Being Prepared: After action review from the storm

For those of you who just went through the storm in the North East and and going throught he aftermath right now.

Before I go into what I am hearing from my friends. For those who were there. What was your experience? What went right? What went wrong? What would you do differently? Lastly what do you wish you had that you didn't?

I'm looking to do an after action review. I have more than a few friends that live and work there. So I am getting a perspect from families and first responders across the area.

It looks like my friends adequately prepared and with some luck made it through everything ok. Some of their families were not so lucky and lost homes and possessions.

With a basic supply of food, water, camping supplies and some wood everyone is doing pretty well, all things considered. The one thing I am seeing popping up is the lack of fuel. A few of my friends who are first responders have used up their personal supply going to and from work and the fuel stations that have fuel are swamped with wait times over 2 hours and they are being limited to 10 gallons at a time.

So what are your observations and thought?

The storm passed us by without a problem. I'm incredibly thankful for that and hope the people who did not fare as well will be back on their feet soon.

Living in a big city I don't have a car. However I can see a couple of problems with stocking fuel.

First it can go really wrong in a natural disaster if your containers leak and there is a spark or fire.

Second, gasoline at least has a pretty short shelf life all things considered, so you would need to make sure to use and replenish your stock over time.

Its not an easy problem to solve unless you have so much land that you can place your emergency fuel supply at a good distance from your home and possibly underground with a manual pump for retrieval. It definitely has to be part of your routine to cycle through it over time.

If you have a garage, get a small 50-125cc moped/scooter, those things will get 100mpg+ and get you to work more easily than your car if roads are full of debris, etc. so that 10 gallon allowance from the pump should last you a long time unless you have so far to commute that 30mph won't cut it. In which case you should probably consider camping out by work until everything is ok again.

From my personal experience, I wish we had stocked up on non-perishables a little better just in case. Another thing I thought of too late was a roll of heavy duty plastic sheet to cover blown out windows and items near them to protect from water/wind damage as well as more ducktape (can you ever have enough?)

Overall, I was in pretty good shape. Food, water, lights, entertainment for kids were all good. Did need a few more batteries and one of my lamps was on the way out. Also found out I was 6 feet shorter on extension cord than I thought! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> Did need oil for the generator too, although I wasn't at a critical point.

I thought it was funny I had ordered a bunch of freeze dreid food that had a UPS shipping point via...New Jersey! As I tracked it I saw it got stuck on the Jersey shore! yeeesh! Our survival food got stuck in a disaster! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/loopy.gif" alt="" />

My big weak link was communication. I don't like cell phones and wife got me one like 6 months ago..I leave it uncharged, w/out money and lost the recharger for like two months. With the storm coming and my better half going to Cali, I recharged it and she put some money on it. Come to find out, I used it so little the company gave the number to someone else!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" /> Wifey was blowing up someone's phone who yelled at her "stop calling this number!" and leaving us out of touch. ooopppss...

I have good people next door and we helped each other out as well.

While I live in a city its spread out. We don't have neighborhood anything. Each neighborhood is basically a small city or town itself. If you didn't have a car here you would be out of luck. Mass transit sucks here.

Keeping 15-25 gallons of fuels isn't too difficult. 15 gallons in a garage is not an issue. Fuel stabilizers have come a long way.

Simply keeping no less than 1/2 tank goes a long way and 3/4 tank if you have a high capacity tank like mine.

Being in Missouri we didn't have any backlash from the storm at all. BUT one thing that Patty has finally gotten me doing is filling up the truck when it approaches 1/2 tank! Yeah, you have to fill up more often, but at least you always have enough gas to get you through SOME emergencies. Just my 2 cents and something that is an easy habit to get into.

Not being in Sandy, or any other hurricane, I can not give an AAR. Being that I have lived my whole life in OK has given me plenty of opportunities to make sure preps are made ahead of time. Between tornadoes, straight line winds, dust storms, torrential rain storms, long periods of drought, ice storms, snow storms, and the loss of electricity for any of the above reasons we deal with a lot.
1. Food--keep canned goods, beans, rice, MRE's, crackers, granola bars, etc handy.
2. Water--have bottled water on hand, keeps good, can use it even if the main water supply is contaminated, fill tub and sinks with water, have reserve brls if possible. And of course a way to boil/purify water.
3. Heat--no gas or electricity can be hard if you don't have a stove or fire place. We are remodeling and plan on putting in a cast iron stove for several reasons. Then again I have a 55 gal brl that can be made into a burn brl, cut an opening at the bottom and vent the fumes out and it is better than freezing to death. Blankets galore too.
4. First aid stuff--never too much. Meds for people who are dependent are good to have on hand too.
5. A way for communication, like walkie talkies, charged cell phones, etc.

