- More Ideas For A Winter Weather Emergency

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More Ideas For Dealing With
A Winter Weather Emergency

The people who visit this blog are wonderful! The intelligent questions and helpful sharing of information benefit all who visit here, one way or another. There have been a number of questions and suggestions, both through the Comments section and in emails, regarding how to cope in a winter weather emergency. So today's entry will address several points of concern.

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In the event of a power outage during freezing weather it would be prudent to be proactive. By knowing how to winterize your body and your home's water pipes you'll avoid making a difficult situation harder that it has to be. First, let me point your attention to an incredible save-your-life clothing system. Some of you may already be aware of cold weather foam wear (as I was) but perhaps you don't fully grasp how it all works and why it's so desirable (as I didn't). Wellllll, let me tell you, it's time for you to enjoy the insight and awakening that's available by watching the video at the following link!

http://preparemyfamily.com/eStoreServices/OrderEdit_Movies.asp?trackname=TJFREEZERTEST

The video may take a while to load but invest the time to understand how people can die from hypothermia even when they're totally bundled up in all the latest and greatest cold weather gear. What an eye opener!!

There are a number of people who have made foam clothing and sleeping bags for themselves and others. Here are some sites for information purposes- I've not done business with or purchased product from any of them but the sites are quite informative.

Sleeping bags
http://www.foamsleepingbags.com/

Foam clothing information and supplies
http://www.jimsway.com/atjs1.html
https://www.preparemyfamily.com/eStoreServices/OrderEdit_Items.asp?prodtypeid=87

Instructions for making your own
http://preparemyfamily.com/eStoreServices/OrderEdit_Items.asp?prodtypeid=88

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Avoiding Frozen Water Pipes
and the Damage They Bring

Next, another BIGGIE - protecting your home's water pipes during a prolonged wintertime power outage.

Ideally those of you in areas where freezing weather happens will have taken the precautions of informing yourself and preparing your water pipes before the need arises. The following information may be, more or less, a review of what you already know and have done.

While your whole water system (house, pool, in-ground sprinklers, hot tubs, and outside hose bibs) needs to be winterized, the following will only address your home's water system.

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The following information was compiled from a variety
of sources whose links are listed below this section.



PREVENTING FROZEN PIPES

Why Pipe Freezing Is a Problem

Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Pipe freezing is a particular problem in warmer climates where pipes often run through uninsulated or under-insulated attics or crawl spaces.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

• Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

• Check around the home for areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" . Pipes should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted tightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for installing and using these products.
  
• Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes—even ¼" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventive Action

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

In the event of a prolonged power outage during freezing weather be prepared to take aggressive, preparedness measures.

IMPORTANT!

Before proceeding with winterizing your home's water pipes be sure to fill all your available containers with water. Getting dehydrated is a major contributing factor to hypothermia. Remember, you'll die quicker without water than without food. No need to add the unnecessary additional stress of being thirsty to an already trying time.

Once you've topped off your water storage it's time to quickly turn your attention to your home's pipes.

Preparedness Measures

Shut off main water supply at street or basement.
Do not leave the cover off the meter as that will encourage freezing in and around the meter. If you are unable to gain access to the meter at the street, turn off the water valve where the water enters the house.

If you have a private water supply (well or catchment), turn off the pump and drain the pressure tank.

1. Open all faucets and leave them open until pipes are empty.
2. Turn off gas or electricity to water heater before draining it.
   
3. Drain water heater and leave valve open.
   
4. Remove all water from toilet tanks and bowls.
   
5. Pour RV antifreeze in toilet bowl and a small amount in tank.*
   
6. Pour enough RV antifreeze in sink drains and shower drains to fill traps.
   

*
NEVER use anti-freeze designed for automotive engines.
RV antifreeze is non-toxic and is specifically designed to protect water systems from freezing.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials) or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Future Protection

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing. Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

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The above information was found at the following:

http://www.prepare.org/basic/frozen.htm http://www.keidel.com/resource/diy/winterize.htm

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RV Antifreeze

Available from many vendors both online and in a variety of stores: WalMart, Lowes, Home Depot, plus many hardware stores and auto/RV supply stores.

