On Panic buying

[JackDW]

You have a solid plan from the sound of it. You are far ahead of most. But we Prepper’s know about 95% of the population aren’t prepared. Heck my neighbors, who are ex military, are out running around in their camper! Which frankly shocks me.

Did you buy a special freezer or just an energy efficient one? Also, can you share what panels and inverter you decided on? There are so darn many.

The current freezer is an older non-efficient version (those things run forever). Looking at picking up a energy efficient this weekend and will put in my garage.

As far as Solar Panels, I went with 6 HQST 100 Watt Polycrystalline panels for a start giving me 600 watt system (with ability to grow later). Have a SolarEpic MPPT 40 AMP charge controller. I will be running the system on 24v so I can use smaller wiring. The initial inverter is a KRXNY 2000 watt 24 volt inverter.

Most of this is just a starting system. I went with a more expensive charge controller that will allow me to add additional panels and batteries once I get the system working and can prove it's value. The inverter is really just a starting point. I expect to upgrade that in the future once I have a better understanding where I am going with this. I have NO plans to ever grow this to be able to power 240V appliances. It is designed to simply supplement my existing power. I will add several new outlet in the walls and wire that back to the solar breakers. NEVER touching the existing grid system. If the system ever gets bigger than that level, then it would be beyond my skills and I would have to bring in professional electricians. I just want to keep it simple.

 

[Brent S]

My brother in law lives in western N.Y. he said Walmart was out of toilet paper just now.

 

[Mountain trapper]

The current freezer is an older non-efficient version (those things run forever). Looking at picking up a energy efficient this weekend and will put in my garage.

As far as Solar Panels, I went with 6 HQST 100 Watt Polycrystalline panels for a start giving me 600 watt system (with ability to grow later). Have a SolarEpic MPPT 40 AMP charge controller. I will be running the system on 24v so I can use smaller wiring. The initial inverter is a KRXNY 2000 watt 24 volt inverter.

Most of this is just a starting system. I went with a more expensive charge controller that will allow me to add additional panels and batteries once I get the system working and can prove it's value. The inverter is really just a starting point. I expect to upgrade that in the future once I have a better understanding where I am going with this. I have NO plans to ever grow this to be able to power 240V appliances. It is designed to simply supplement my existing power. I will add several new outlet in the walls and wire that back to the solar breakers. NEVER touching the existing grid system. If the system ever gets bigger than that level, then it would be beyond my skills and I would have to bring in professional electricians. I just want to keep it simple.

Once I got the bugs worked out of my solar setup I've had zero problems with it. I run 3 chest freezers, 2 refrigerators, washer/dryer, forced air heat and everything else on solar.

 

[Mountain trapper]

My brother in law lives in western N.Y. he said Walmart was out of toilet paper just now.

I think we've got at least a years supply of TP. Depending how often I make hot chili.

 

[BillMasen]

 

[Kevin L]

With all the panic-buying, what do people think?

That they're going to die if they have to improvise?

I have my own home, at least three sources of water, clothing, soap, guns, a bicycle, ammo, certian medicines, and books. Lots and lots and lots of books.

I can get many different foid items from the land.

My ancestors in the depression had to make due with much, much less than I have now.

Does everyone think that they'll die if they have to improvise and tolerate a little inconveinence?

Let alone people selling caustic acid for hand sanitizer (see post in earlier thread).

 

[Maverick]

With all the panic-buying, what do people think?

That they're going to die if they have to improvise?

I have my own home, at least three sources of water, clothing, soap, guns, a bicycle, ammo, certian medicines, and books. Lots and lots and lots of books.

I can get many different foid items from the land.

My ancestors in the depression had to make due with much, much less than I have now.

Does everyone think that they'll die if they have to improvise and tolerate a little inconveinence?

Let alone people selling caustic acid for hand sanitizer (see post in earlier thread).

I have 3 cases of 91 alcohol, I'll use it instead of hand sanitizer when I run out, alcohol is far cheaper per ounce and basically the same thing. At home, soap and water.

 

[Kevin L]

I have 3 cases of 91 alcohol, I'll use it instead of hand sanitizer when I run out, alcohol is far cheaper per ounce and basically the same thing. At home, soap and water.