That is just some of the things that we do around here.

It is nice to see a preparedness thread on here that doesn't focus solely on weapons. Don't get me wrong, I am ready for the zombies, Chinese, Russians and jihadist. However, scenarios like Katrina, Sandy or some other natural disaster is much more likely. Plus, I need y'all to disarm yourselves for when I impose martial law. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sure just swing by and get em <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Remember, I won't come alone. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Are you ready for Juggalos? They are scarier than any Zombie...


One thing I have learned from DT's advice is to have an extra ice cooler for SPARE ice. If you get a chance to score a lot of ice great, but you need somewhere to put it.


MM
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I have three ice chest. But, I could use another.

Extra ice won't do us much good. I'm 40 minutes from Mexico. It was 86 degrees today. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Even the best cooler I've ever had will only keep ice for about 3 days.

Although if I could freeze it in big blocks.........

So before the baby got here (about 8 months ago). My wife was freaking out about my emergency pile of food (about 2 weeks worth) because the best if used by dates were passing. So I gave in and agreed to donate it to a shelter. Which sounds better than it is. Because my wife never delivered it and after it had froze and thawed multiple times remebered it was in here trunk. Bottom line is it all got tossed.

Now for the good news. After all the bad stuff that is happening on the east coast we have gotten motivated again. So we went to *warehouse club* to start stocking up on canned food. Oddly enough we saw they had three pallets of emergency rations. Not normal MRE type stuff. So we picked up a 45lb. bucket of hard white wheat and 30 day (for one person) pack of dehydrated food. I've always been against these type of prepped food but with a new baby and long work weeks I gave in. I know how to bag and seal wheat ( mylar and oxygen absorbers) so this was definitely a purchase of conveinance. In the worse case this stuff is shelf stable for decades so its a cheap insurance policy and it lets us take our time to rebuild or supply.

In the course of our talks we realized to have a months worth of food you can't forget :

Salt, Pepper, Spices
Medicines (I know this has been touched on a lot).
Tampons (not just for nosebleeds)
baby food / evaporated milk /formula diapers
dog food - for our two dogs to be clear but, if its canned food it has to be consumable by humans per the FDA. Not saying I would eat it. But things change when you haven't eaten in a few days.

My wife kept saying how can we cook all of this stuff if there is no water. Which is a great point, if you don't have water you can only live for 72 hours. So all the food in the world won't help. The first rule is always fill up the bathtub. You need 2 gallons of water for every person in the house per day. 1 for drinking and 1 for cooking/disenfection. You can find bathtub bladders that are made of heavy plastic and come with pumps so the water is sterile. If your bathtub is not in direct sunlight the water will be fine for a few days as most (municipal water is already chlorinated). Just remeber the chlorine will leach out over a few days.

Last today when we were in the back yard the flies were out of control. We are a few weeks away from our first freeze (It was 86 degrees today). Well the dogs had been leaving land mines everywhere and I brought up the point that those flies that were landing on our faces were also chowing on dog poo. My point is the one of the major killers of people in less industrialized parts of the world is unsanitary latrine conditions. If you've been reading the news, people have been defecating in the hallways in the highrises in new york. This can only lead to bad things. I'm not sure what to do about the people in cities but if your are digging catholes in the back yard your best bet is to cover it up.

Just some thoughts yardians. Also smoke and prayers sent to all those affected by the storm.