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Okay, now what?!

Below are a couple ideas for useful items that may make life easier during the challenges that go with doing without many of the comforts we frequently take for granted. Both of these products are resonantly priced and easily stored prior to an emergency without taking up lots of space.

In each case, I've copied the vendors' words and pasted them here. The WaterBob lists for less than $20 and the GottaGo lists for less than $30.

http://www.waterbob.com/Welcome.do

WaterBob

The waterBOB® is a water containment system that holds up to 100 gallons of fresh drinking water in any standard bathtub in the event of an emergency. Constructed of heavy duty food grade plastic, the waterBOB® keeps water fresh and clean for drinking, cooking, washing and flushing. Water stored in an open bathtub, with dirt, soap film and exposure to debris will spoil and become useless.

During a hurricane or tropical storm, water main breaks and storm surges can interrupt or even contaminate your water supply. It is during these conditions the waterBOB® may be used for temporary water storage. Constructed of heavy duty plastic that is FDA compliant for food storage, the waterBOB® keeps water fresh and clean for up to 4 weeks.

The waterBOB® is very easy to use. Simply lay the liner in any standard bathtub, attach the fill sock to the faucet and fill the bladder to capacity, which takes approximately 20 minutes. A siphon pump is included to easily dispense the water into jugs or pitchers. Never wait in line again to buy expensive bottled water! Be prepared with the waterBOB®.

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http://www.chemisan.com/personalpreparedness.html

GottaGoToilet

To prepare for gas and electricity outages, we have lanterns and stoves on hand. For emergencies, we store food and drinking water, even paper staples. There are 7-day emergency kits and blankets in our cars. But one of the biggest challenges in any emergency situation is what do you do "when you gotta go?" What happens when we have no water for the toilets in our homes or have to move out of our homes into areas where no toilets are available? Personal sanitation may well be the single-most overlooked need in emergency preparedness.

Ruggedly constructed to hold a person up to 275-lbs (125 kg), the Waterless GottaGoToilet is made of super strong, double-wall corrugated, paperboard. It can be used and reused many times when taken care of properly. It weighs only two pounds (.9kg).

The GottaGoToilet is a single, one-piece unit so there are no parts to lose. It's so easy to assemble even a young child can put it together. No tools are required. When assembled, the GottaGoToilet is 15" (38cm) high and has a comfortable 13" x 13" sitting area (33x33cm). For durability and cleanliness, each toilet is treated with wax and Spector Coat^TM, a special moisture-resistant coating that helps repel water and protect it from the elements. For added cleanliness and protection from insects, the toilet has an attached lid. The GottaGoToilet folds to a compact 13" x 2" x 15" (33 x 5 x 38cm) so it's easy to store and carry.

Each toilet comes with an initial supply of eight 100% biodegradable and compostable waste bags. They are made from cornstarch and other earth-friendly ingredients. Simply place one of the bags over the toilet opening and use the toilet. When finished, seal the bag and discard of it properly to decompose. It is easy and clean.

Store it in its resealable storage bag and use it again and again. The Waterless GottaGoToilet is a reliable, earth-friendly way to "do what comes naturally" when toilets are unavailable or out of commission.

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Elder Neal A. Maxwell

It has been asked, and well it might be, how many of us would have jeered, or at least been privately amused, by the sight of Noah building his ark: Presumably, the laughter and the heedlessness continued until it began to rain--and kept raining! How wet some people must have been before Noah's ark suddenly seemed the only sane act in an insane, bewildering situation! To ponder signs without becoming paranoid, to be aware without frantically matching current events with expectations, using energy that should be spent in other ways, these are our tasks.

~For the Power is in Them, p. 20~