There are a million and one things that one can use.

I put a 10% bleach solution in a small pump sprayer. I spray my hands well, and rub between my fingers andaround my nails.

I can also spray handles on shopping carts when I go to the store.

 

[Petoski]

Normal soap for hands and body. I don't trust sanitiser gel. I use vinegar to clean everything else around the house including my clothes. Works great and if you prepare it with natural fragrance the smell isn't too strong. I haven't run any tests on the corona virus so I do have some bleach as a backup.

 

[JackDW]

Stopped by Lowes last evening to pickup some sandpaper. Picked up an extra another N95 mask (they had several on a lower shelf). Also had quite a few of the N95 and N100 dust and paint masks (with the cartages). Pickup another gallon of Clorox bleach and some surface spray as well as a box of gloves. They were totally out of wipes on any kind but seemed to have a big supply of everything else. Need TP or other paper products, lots available in this store.

At this time, the factories are still running and producing these items as fast as they can. I heard where 3M was converting other lines just to produce the masks. Won't be long before the stores are flooded with stuff. At that time, they may have so much that they almost have to give it away. DON'T PANIC.

 

[Brent S]

View attachment 10032

How could you get mad at a pup that cute!

 

[DrPrepper1]

My husband went to Walmart to try and get some more Sambucol. He sent me pictures of empty shelves (although he did manage to get 3 boxes). He said it was packed. It’s Thursday afternoon, but he said it was weekend kind of busy. He said people were still loading up on bulk items, toiletries, diapers etc.
After looking at the empty shelves in Spain and Finland on here, I told him to get some extra meat and frozen vegetables. We have an extra freezer we could use. I don’t normally eat frozen vegetables (I prefer fresh). My kids eat frozen vegetables. If I don’t end up needing them, I will give them to my kids.

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

The current freezer is an older non-efficient version (those things run forever). Looking at picking up a energy efficient this weekend and will put in my garage.

As far as Solar Panels, I went with 6 HQST 100 Watt Polycrystalline panels for a start giving me 600 watt system (with ability to grow later). Have a SolarEpic MPPT 40 AMP charge controller. I will be running the system on 24v so I can use smaller wiring. The initial inverter is a KRXNY 2000 watt 24 volt inverter.

Most of this is just a starting system. I went with a more expensive charge controller that will allow me to add additional panels and batteries once I get the system working and can prove it's value. The inverter is really just a starting point. I expect to upgrade that in the future once I have a better understanding where I am going with this. I have NO plans to ever grow this to be able to power 240V appliances. It is designed to simply supplement my existing power. I will add several new outlet in the walls and wire that back to the solar breakers. NEVER touching the existing grid system. If the system ever gets bigger than that level, then it would be beyond my skills and I would have to bring in professional electricians. I just want to keep it simple.

I appreciate the information Jack! You’ve got a good startup that would keep you in lights, fans and recharging tools at least, if not more. I’d like enough solar for a water pump, some lights, charging tools and a small chest freezer.

 

[Brent S]

Well, after watching the news today I’m wondering how well I am prepared. Whole states are shutting down school systems, theaters, almost all gatherings, etc. a couple weeks ago I looked at the pantry, medical and prepping supplies. I’m way ahead of the average American but now I question my decision not to stock up on more.....

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

Our Walmart today. Out of toilet paper and the other side is out of paper towels. Never thought it would hit in our little town.
town.

 

[user 6493]

Our Walmart today. Out of toilet paper and the other side is out of paper towels. Never thought it would hit in our little town.
town. View attachment 10037

I guess people are preparing for ****** times........................

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

Well, after watching the news today I’m wondering how well I am prepared. Whole states are shutting down school systems, theaters, almost all gatherings, etc. a couple weeks ago I looked at the pantry, medical and prepping supplies. I’m way ahead of the average American but now I question my decision not to stock up on more.....

I hear you Brent! Today we picked up extras of things. And now I’m still wondering if we need more. Yes, we can live without the things, but it’s the enjoyment factor that will decline. And with the news that Maverick gave us, I’m torn.