Here is some of what comes to mind:
toilet paper
toilet paper
more toilet paper
soap, toothpaste & feminine hygiene products, even if there is no woman around, condoms aren't a bad idea either
potable water (55 gallon drums sealed is good, or a bunch of 5-6 gallon jerry cans that seal tight, even plastic gallon jugs can work if they are the thicker ones)
food spices AND tools to prepare/cook the food (wheat with no grinder is rough)
shelter/blankets/sleeping bags/tent/lean to
clothing to cover all seasons
maps of the area you are in at the time AND knowing at least 3 different routes to where you want to be, home, cabin, friend/family etc
paper non-computerized phone books
space blanket, whistle, fire starter and other relevant survival stuff
defensive gear
medicines AND first aid kits (bigger is better)
fire extinguishers (bigger is better)
fuel for the engines you will need to run ie generator, fuel/water/trash pump, vehicles(preferably diesel and/or propane for long term reliability) AND fluids/filters for said machines
chainsaw & 2 cycle gasoline, make sure you try to get pure gas with no ethanol if possible to prevent the carb getting fouled up, or the highest octane available and something like sta-bil to keep it fresh longer
wood/grass/trash powered heating for when the other fuels run out, preferably with said fuels stockpiled on hand
tools to process wood, repair/maintain machines, etc
vehicle recovery gear, cable/chain/strap, winch/comealong/hilift can be used to clear large debris
bicycle with a small cart/trailer for if vehicles aren't an option
hand held CB's are generally better than the walkie talkies, but anything that works is better than nothing
consider either a 12v or propane deep freezer that will run with no a/c electricity
snacks & games to help with boredom/stress
one or more spare 12v batteries on a maintainer so they always stay full for whenever
universal power supply with your most sensitive electronic devices plugged in for emergency power and current spike protection (your internet might still work during a power outage if you can power your laptop or modem)
regular plain old handset phone that will work off of the phone line power, ie not cordless/computerized

I am sure there is plenty I am forgetting, but that is some of the more important things I have thought of during different life experiences.

Im bumping this back towards the top for our NorthEasr members who are coming back.

I guess its lucky for me that my pile was in a tragic boat accident, no need to come by my house at all <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Martial law won't stop all the criminals from carrying guns though. You should hand out items from your hoard to trustworthy members of this forum instead so we can take care of things together <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Did I mention that I'm really trustworthy? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Hey you're a Geek, you like knives and you live in PA., USA! Of course you're trustworthy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

You make it sounds bad (apart from the knife thing), but I swear I didn't vote for you-know-who <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Well, the first thing I did was go out and kill another deer and make 10 pounds of Italian sausage to top off one freezer <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It was serendipity, but we were actually involved in storm prep before we knew there was a storm coming. We had scheduled to go can a bunch of food through our church several weeks before Sandy and our date to do it was the Saturday before the storm hit. We had also ordered a generator (which got there a few days after Sandy passed). We topped off a six month supply of food for our family (wheat, beans, sugar, etc.--primarily the basics) and I went out and got a kerosene heater to supplement our indoor propane heater (all our house runs on electric) as well as a 4-5 day supply of kerosene. I tried to talk my wife into letting me get a fourth cooler--a seven day big one that could hold most everything in our fridges--but she drew the line somewhere (especially since we have three, I JUST bought a freezer, and we had a generator on the way) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am waiting for stores to restock them, and then plan to buy 4 five-gallon gas cans and two or three 5 gallon kerosene cans. Not planning on keeping them filled, but handy. We USUALLY have AT LEAST a few hours warning before a major event--enough to go stock up on fuel. Our 72 hour kit (BOB) is packed and ready to go at a moment's notice, and we have small emergency kits in the cars. We also made sure we topped off our supply of batteries--we usually keep enough on hand to power the majority of our flashlights and lanterns for several days if the need arises--and topped off the gas in our vehicles.

In addition to the 3 day supply of water we keep on hand, I filled about 15~20 gallons in large containers and kept them in a bathtub until I was sure we wouldn't need them. We have a creek behind our house and a ceramic filter system if things get desperate.

Made sure our cell phones were charged as well as the ipods, tablets, gameboys, and whatever else might keep the kids occupied for a couple days.

We definitely overspent on snack food/easy prep foods at Sams Club/Walmart, but it's food we'll eat over the next month or two anyway <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Our ultimate goal is to have 8-12 months worth of food stored (not counting the freezers full of venison--some of which I keep meaning to can). You never know when your employment situation might change and you find yourself without work for extended periods of time (which is probably more likely in this economy than having your home destroyed by a storm). Survival isn't just about natural disasters <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Moreover, in the unfortunate event of a natural (or manmade) disaster, there's more than just our family to think about. We live in neighborhoods and communities. As a citizen, a Christian, and a human, I don't think I could watch my neighbors suffer while my family eats. As unfair as it might seem, I recognize that part of my preparation is also to assist those who may not be able to take care of themselves.

