tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post3757706785512882419..comments2024-03-29T21:11:37.724+10:00Comments on down to earth: Homemakers and disaster survivalUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-2754726957976647382013-02-01T20:40:07.273+10:002013-02-01T20:40:07.273+10:00As a teenager my family went through the 1983 Ash ...As a teenager my family went through the 1983 Ash Wednesday bush fires in South Australia. We lost almost everything. I understand the importances of of being prepared, both for a fire, but what to do afterwards. My parents remained on the farm as the firestorm came but hours later with no help coming they needed to fend for themselves, including eating. But as mum had a well stocked pantry and food in a freezer than needed to be eaten, they found a burning gum tree and took a fry pan and cooked a meal. What a sight it was! But to be honest, it was the meals that strangers brought that got them through the really tough days after the fire.<br /><br />However I wouldn't recommend anyone stay and go through a fire, it's hell. Get out when you can, my parents were trapped and we nearly list them. 30 years later that day is imprinted on my memory.Finding Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09882774610725490491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62052252162300063942013-02-01T09:53:55.220+10:002013-02-01T09:53:55.220+10:00 If you wonder if you are prepared...do a test ru... If you wonder if you are prepared...do a test run. Actually take a day or several to do without any of the modern conveniences. Do it with the whole family there. After wards discuss where your vulnerabilities are. Did you have enough light sources, warmth, food entertainment or whatever. Do you need a few manual things you use electricity for...say a can opener!! :) Did the family all know where the food etc was and how to use them? Discuss it all and try it again later. Make it an adventure. It is a good drill and you can try it also thinking of different situations, flood, earthquake or such. Do all your family know who to contact for your person out of the area? One relative or friend should be appointed with their knowledge, to be the person all can contact if they are separated so that one person can relay any messages to others that call. Just more thoughts... SarahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12589668456474329352013-02-01T09:46:43.427+10:002013-02-01T09:46:43.427+10:00Two things I wonder about. We are used to using a...Two things I wonder about. We are used to using an electric blanket and so don't have many extra blankets in the house. We keep all heat turned off during the nights. so I have stocked extra blankets and also thermal emergency blankets in case of emergency and thus no electricity. Also good reliable healthy equipment to filter 'bad' water if necessary. I too have heard grocers say there is usually only 3 days worth of food in a the typical grocery store if the roads are cut off for more trucks to get in to resupply. As was mentioned already, those three days of things will be bought up quickly as people run to the stores to gather things before a storm or whatever happens too. So maybe less than three days worth. Keep in mind too to be very careful about making a spark or any kind or lighting candles, matches and such if any gas lines in your area have been broken say due to earth quakes etc. Fires after earth quakes can run rampid due to firemen not being able to get to the site or being over burdened. so stock foods that will to need to be heated too. SarahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21963203313429879832013-02-01T04:51:47.864+10:002013-02-01T04:51:47.864+10:00I like to think I am at least partially ready for ...I like to think I am at least partially ready for an event like recent ones (after all we got through the Pasha Bulka storm a few years back) but the more I think about it the more I realise I don't have enough 'ready to eat stuff' stockpiled. Most of the stuff I have needs preparation that requires electricity. Your post has inspired me to work on filling the freezer :)<br /><br />xoxo<br /><br />PS love your job! I think I would be good at that too, now if only someone was available to do the ear clipping!Mrs Homespunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16415069735707292502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51262950404039017002013-02-01T04:31:22.408+10:002013-02-01T04:31:22.408+10:00It's good to know you're fine and dandy ev...It's good to know you're fine and dandy even though you're flooded in. It sounds like you've got every thing you need and I bet the kids think it's great having that extra time off school. I hope you get all your repairs done soon. When we live up north in a remote place we were always stocked up. It gives you peace of mind.<br /><br />Take care. love.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-52364222714914646452013-02-01T04:28:06.436+10:002013-02-01T04:28:06.436+10:00Oh dear Anna, how horrible for you and your family...Oh dear Anna, how horrible for you and your family. North Bundaberg was one of the worst areas for flooding. I think your positive attitude will stand you in good stead. I agree with you - you do one thing, then the next. I hope it works out, you get the assistance you need and get settled in your home as soon as possible. Take care, love.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4135936951624940792013-02-01T01:03:24.437+10:002013-02-01T01:03:24.437+10:00Those that refuse to evacuate is the worst! Our Go...Those that refuse to evacuate is the worst! Our Governor in NJ told people if they did not evacuate for Hurricane Sandy when told to, no one would would be able to help them. No reason to put First Responders at risk because you don't want to leave your home and think the storm is no big deal.MissFifihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09948141818594611257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38332954811713570052013-02-01T00:40:42.554+10:002013-02-01T00:40:42.554+10:00I live in Western Morris county in NJ which is pre...I live in Western Morris county in NJ which is pretty much farm country. 