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survival

riding out weather and natural disasters in rural areas

posted 2 years ago

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While I'm not as worried about surviving in the wilderness, I do have to put thought into making sure we can survive the regular and extraordinary weather and fires that affect this region. This year we experienced a particularly bad flooding event, which has kept preparedness on everyone's mind.

In light of the current effort to generate new discussions in this forum and the recent flood, I wonder if anyone else would like to share their measures to prepare for the rural environment. Does anyone have ideas and experience to share?

I will add that I am writing from the perspective of some physical disability as well. I'm not able to use an axe for very long, or walk very far, but I wouldn't want to limit discussion to that context.

I'll list some issues that we run into here, and some of the measures I've been taking or considering. I bet more will come to mind!

Power Service
In this region, we regularly experience weather and wildfires that disrupt power and other infrastructure for up to a couple of days at a time. It is not unusual to have a cumulative week of power outages in year when there is no particular "disaster".

When the power is out, that means the water pump does not run, and often it also means the rural internet provider here does not have power (and the service goes offline). This year we also had about three days of cell service outages in the area during the flood, but it's not unusual for cell service to be offline from time to time for less serious weather/fires.

I've found one good thread that goes into some depth on this topic: https://permies.com/t/40/169817/Preparing-short-term-power-outage

My measures:

Generator

UPS backup battery for internet modem/wifi/cameras

Backup batteries for smartphones

Bottled water cache

Backup gas heat

TODO: Get a HAM or CB radio?

Downed Trees
The driveway is long, and downed trees are a regular phenomenon even when we try to be proactive.

Measures:

Carry pocket chainsaw in the car

Pre-arrange with two neighbors to be able to call for help with trees

Floods

Measures:

Know where the high ground is and how to get there

COMMENTS:

John F Dean

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Posts: 7589

Location: southern Illinois, USA

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posted 2 years ago

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I find that people with short term power needs sometimes back themselves in a financial corner. There is a difference between needing back up for a couple of days vs a couple of weeks …or even longer. If the needs are in days a few deep cell batteries on a trickle charger and an inverter may meet the emergency I needs. Depending on the specifics, this is enough to keep the lights, radio, phone and computer running. It may be enough to keep a refrigerator running. Crunch the numbers first.

Keep in mind that generators can be pretty expensive, they need fuel, and they may not start when you want them to. In a disaster fuel may not be available, so a reasonable amount needs to be kept on hand.

Solar panels are great. I have a couple thousand watts. But, in a snow storm, rain, or smoke ….they might not work so well.

Some people age like fine wine. I aged like milk … sour and chunky.

Mark William

Posts: 93

Location: USDA Zone 6

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posted 2 years ago

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John F Dean wrote:Keep in mind that generators can be pretty expensive, they need fuel, and they may not start when you want them to. In a disaster fuel may not be available, so a reasonable amount needs to be kept on hand.

This is a good point in my experience. After the recent flood, we and then our neighbors could have used the generator for a full two weeks if it had been running, but the flood hit when the generator already needed carburetor work and some other maintenance.

In this case, at least I knew ahead of time that the generator was in need of repairs so I was not counting on it, but what a missed opportunity. It's working again now, but not before the utilities did come back online.

John F Dean

master steward

Posts: 7589

Location: southern Illinois, USA

2794

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posted 2 years ago

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Hi Mark,

I have developed a strong belief in redundancy. I like back up systems …..and back ups to those systems.

Some people age like fine wine. I aged like milk … sour and chunky.

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Honeybee Tales by Leigh Tate

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