The Scout motto seems to still hold: "Be prepared." That said, I'd also note that no matter how much we are prepared, there are times when it all means nothing. If your home disappears in a tornado, fire, or earthquake, all of you preparation may well disappear with it. My hope is that as I prepare to support my family and my neighbors, that that will generate enough good karma out there so that if our preparations go up in smoke, perhaps someone else will be as prepared as we were and is willing to lend a hand to me and mine.

"He-who-must-not-be-named" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

A BIG +1 to your last two posts D/T!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

The home in smoke idea goes right along with the eggs in one basket concept. What ever your most likely threat is would be something to build for/against to increase your odds of surviving said disaster.
Things to consider based on your threat area.
Floods: consider building higher up if you can and definitely out of a floodplain. If not, look into ways to increase drainage out of your home and decrease drainage in. French drains work wonders.
Earthquakes: consider a building method that has flexibility with the land like strawbale walls. Stick built or stone/brick/mortar are extremely rigid.
Fires: consider a house that is very hard to burn like stone/brick/block/strawbale and keep your property cleared of as many fire hazards as possible, and remember to keep a good water supply on hand to fight/protect the place.
Hurricanes/Tornadoes: build partially or completely into/underground or at least store your most important valuables in a storm cellar, hopefully high enough up to not get flooded.
Drought: Stockpile as much water as you can possibly can, though it may not be cheap. Water is the most important thing to have, period.

There is also always the option to look at relocation to safer environments as well, and it may be cheaper in the long run. Stepping out of the circle of comfort is hard for many but not impossible.

MonsterDog, I wasn't meaning for it to sound bad, just messing with your statement.

I consider All the dogs here trustworthy, this place just gives me that sort of feeling.

Skunkhunter, no worries, I was just playing off ya with the whole geek+PA thing, I realized it could fit a certain voting demographic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> You've never said anything on here that was in any way offensive to me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

GOOD! I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. And to Quote that great Communicator, "Can't we all just get along". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

in central ms and went through katrina. a few years later we had a bunch of tornados come thorugh.

with katrina the lights went out for 2 weeks. not as big a deal as physical damage to you home or area but was still a pain to deal with. one thing I recommend is having cash on hand. no power means no atm or debit machines. if you are buying anything you will be paying in cash. gas pumps may still work but cash may be the only deal. and if katrina can knock out power for 2 weeks then I can see another storm knocking power out for a month or so.

with the tornados lots of trees came down. can't tell you how many houses I saw cut in half by a huge tree. small houses, big houses, even my dads old shed was smash in by a 40 year old pine tree in his backyard. smashed a bunch of his tools and took out his generator. trees will come down! I suggest as a way of being prepared you look at any trees that could possibly damage your property. there are no guarantees that they will but if the do it won't be pretty. in the exact opposite direction it would come down on their bedrooms. in another direction right into their den. so talk to a professional and if there is a chance any trees will do major damage then take them down! property is one thing but if there is a tree that could come down on your house then take it seriously.

during both katrina and the tornados trees blocked many streets. a chain saw or really strong 1311 arm may be the only things that will let you get out of your driveway or off your street for a few weeks.

also used to keep a emergency light plugged up. basically it a rechargeable light that where the battery stays charged from the wall socket and comes on when the power is interrupted. instant light should the power go out. was pretty cheap but after 10 years or so the batts fried. just need to replace them.

battery/hand powered radio... again lights go out and it will be quiet for a while. for news and entertainment you will want to have a radio. the motors in tape/cd/dvd players tend to drain batteries quicker. also ipods/mp3/phones and portable players can usually be recharged in a car. there has been some talk of solar cell chargers here on the forum. I have seen bs for $20 but don't know how good they are. I also keep intending to get a hand crank radio just to make sure that I have some noise in case the fruit role ups run out and the voices come back. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

lots of candles and ways to safely burn them.

internal peace and peace with those around you! if you can't stand to be by yourself or with the people around you for a couple week with out much distraction then I don't know to tell you. be prepared!!!

and it is crazy quiet when the lights go out! prepare to stay busy and get get more sleep than usual.