2011 was a rough year in our area because we lost power during Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Lee and then had a freak snowstorm in October. Afterwards, a good friend who is a farmer and a Mormon, preparedness is something they are taught, gave us packets on emergency preparedness (food storage, bug out bags, etc)and we spoke to her dad about generators. We went out and bought a Generac generator for the house. I was pregnant at that time and the fact that our grid is so over loaded made me insist to my husband we needed backup for heat and hot water. Where we live everything is on electric which is a real drag. We got the generator and a propane tank and when Hurricane Sandy hit, our area had mega tree damage to houses, roads, anything and everything you can think of, but we had power and I was so grateful. Neighbors came to our house to shower and cook and charge their phones and we were happy to help. Most people on my block now have portable generators.<br />The year before, Hurricane Irene was the first indicator that this was going to be our "new normal" here and yet, a lot of people were not prepared. Also, I hate to say it, but what made us nervous was the fact that people were getting so hostile about the situation. We actually discussed purchasing a firearm to defend home and hearth. The gas rationing,no internet and tv were making people very volatile and stir crazy. People complained they were bored and that the power companies were not moving fast enough. Keep in mind we pretty much lost our coast line so most of the focus was on that area. We had teams here from out of state and most of us were grateful to them and would beep and wave to them when we saw their trucks some people even brought them coffee and food, but there are always the few that are never happy.<br />Friends has asked us about our generator and they are looking into getting their own now which is good. I also emailed the Emergency Preparedness info to friends who asked for it. I am glad some people are taking this seriously, realizing updates are necessary for our power grids, but until that happens, we need to be self sufficient best we can. MissFifihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09948141818594611257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-49758364214035621632013-01-31T23:19:07.277+10:002013-01-31T23:19:07.277+10:00Thanks Rhonda and Margaret, but I did try (many) m...Thanks Rhonda and Margaret, but I did try (many) matches. I actually think there was no gas coming out as I couldn't smell it even though it was on for ages.<br />Also, I think I gave the wrong impression of us 'wading through' streams, when in reality there was very little danger. For those of us without 4WDs in the valley it was the only way in and out for a day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-49721035416677106992013-01-31T20:30:56.223+10:002013-01-31T20:30:56.223+10:00Because we're pensioners, we've become acc...Because we're pensioners, we've become accustomed to doing a fortnightly grocery shop. So usually, we've been well prepared at times of flood, etc. We did go low on food when we had our house fire, but that's only because half of our food was in the actual fire, lol! <br /><br />Because we usually find it a necessity to shop in bulk to save petrol money, this makes us more prepared by default. But, I'm always looking at ways to be even better prepared. Sharon @ Funken Wagnelhttp://www.funkenwagnel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70861130644563543662013-01-31T19:43:22.926+10:002013-01-31T19:43:22.926+10:00:) Sorry I should have mentioned that I went throu...:) Sorry I should have mentioned that I went through at least a dozen matches trying to light it, as this is how I have lit all my previous ovens. I had the gas on the whole time and didn't smell or feel a thing whereas I usually feel nauseous with my head in the oven. So I actually think it may not even have had gas running to the oven due to some electrical issue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-46137887195308737972013-01-31T18:47:04.846+10:002013-01-31T18:47:04.846+10:00Hi Rhonda, we were about to move into North Bundab...Hi Rhonda, we were about to move into North Bundaberg and are now homeless. But I am confident that I am skilled enough and have the right equipment to be able to cope with whatever damage there is. The trick is just to keep doing one more thing and then another. Today we managed to apply for some assistance and also prepare for my husband starting work. We all ate and we have a temporary roof over our heads. These are good achievements for one day. Facebook has been a lifesaver as it has allowed me to find out what resources are available and also what is not. Please keep up the posts Rhonda, you are an inspiration in these trying times. Thanks, Anna Gladstone Greeniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10596402955857279454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32045017199121027662013-01-31T16:20:27.261+10:002013-01-31T16:20:27.261+10:00Hi Rhonda,