 

[Brent S]

I hear you Brent! Today we picked up extras of things. And now I’m still wondering if we need more. Yes, we can live without the things, but it’s the enjoyment factor that will decline. And with the news that Maverick gave us, I’m torn.

Well, I’ve never tried the freeze dried foods I bought for long term storage. This may be a good opportunity for that... glad I got the greenhouse planted a couple days ago though. I guess there is only so much you can stock up on before ending up on one of those hoarding shows!

 

[user 6493]

View attachment 10032

that looks like old ZIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Maverick]

We can only do what we can do, I wouldn't worry about what we can't do. Now is not a good time to second guess the decisions that we made, IMPROVISE with what you do have.

 

[user 6493]

I hear you Brent! Today we picked up extras of things. And now I’m still wondering if we need more. Yes, we can live without the things, but it’s the enjoyment factor that will decline. And with the news that Maverick gave us, I’m torn.

what did I miss,,,,,what news

 

[Brent S]

Now the main question is how many weeks, or months will this slow motion train wreck last?

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

My husband went to Walmart to try and get some more Sambucol. He sent me pictures of empty shelves (although he did manage to get 3 boxes). He said it was packed. It’s Thursday afternoon, but he said it was weekend kind of busy. He said people were still loading up on bulk items, toiletries, diapers etc.
After looking at the empty shelves in Spain and Finland on here, I told him to get some extra meat and frozen vegetables. We have an extra freezer we could use. I don’t normally eat frozen vegetables (I prefer fresh). My kids eat frozen vegetables. If I don’t end up needing them, I will give them to my kids.

It’s hard to believe isn’t it?

 

[DrHenley]

what did I miss,,,,,what news

I'm guessing this:

From my brother

“Good afternoon bro,
looks like they’re closing the grocery stores and restaurants and everything here in Lebanon Oregon”

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

what did I miss,,,,,what news

That we are rethinking our preps after the news today. Maverick shared with us that Lebanon, Oregon has closed all their grocery stores.

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

Now the main question is how many weeks, or months will this slow motion train wreck last?

Hard to put a time limit on it. IF the virus starts going away in the heat and humidity, then we should see a relief in June don’t ya think?

 

[Brent S]

Hard to put a time limit on it. IF the virus starts going away in the heat and humidity, then we should see a relief in June don’t ya think?

I’m certainly hoping that’s the case. Judging from similar viruses there is a good chance the summer will buy us a reprieve.

 

[Brent S]

Any thing that helps buy time until a vaccine and treatment are found is welcomed.

 

[GeorgiaPeachie]

Stopped by Lowes last evening to pickup some sandpaper. Picked up an extra another N95 mask (they had several on a lower shelf). Also had quite a few of the N95 and N100 dust and paint masks (with the cartages). Pickup another gallon of Clorox bleach and some surface spray as well as a box of gloves. They were totally out of wipes on any kind but seemed to have a big supply of everything else. Need TP or other paper products, lots available in this store.

At this time, the factories are still running and producing these items as fast as they can. I heard where 3M was converting other lines just to produce the masks. Won't be long before the stores are flooded with stuff. At that time, they may have so much that they almost have to give it away. DON'T PANIC.

Just in case you don’t already know An alternative to buying bleach is to buy pool shock. Bleach actually goes bad, but pool shock won’t. Just make sure it is at least 68% Calcium Hypochlorite and no coloring or smell added.

DIRECTIONS...

You can use granular calcium hypochlorite to disinfect water.

Add and dissolve one heaping teaspoon of high-test granular calcium hypochlorite (approximately ¼ ounce) for each two gallons of water, or 5 milliliters (approximately 7 grams) per 7.5 liters of water.

The mixture will produce a stock chlorine solution of approximately 500 milligrams per liter, since the calcium hypochlorite has available chlorine equal to 70 percent of its weight.

To disinfect water, add the chlorine solution in the ratio of one part of chlorine solution to each 100 parts of water to be treated. This is roughly equal to adding 1 pint (16 ounces) of stock chlorine to each 12.5 gallons of water or (approximately ½ liter to 50 liters of water) to be disinfected.

 

[Maverick]

Hard to put a time limit on it. IF the virus starts going away in the heat and humidity, then we should see a relief in June don’t ya think?

but it occurred in the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, Florida