour night and morning could suffice depending on the weather. I am on a drilled well I can bail enough for my needs there is also this .
www.lehmans.com

Stainless Steel Deep Well Pump Head | Lehman's

If you have ever experienced a prolonged power outage, you know that access to your well water would be a tremendous help! Take another step toward sturdy.
www.lehmans.com www.lehmans.com
About 5 years ago price was $900
With a freezer one needs a generator. This is a reliable one
www.sportsmans.com

Honda EU2200i 2200/1800 Watts Inverter Generator - 49 State

Honda EU2200i 2200/1800 Watts Inverter Generator - 49 State - The Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator is ideal for running the TV, DVD, satellite, fridge, coffee pot, & much more. The EU2200i offers great fuel efficiency, running 3.2 to 8.1 hours on a single tank, depending on the load. While...
www.sportsmans.com www.sportsmans.com
My game plan is if my freezer cannot run We thaw out the meat and pressure can it
www.lehmans.com

Pressure Canners

Pressure canning is the safe, reliable way to preserve low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, fish, and soups. Our quality selection includes trusted American-made pressure canners and pressure canner kits designed for years of dependable use.
www.lehmans.com www.lehmans.com
I have enough propane for this stove
And this stove This stove is used all across SE Asia in homes.
Last year we went to a food preservation work shop put on by Cooperative extension in Livingston County.
Food Preservation
It was a 3 day course .. Well worth it.

Canned goods one will rotate
I have some good sleeping bags Some are good down to - 60 ... (perhaps overkill )

Sleeping Bags - Wiggy's

www.wiggys.com www.wiggys.com

www.wiggys.com

Hunter Antarctic › Rectangular Sleeping Bag (Olive Drab)

Manufacturer of the finest sleeping bags and outdoor gear in the world. Nothing keeps you you warm & dry in cold, wet conditions like Wiggy's!
www.wiggys.com www.wiggys.com
As far as stoves
https://www.amazon.com/SOTO-Regulat...t=&hvlocphy=9005595&hvtargid=pla-441257712184

Mountain Safety Research 06633 WhisperLite INTL-MULTI-FUEL​

EcoZoom Versa, High-Efficiency, Wood-Burning, 14.25 lbs Portable Rocket Stove for Outdoor Cooking​

Firebox Stoves

Firebox Stoves Archives - FireboxStove.com

fireboxstove.com fireboxstove.com

Go to you tube and one can see them being used. Look at reviews
I can use Wood, White gas, Kerosene,Diesel,Unleaded gas ,Charcoal , Butane, Propane to cook with.
If you have a fireplace ... How much wood will you keep on hand and after 2-3 weeks how do you keep it after a disaster hits. ... Lots of folks will be using that five finger discount. ....I have a neighbor that uses wood all winter and his stack of wood is like 200 ft long 4 ft high. Folks that drove by his home 5 years ago will remember that pile when they are freezing in the winter.

You need to stock up on medications also China makes a lot of them.. Also Extra gloves, clothes, shoes , boots and the like. The list could go on and on...
 
Saltwater60

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Your biggest issues are going to be food, water, shelter, and heating source long term IMO. Prepping and storing a bunch of gasoline isn’t high on my priority list honestly. Maybe I’m wrong about that but it won’t take long for the roads to become impassable in NYS and where would you go? Yes gas for a chain saw or ATV would be great but there’s only so much you can do.
 
CNYJohn

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Victor18 said:
Question #1. What's the best freeze fried food? Mountain House looks good and sells in bulk, but is there a better option?

Question #2. What about water? There is just soo much water you can store in glass jars, I read its not safe to regularly DYI water treatment, but water supplies would be useless if there is a nuke attack with fallout. So what's the best solutions/solutions?

Question #3. Stoves for cooking? Just use camp stoves and store lots of propane/butane tanks, or what's option B?

Question #4. Do you store gasoline? Does it require rotation every few months or so?

I live in a typical suburban style house, with a small yard and basement aint that big, so options are a little limited.
Click to expand...
#1.depends on your taste.................I might like ready hour better but you might like Peak refuel
........gotta try them, i might add, over on the ar15 forum in the outdoors sub forum, there is a poster that is trying some of the dehydrated camping style foods, interesting perspective

#2 get a couple of gallons of water put up, and rotate your supply every month. water is like 40 cents a gallon at the refill machine at walmart using the 3 gallon jugs. its would also be wise to have a counter top filter system so if you need to you can use roof run-off or even stream or lake water. if you have a well, a secondary pump system is a smart investment

#3 coleman camp stove system or the equivalent, white gas or propane, for a couple of days, but after that wood stove of some configuration, be it a dedicated flat top wood cook stove for the kitchen or a simple barrel stove with the flat sheet metal cook top
you aint gonna power an electric stove off a solar unless you have acres of panels

#4 yes, but then again i use 3 gallons of gas everytime i mow lawn right now, so i have 91 octane stuff put up, about 25 gallons, and because i have a small farm tractor (50hp) for snow removal and brush hogging i have 50 gallons of diesel.
my generator is gas powered i have that covered and Im trying to finish a deal for a small 6k watt 3 point hitch pto generator for the tractor, I have my bases covered.

its not what you have to work with, but how well you work with what you have
is you begin to buy 1 qt mason jars and keep the packaging almost intact ,you can fill the jars with dry goods, vacuum seal said jar and then get it back into the cardboard flat and when they are full, stack the flats on top of each other, about 4 or 5 high, you have 48 to 60 quarts of food put up in almost no space used
 
Drinkthekoolaid

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You're going to have to decide how far down the rabbit hole you want to go. There are essentially 2 paths.

Option 1, stockpile things and stuff to be comfortable and survive minor/major local or regional emergencies. This only goes so far because typically there is only so much room to store stuff. This approach is great if you're trying to weather a crisis from a few days to 6 months.

Option 2, more long term. This is the transition from just stockpiling to becoming self sufficient and self sustainable. This is the major life change and where people look to make a plan for what happens more long term once the stuff runs out , how do you continue to survive.


Option 1 will work in the suburbs, option 2 you're going to need rural
 
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It's funny how my normal way of life has some ignorant label on it . Prepping... how the hell does a person go through life unprepared ? Nobody needs to babysit me .
 
repete

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A lot already covered; rain run-off from the roof will be loaded with nasty chemicals if the roof is asphalt typy shingles. Yes you can drink it but it's not good for you, metal roof=good to go.
Get yourself a copy of Ball's Blue Book of home canning and start water bath canning this fall.
We can and freeze dry and dehydrate stuff, it's now just my wife and I so we don't eat much. We always have leftovers, they get frozen in boil bags for short term or for long term get freeze dried and packed in mylar bags or vacuum packed in canning jars.
You can go as far as you want from a couple cans of Tuna to cases of everything!
 
spat

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repete said:
A lot already covered; rain run-off from the roof will be loaded with nasty chemicals if the roof is asphalt typy shingles. Yes you can drink it but it's not good for you, metal roof=good to go.
Get yourself a copy of Ball's Blue Book of home canning and start water bath canning this fall.
We can and freeze dry and dehydrate stuff, it's now just my wife and I so we don't eat much. We always have leftovers, they get frozen in boil bags for short term or for long term get freeze dried and packed in mylar bags or vacuum packed in canning jars.
You can go as far as you want from a couple cans of Tuna to cases of everything!
Click to expand...
You only need a couple gallons a day of potable water, but you probably want a lot more that doesn't need to be potable.

The vast majority of water doesn't need to be drinking quality.
 
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