We found 15 results for your search.

Post-eclipse and post-Harvey thoughts on emergency preparations

Following the traffic chaos during and after the solar eclipse last week, and the damage and destruction wrought by Hurricane Harvey, I thought it might be worthwhile to do a “lessons learned” article, seeing what they confirm about my previous posts on emergency preparation, and whether they add anything new. First, the eclipse.  In my… Continue reading Post-eclipse and post-Harvey thoughts on emergency preparations

Germany’s new “civil defense strategy” and emergency preparations

I note with interest that Germany has announced a new civil defense plan. Germany will introduce its first civil defence strategy since the end of the Cold War, calling on the population to stockpile enough food and water for several days, according to a report Sunday. The plan, which makes civilian backing of troops a… Continue reading Germany’s new “civil defense strategy” and emergency preparations

Emergency preparations, Part 5: Planning your food reserves

(Other articles in this series are listed in the sidebar, or you can click here to display them all in reverse chronological order.) When planning your emergency food reserves, there are a few very important guidelines you should follow. Also, bear in mind that we’re speaking of a one-month reserve of food in these articles.… Continue reading Emergency preparations, Part 5: Planning your food reserves

Emergency preparations, Part 4: A useful reality check

(Other articles in this series are listed in the sidebar, or you can click here to display them all in reverse chronological order.) Miss D. has been reading my posts on this subject so far, and discussing them with me, and also perusing some of the Web sites catering to the more hard-core ‘survivalists’ among… Continue reading Emergency preparations, Part 4: A useful reality check

Emergency preparations, Part 3: Get real!

(Other articles in this series are listed in the sidebar, or you can click here to display them all in reverse chronological order.) When making emergency preparations, it’s vitally important to be realistic and pragmatic about what you can, and cannot, reasonably expect to accomplish, and the threats with which you’re likely to be confronted.… Continue reading Emergency preparations, Part 3: Get real!

Emergency preparations, Part 2: In praise of the 5-gallon bucket

Your emergency preparation kit will contain all sorts of essentials, but there’s one that comes right at the top of the list for versatility, convenience and all-round utility. That’s the humble 5-gallon bucket, available from any number of vendors, local or online. You can get them for as little as $2.50 (bright orange ones from… Continue reading Emergency preparations, Part 2: In praise of the 5-gallon bucket

Emergency preparations, Part 1

I’ve advised in the past that individuals and families should prepare for civil disruption as a result of deteriorating economic conditions. I’m not a dyed-in-the-wool ‘survivalist‘ – I don’t believe it’ll be possible for most of us to survive a complete collapse of society, no matter how well prepared we may be as individuals. For… Continue reading Emergency preparations, Part 1

More reader questions answered about emergency food reserves

  Following earlier warnings from many sources about looming food shortages and the need to keep reserves in case of emergency, I answered a number of reader questions last week.  They keep coming, so here are a few more answers. One reader asked about simple staple foods that keep for a long time, are nutritious,… Continue reading More reader questions answered about emergency food reserves

Lessons learned from the Iowa derecho last week

Readers will recall the hurricane-strength windstorm, known as a derecho, that lashed midwest US states last week.  Tens of thousands are still without power there, and much of this year’s grain crop has been destroyed. On Gab, I found a useful “lessons learned” post from reader “Zerozerozero”.  It confirms much of what we’ve discussed in… Continue reading Lessons learned from the Iowa derecho last week

Ship construction: an economic canary in the coal mine

Canaries were carried into coal mines by miners for many years.  Being far more susceptible to coal gas than humans, the birds would die quickly if the gas seeped into the workings, thereby alerting the miners to get out before they were overcome themselves.  The expression “a canary in a coal mine” has come to… Continue reading Ship construction: an economic canary in the coal mine