Page 2 of 5 FirstFirst 1234 ... LastLast
Results 11 to 20 of 41

Thread: AAR: My Not-Quite-A-Bugout

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    SETX
    Posts
    364
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by Eurodriver View Post
    Having also been stationed in Hawaii and played in the floodwaters of Andrew and not giving Irma a second glance this post hit home with me. I've been very nonchalant about hurricanes because I could be - they never hit here.

    Questions: 1) Have you considered HAM radio?
    2) Why were there so many fire ants? What gives? We have tons of fire ants here but I don't understand the severity and what caused it.
    3) Did you purify the water before bathing?
    4) Did your sewer back up or continue to work?
    1) I am now, though I am completely illiterate with their operation.
    2) I have no freaking clue. A friend of mine does pest control, locally, so I'll probably ask him.
    3) I haven't been without bathing water for but two days, so I'm still taking "Iraqi showers" (aka, baby wipes). I do use purified water to wash my hands and brush my teeth, though. Wipes don't work so well for those.
    4) There is no residential sewer backup to my knowledge (i.e. inside housing); however, the water treatment plant was flooded out, so I imagine that there is sewage in the floodwater.
    "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke

    "It is better to be thought a fool and to remain silent, than to speak and remove all doubt." -Abraham Lincoln

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    SETX
    Posts
    364
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    I appreciate all the well-wishes. This has certainly been a learning experience for me, and--thank God--an eye opener for my wife. Overall, it could have gone much better; but, it could have gone much, much worse! Even the local populace at large handled the whole situation much better than I anticipated.

    ETA: I completely forgot about using multiple quotes.
    Last edited by echo5whiskey; 09-04-17 at 20:22.
    "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke

    "It is better to be thought a fool and to remain silent, than to speak and remove all doubt." -Abraham Lincoln

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Wakanda
    Posts
    18,863
    Feedback Score
    4 (100%)
    echo5whiskey, I appreciate you taking the time out of the chaos to post that and glad to hear you and your's are safe and dry. It's not easy posting personal experiences on the internet, kudos for you sharing your's as we all can glean some knowledge from it.

    For gas cans look at genuine NATO Jerry cans and GET the nozzle for them. These are the GLOCKs of the gas container world, truly one of the best engineered man made marvels of the 20th century. I'm about four hundred miles from the gulf but even here we have gas station after gas station dry for going on five days now. I do not regularly keep gas stored as I don't have anywhere to keep it but an attached garage. However I will store it in a situation like this. I filled up my Jerry cans, added, Sta-bil and have only had to fill my wife's car up once with them so far. With the NATO Jerry cans, their gaskets, and their nozzle not one drop of fuel was spilled. Also they admit little to no odor and can be laid on their sides with out leaking due to their locking caps and gaskets. I can't say that for ANY of the plastic jugs I've used for lawn equipment over the years. If you are going to go this route just watch our for Chinese knock-offs. These will be considerably cheaper and not only are they inferior but they are dangerous. Stay clear of the Chinese knock-offs. All my Jerry cans were manufactured in European countries by NATO members, I picked them up at surplus type stores / sites. Shipping will be steep online due to weight.

    As for water storage, we have a WaterBOB in every bathroom. It's a bladder that fills up and nests inside your bathtub. We also keep on hand DoD LC Industries water cans and Reliance Product's Rhino-Pak water containers.

    I've heard for a long time that if you have a diesel vehicle you will be able to find fuel at stations more so than gasoline during SHTF, well the stations in my area have been out of that too. Kind of reminds me of when people use to say if you own a .45 and or a 9mm you'll always be able to find ammo for it because those are the two most plentiful handgun calibers in the US then the great ammo shortage of 2013 hit and all you could find on shelves was a random box of .357 Sig once in a blue moon. Diesel may have some advantages but availability is not one of them if Harvey has taught me anything.

    As to the floating fire-ant ark's . . .

    Fire ants make their home in the ground, which makes the insects extremely vulnerable to flooding. But should they detect something awry, the workers start linking together using hooks on their limbs. They form into a ball with the vulnerable members of the colony—eggs and larvae and the queen—bundled up in the center.

    “They use the wax together on their bodies to keep the queen and other members of the colony in the middle of the ball dry so they don't suffocate,” says Mike Merchant, entomology specialist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. And submerged workers from time to time shift above the water line so they don’t drown. (The species evolved in the Amazon, so this clever rafting adaptation allowed them to survive periodic flooding.)
    They’ll float like this until they hit something dry―a log or rock or, heaven forbid, your home. “The unfortunate thing is they don't care what it is that's dry,” says Wizzie Brown, extension program specialist also at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “So if it's a house that they hit and there are people on the roof stranded, they will go up there as well because that's them trying to escape the flood waters.”