My family have been flooded in for a we...Hi Rhonda,<br />My family have been flooded in for a week now, and thank goodness I always keep my pantry fully stocked at all times!!! Extra bread flour, milk etc in the freezer. We could be stuck in for a while yet, and I have to say the vege garden has become of even greater importance. We are being careful with everything. They are saying it could be 5 weeks before people get power out here, we are completely solar how I love solar even more now! The kids are on extended holidays, who knows when the school bus will be able to get out here! But living on a property a fair way out of town, I always have the mind set, will I have enough if I can't get back to the shops for a while.(Thank goodness) My husband has not been able to get back to work, so we are all out here surviving, being together, slowly fixing all the damage to our property (much of it is still to wet), and pretty much it feels like the simple life! but it will all end roads will be fixed, husband will go back to work, kids will have to be run back and forth to the school bus. The world will become a part of our world once again. But for know I am so pleased I kept prepared, and can provide for my family.<br />Kind Regards<br />JoJonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11125137767249621622013-01-31T15:59:36.396+10:002013-01-31T15:59:36.396+10:00I can completely believe the three days food scena...I can completely believe the three days food scenario! A few years back, a huge snowstorm closed down all major highways and prevented all the grocery store trucks from getting through. I think it was a week before they were able to get the roads cleared enough for the delivery trucks. After just a couple days, though, none of the stores had milk, bread, or eggs on the shelves. Partly because some people panicked before the storm and loaded up, but also because there was not enough stock to last. That was a big wake-up call for us! -Jaime Ngo Family Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15484243776589015749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8544842067645791012013-01-31T14:48:27.101+10:002013-01-31T14:48:27.101+10:00The comment about having no tv and not reading new...The comment about having no tv and not reading newspapers anymore got me thinking I've just got rid of silly payed tv and here in oz on April the 2nd it changes over to digital and I don't have have a plasma but wouldn't matter if I did cause I don't have an Ariel will cost $250 to get one put in anyway was thinking there's always my little radio I can listen to here and there or the newspaper once a week but I'm not keen on that lol same old same old <br />LouiseinsaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40934557026600457572013-01-31T14:15:01.642+10:002013-01-31T14:15:01.642+10:00Thank you for saying what I think. So many rely o...Thank you for saying what I think. So many rely on others to look after them or get them out of trouble during times of crisis. Or they seek to blame and rant and rave over the inconvenience of no phones or internet or ATM. Or they have no concept of danger (ie those idiots that insist on putting themselves and thus others in danger by lighting fires, driving through water etc). There is so little concept of self reliance, its scary. After Yasi, so many in my community were unprepared - even after so much notice, quite frankly for us it was a breeze. Our only concern was structural damage through it. Survival afterwards without electricity for 2 weeks was easy, inconvenient and annoying but easy. Quite a few of my friends raz me over my preparedness. I believe in preparing for the worst, then anything is manageable. Jacquinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59223195899892257322013-01-31T13:33:08.203+10:002013-01-31T13:33:08.203+10:00growing up in a flood region my parents taught me ...growing up in a flood region my parents taught me about being prepared! my husband didn't realise how full on floods could be when he moved up north (he was from South Australia)... so we have plenty of food, spare water (we are on rainwater tanks as our supply anyway), alternative methods for cooking, lighting should we be without power... <br />this time before the floods i made sure to update my first aid kit... i think this is something so many people don't think about... but if there is an emergency and you are isolated by flood waters it could be some time before emegergency services can get to you, so you do need to be prepared... and if you can you should take a first aid course as well because it could save a life!<br />amy<br />p.s.- idiots who go into flood waters make my blood boil but what's even worse is those who do it with innocent children who have no choice in the matter and who have no understanding of the dangers (and who can't even swim to try and save themselves)... shame on them :(Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13133621679394810362013-01-31T13:00:40.728+10:002013-01-31T13:00:40.728+10:00I was without power for nearly 8 hours on the week...I was without power for nearly 8 hours on the weekend, no big deal,gas stove etc. but I needed more than candles for light to knit, read and do puzzles, so went to K Mart and bought a lantern it is a 20 LED and takes 3 standard torch batteries, (is the size and shape of a small desk lamp) and cost $6 plus $5 for a 6 pack of batteries.I have a gas stove so cooking was sorted, but what I thought was a good idea for people without gas was the little Butane camp stove, that run on cans of butane gas, a few spare cans would not take up much room.Good idea for Sarah R above, and anyone who has to boil babies water.<br />Another thought that would help emergency supplies was a "Bobble" brand drinking bottle, with a charcoal filter ( Woolies) it would purify whatever water you had to use for drinking.MargaretPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12990336317308988689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85340066606030599662013-01-31T11:54:26.263+10:002013-01-31T11:54:26.263+10:00While we have had no bush fires or floods here in ...While we have had no bush fires or floods here in sunny and very hot Swan Hill hubby and I are still preparing for the worst. We aren't alarmists by any means but to stick our heads in the sand and pretend nothing bad will happen is just plain crazy in our opinions.<br /><br />On the weekend we started to discuss just what else we needed in an emergency. The stockpile of food is excellent. We are on solar power which runs most of our house - the grid still provides some power - we have a wood stove inside, an open fire place out side and shortly (when it's finally repaired) a wood fired pizza oven to cook in. There is a gas stove - but that would be my last resort. Hubby being an electrician has a generator that will run our house easily and there is more than enough in the way of blankets, clothing, emergency medical supplies etc. <br /><br />We do need to address our water situation and water tanks are on our list as is more in the way of diesel to run the generator and a big stock pile of wood. When we first built this house fourteen years ago we had five inches of rain in 24 hours. The house was still high and dry so in a wet emergency we should be fine. If all else fails we will load up the bus with what we need and move ourselves somewhere safe. <br /><br />Yet in spite of all that preparation I wonder - do we really have enough and just what is enough? I hope the thread on disaster preparedness does happen on the forum. It will be interesting to see just what everyone else is doing and how they are doing it.<br /><br />As for the frog marching those idiots - count me in. How on earth someone can put not only their own lives at risk but also others is beyond me. <br /><br />Thank you as always for such a lovely timely post Rhonda and all those who have commented. Just reading what everyone else had done so far has sparked some new ideas. Calidorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07118238727781108509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4496706965659080912013-01-31T11:13:39.986+10:002013-01-31T11:13:39.986+10:00Love this post.Love this post.c. Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05957567318434101293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16715888480496854842013-01-31T10:44:40.324+10:002013-01-31T10:44:40.324+10:00Oh dear! I just about fell off the couch laughing...Oh dear! I just about fell off the couch laughing!<br /><br />You are right about all of it. I worry about our oldest son and family because our DIL refuses to buy anything in cans and never has more than a few days worth of food on hand. I said something to this effect to our son while they were here for Christmas and he just shrugged his shoulders and said he knows. They are 5 hours away and we can not help them if there is a disaster. momma-lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02975411711120382015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21316567371543352212013-01-31T10:02:42.929+10:002013-01-31T10:02:42.929+10:00Thanks for letting us know you're okay now Bar...Thanks for letting us know you're okay now Barb.<br /><br />Yes, 'the new normal' is a bit scary. Our new normal is that while tornados are not unheard of here, they are very rare. These past two years we've had quite a few of them in our summer season.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19397395517255777452013-01-31T09:56:35.291+10:002013-01-31T09:56:35.291+10:00I had a conversion with my parents on the weekend ...I had a conversion with my parents on the weekend about 'those without a brain' as my eleven son puts it. I can inform you there are several adults at this home that would like to join your frogmarch and clipping. Both my parents have worked at emergency situations in the past and say some people lack common sense. <br /><br />Just yesterday I commented to our 18 year daughter that I need to reshuffle the filling cabinet around to make if easier for a evac situation. Easier to remove one drawer then having to gather things up from different places.<br /><br />RuthAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26012632746182286012013-01-31T09:28:44.126+10:002013-01-31T09:28:44.126+10:00This is something close to my heart & I can...This is something close to my heart & I can't recommend a survival kit enough. Where we live was always considered as one of the safest places to live earthquake wise in New Zealand. When on 4th Sept 2011 the 7.1 mag hit we couldn't believe it, it made us get a good kit together & take a new look at our lives but we still felt that things are always ok as we only lost power/ water for a few days. Well when the unknown fault ripped our poor city apart 6 months later we were shocked & for the first time ever in a real disaster. We were actually living what we used watch on the news. It can happen anywhere & sadly it does often. Ness.Nessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11410859236773186212013-01-31T09:16:54.773+10:002013-01-31T09:16:54.773+10:00IN my shambolic way I am prepared. However I alwa...IN my shambolic way I am prepared. However I always seem to think I need more fresh water supplies. Last year we had to rely on our tank twice. While it was fine for flushing etc the water was brown and horrible. Our neighbour has many pines that shed on our roof etc. So while I will happily use the water I will not drink it unless the situation is dire. This year my mother said to me something about this time she felt in a good place as we had bread flour etc on hand and she knows I can turn out the basics on our little gas stove.<br /><br />We are fortunate here as our local fruit market is also a distributer. When the markets flood he transfers his operation to here. So we generally get staples. This time however ours was one of the districts to lose power for a long time. So the locals who rely on their kindness and forward planning were caught out.<br /><br />I agree with your statement about those who "brave" the water. Although this time I must confess I did show my know it all daughter how to drive across wet, not flooded, roads. The girl keeps telling me my car aquaplanes. I keep telling her it is the driver. Even though she has done road safety courses, that include driving, I think it is time for another.Suzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15283293507101152512noreply@blogger.com