First off I would like to thank everyone who left a comment about our power outage. I am still learning from "Issues' that pop up from time to time. I should know better then to take things for granted. We all get used to the every day common conveniences you don't stop and think about many parts of our daily lives. Its too easy to flip a switch for lights, turn a knob for gas to cook, turn on the faucet for water, etc.
Because of this "Oh Crap Moment" LOL, I need to step back, look at what I'm doing or doing wrong, and adjust how we do things. I know for many years, we (me, wife, and kids) kept making the same mistakes in life. Nothing illegal, LOL. Like they say, "Hind Sight Is 20/20" But you have to learn from your mistakes, and move on. That is the secret to life. Bottom line is I am not only responsible for myself, but my wife, kids, and grandson. While my kids are now adults, I still have 3 living at home. I don't charge my kids room and board, but they will help out either with money to buy things we need or doing chores around the house.
My son Scott works at the grocery store, the money he makes is his money. But he pays for the cable/internet every month. being on a fixed income that is a blessing. My daughters help by helping to cook, and do other chores, etc. Even my grandson who is 3, likes to help out and be a big boy. Sam is funny, I will say thank you big boy, he replies, no baby.
I think as we move into a new year, I will spend more time talking about this and that, and asking many of you for your opinion. That alone is as dangerous as asking a liberal for their advice. LOL.
The temps have warmed nicely. Our roads are in better driving shape today then over the weekend, almost. i went south of town into farm country, the wind was blowing hard, and the drifting was bad. Bottom line is the road was so icy, and being a joy ride, I slowed down, turned around and came back home. Of course this was around 330 the clouds had thickened, and the temps dropped.
Any way, Thanks again for the advice from everyone. Now to get down to making some adjustments. I'll keep you posted. Stay Safe, Stay Warm everyone.
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10 comments:
The mere fact that you learn from experience proves you're no liberal. :)
Amen, Rev. Paul. You didn't ask my advice, but I've never that sort of thing stop me. I once lost a lot of food during a nine day power outage when so MANY people were without power in my area, that I couldn't give the stuff away fast enough to save it. Lesson learned - never have a deep freeze unless you have a generator. Lesson two - don't buy a gasoline generator get one that runs on natural gas or propane, preferably the latter, since gas transmission lines could be down at some point. Propane can be purchased ahead. Plus, I wouldn't spend the money for a whole house model, just one to cover the barest essentials. I think the best are called an inverter type and run very quiet, making them less likely to be stolen.
Gorges, Thank you for your advice. I have a lot of information to digest, and research more. It truly was an oh crap moment.
Gorges,
I totally agree with #1.
As for #2, yes and no. It depends on how cold an area you live in. If winter temps of 10f and colder are common propane generators when needed could be problematic. Depending on the size of your propane generator (horsepower/watts) and using a horizontal or vertical tank during temps say 10f and colder, the limited volume of vaporized propane available may not be enough to run the generator! Now your stove may work appear to work fine including your furnace, although they will be at a lower BTU output.
If your temperatures get to -44f, propane will not vaporize at all and turns back into a liquid again. Believe it or not, they sell electric blankets for propane tanks and heat tapes for the lines and regulators.
Links to some good information:
Keeping Your House Operating During A Cold Alaska Winter:
https://uaf.edu/files/ces/publications-db/catalog/eeh/EEM-04955.pdf
Here we explain propane consumption, cylinder vaporization, and the size cylinder required to run a certain horsepower generator.
Propane Consumption Rate:
http://www.propane-generators.com/propane_usage.php
Thanks Padre, I don't think I could live with myself if I was a Liberal. I think I'm way too smart. I can can be stubborn on things, but to blame staffers for an election loss and fire everyone, is like a CEO/COO firing an entire company staff for his/her stupidity. I just don't get it.
Mike, You sir have just taught me something that I didn't know. 56 yrs old and you can teach this old dog new tricks. Now thinking about gas and cold temps, what in the world are the power companies going to do with all the power plants now running on natural gas when it gets super cold...Unless natural gas and propane run at different temps???
There doesn't appear to be as many issues with natural gas as with propane. This link is a good overview: http://ngtnews.com/colder-than-death-did-natural-gas-vehicles-survive
As for gas or propane generators, if I lived where you do, I would prefer my Honda gas generator over any propane generator. Even at -50f or worse, I would prep for winter by simply changing oil to a ‘0’ weight synthetic oil, and then if needed, a shot of ether starting fluid in the air cleaner and that baby will start and run every time!
Mike Thanks for all the info and everything else. At this rate, I'll start calling you DR Mike, A Phd in prepping. Between you, Pioneer Prep, Rev.Paul, Harry, and Vicki, you all have a wealth of knowledge, and common sense.
Glad to share what I know and hope it will save others the pain of trial and error.
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