    Anytime we take a road trip you'd think we were moving across country. I always pack in the dead of night, no one will be the wiser that you and your family are about to be gone for an extended period of time. I do the same for firearms and ammo when I move from and into another residence. As for pre-packing I keep steel storage shelves in my garage with cases of bottled water that I rotate, Iris storage containers (I have a thread on here about them) they are air and water tight filled with sleeping bags/pads, tents, etc. so they are literally grab-and-go into vehicles already staged in the garage.

    I'm a big believer in paper maps, well laminated actually and old school compasses. Have them in every vehicle and BOB. Count on any and all modern tech going tits up when you need it most.

    As for comms, get some of those blister pack big box store two way radios for starters. They are better than nothing, we have the Motorola Talk-Abouts as one form of communication. Thanks to Outlander we have mucho good info on radios in this very technical sub-forum that are a wealth of info. Also, even if cell networks are down you can still use your smart phone for GPS and texts via goTenna.
    https://www.gotenna.com/

    On the issue of automobiles and high water, keep self-extraction tools in all vehicles at all times. I keep Benchmade Houdinis in our vehicle consoles as they have a seat belt cutter, glass breaker, and white LED light all in one handy tool.

    Lastly, acquire a quality ax . . . put it in your attic and keep it there.
    "In a nut shell, if it ever goes to Civil War, I'm afraid I'll be in the middle 70%, shooting at both sides" — 26 Inf


    "We have to stop demonizing people and realize the biggest terror threat in this country is white men, most of them radicalized to the right, and we have to start doing something about them." — CNN's Don Lemon 10/30/18

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    DFW, TEXAS
    Posts
    4,391
    Feedback Score
    274 (99%)
    My point about diesel is not just about availability, which it has been in my area of DFW everyday since the great shortage of Thursday. It is more about options and efficiency. Here are the main reasons:

    1. In a straight up comparison a diesel will get better miles per gallon than its gas counterpart.
    2. You can add a direct feed box in your bed to increase you fuel capabilities. You can add the gas ones to trucks but you can't have it directly hooked up to your internal fuel system.
    3. Much less susceptible when it comes to fuel getting contaminated. It is already a dirty fuel.
    3. True versatility when it come to fuel type; diesel, straight vegetable oil, and biodiesel, or any combination of the three. That is the real factor in a situation where fuel can be in short supply.
    In no way do I make any money from anyone related to the firearms industry.


    "I have never heard anyone say after a firefight that I wish that I had not taken so much ammo.", ME

    "Texas can make it without the United States, but the United States can't make it without Texas !", General Sam Houston

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Near the Arch
    Posts
    421
    Feedback Score
    0
    I read every word. Thank you for taking time to do this.
    * Just Your Average Jewish Redneck *
    Participant in Year-Long Gun Fighting Training Program
    Competition Shooter in NRA, CMP, IDPA
    Past part-time sales at national firearms retailer, Never came close to breaking even!

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    3,655
    Feedback Score
    6 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by echo5whiskey View Post
    My only issue with diesel is that I've messed with any engines. I'm comfortable enough with what I have, that I can do pretty much all my own PM, and I can do a fair number of moderately involved repairs. I love the thought, and the apparent benefits, but I don't have anyone to really help me get my hands dirty with one.
    Pretty much the only stuff you ever have to do on a diesel is the same as on gas engines. You just normally don't have to do it as soon/often.

    Personally, I stick to Cummins and MB, though I've had others. The one I miss the most was a cherry diesel trooper 4wd I bought for $300 with a "bad turbo". Replaced a bent pushrod and it ran like a top. I smiled every time I cranked it, would fire on first compression stroke.

    The issue is US emissions​ requirements can ruin otherwise very good engines. My 2005 Jeep Liberty as an example. VM Motari engine is well respected, but the EGR and computer setup they had to add to meet US emmisions made it problematic. Cummins and MB have it dialed in.

    I entered the Katrina zone with 160 gallons of Diesel and was self sufficient when everyone else was out or dependent on gov allocations due to our relief status. Cummins ram HO 4x4 just rules, especially before they went HP crazy.

    You don't want to be carrying even 10 gallons of gas unless it's in Sceptre cans.

    I disagree with the anti-gps thinking. Good to have paper maps, but standalone GPS (Garmin) is critical when the landmarks and street signs are gone. Andrew and other storms saw this... You may think you can find your way around, but are mistaken.

    Ham radio is critical, but don't count on repeaters much. Coastal Mississippi had only one repeater still functioning 3 days after the Katrina event, and that only had about a 5 mile radius. (Wind damage and power loss) A couple came back up within a week, but was largely too late.

    So moderate power (25-50w) 2m nets were key. Handhelds were useless outside of local comms inside shelter or via remote bases.

    I maintain HF mobile capability plus VHF/UHF all the time. And have antenna mount points for additional. Ran a red Cross low band VHF mobile in Katrina.

    This is probably overkill for many, but with high power 2m mobiles running in the $200 range there is no reason not to have one and a Larsen external mobile antenna.

    Cellular may be dead, may work just locally, or may be fine, you just never know. And it can change during an event. (Has everyone I've been involved in)

    Satcomm saturates due to traffic, so is not a magic fix.

    Granted what you need to go in as relief (don't add to the refugee load) is probably more critical than what you need to get out. But the concepts and conditions are the same.

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    3,655
    Feedback Score
    6 (100%)
    Other diesel advantages:

    - you can store it indefinitely without it going bad. The worst that happens is water absorption, and that is minimal if you utilize a good jug or tank setup. And your water separator for your engine will catch it even if some slips by.

    - it's orders of magnitude safer. Much higher flash point, and you can carry it safely in jugs or external tanks that would be a bomb on Wheels if it was gasoline.

    - Doc's point about efficiency is one of the biggest issues. I can tow a Tacoma or similar truck on a trailer and get better fuel mileage than that truck gets driving down the road on it's own. I was seeing 22-25 mpg in a 1 ton 4wd loaded to the gills bed and cab in convoy to Katrina as we kept the speeds down to 50-55. Even at 65-70 I see 18 mpg highway loaded.

    - you can run biodiesel as well. When Atlanta was out of fuel due to Katrina pipeline shut down I was able to get biodiesel with no problem. Literally bought two barrels at non gouging prices. And in a jam, you can even run as much as 75% vegetable oil. At least in the summer in the south.

  8. #18
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    NYS
    Posts
    91
    Feedback Score
    0
    Thanks for the AAR
    * My views discussed on this forum are personal opinion only and do not constitute information released in an official capacity*

  9. #19
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    DFW, TEXAS
    Posts
    4,391
    Feedback Score
    274 (99%)
    Quote Originally Posted by pinzgauer View Post

    - you can run biodiesel as well. When Atlanta was out of fuel due to Katrina pipeline shut down I was able to get biodiesel with no problem. Literally bought two barrels at non gouging prices. And in a jam, you can even run as much as 75% vegetable oil. At least in the summer in the south.
    And if you add a simple fuel line heater you can use it even in the cold climates.
    In no way do I make any money from anyone related to the firearms industry.


    "I have never heard anyone say after a firefight that I wish that I had not taken so much ammo.", ME

    "Texas can make it without the United States, but the United States can't make it without Texas !", General Sam Houston

  10. #20
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Posts
    193
    Feedback Score
    0
    In 2004, had Francis and Jean. Honestly, the storms themselves could have been worse (winds were never over 130, Francis sat on top of us spinning for a day and a half. Jean was 2 1/2 weeks later.

    Power was out for 14 days with Francis, 11 days with Jean. My Honda generator uses 10 gallons of fuel a day, there is no way you could play the 5 gallon jug game.


    Least expensive way to store fuel is 55 gallon drums. (Brand new, $30-35) Hand operated transfer pump, worth it.

    Extra 12v car battery can run a 12v 50w bulb for a couple of nights, easy to use, no fumes, little heat, easy light.

    Window unit a/c (5k BTUs from LowDepot) means you sleep in the a/c, which, after a week, is priceless. Bought one in the off season, was $110, kept in box until needed. Cooled one bedroom, put mattresses on the floor.

    Have a 3-prong plug on your well pump, easy to hook to generator, makes running water/showers/flushing toilets a snap.

    Have your LP bottles filled. My home has gas water heater/Vulcan stove, summer kitchen is nice to be able to cook outside if home is too hot.

    Chainsaw/pre-mix/bar lube is a no-brainer. Gloves, cutting pants, heavy shirt, the last thing you want is a trip to the E.R. because you were cutting branches in shorts and flip-flops, and your chain comes off.

    Handheld VHF radios. You won't have cell service for DAYS. My internet is barely useable on good days, it will be the first thing to go out. Waterproof, long batt life, try to get one that floats. I like ICOM (JRC).

    I have a current Atlas & Gazetteer for 7 adjacent states. Roadsigns will all be gone, break out your compass, remember your Land Nav, start counting…

    Bleach is your friend, a dilute solution will kill most of the shit you will be walking/wading in.

    Cash.

    Cash.

    Cash.

    Did I mention cash?

    Good Luck, we will need it.
    Last edited by Spin Drift; 09-05-17 at 15:41.

Page 2 of 5 FirstFirst 1234 ... LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •