The One Year Urban Survival Plan – Month 7

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The One Year Urban Survival Plan - Month 7

“There’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’re prepared for the worst.” – Stephen King

This month, you'll focus more on light and power. You'll gather some devices for your bug out bag, learn where to store your food, discover ways to light your home during a blackout, learn how to shop for a portable generator, and make an auto repair kit for your vehicle.

Table Of Contents


BUG OUT BAG

During most major disasters, the power will be out, and you don't want to rely on candles and power for light. Plus, you'll want to keep devices such as phones and radios charged so you can stay in touch with the outside world.

Power Kit for Bug Out Bag

Flashlight in the Dark

Here's what to get:

  • Charger – This is a standard block with a USB and USB-C port. Obviously, plugging it into the wall won't work if the power is out, but you'll need it for your devices if you bug out to a place that does have power.
  • Flashlight stun gun – A regular flashlight is fine, but having a flashlight stun gun will help you fend off muggers and give yourself a chance to escape.
  • Hand-crank radio – You'll need a radio so you can get news and information from authorities about whatever disaster is occurring.
  • Head lamp – I love these because they allow you to use your hands for cooking and other activities without needing to hold a flashlight.
  • Neck fan – These are surprisingly effective at keeping you cool during a summer power outage.
  • Portable solar panel – This can be unfolded and hung on the outside of your bug out bag so it can charge your devices while you're walking.
  • Power Bank – A mini power bank can hold enough power to fully charge your phone at least once.
  • Solar lantern – You can clip this to the outside of your bug out bag so it can charge up during the day, then you can use it to light up your campsite at night.
  • Walkie talkie – These don't have a very long range, but you can use them to keep in contact with other members of your group if you get separated while hiking or caravaning.

Make sure you keep most of these in a waterproof bag or container. Even a Ziploc gallon bag would be good.

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FOOD AND WATER

Where to Store Your Food

By now, you should have about 45 days of food on hand. Hopefully, you have a system for rotating through all of that food. However, if you live in a small home, you're probably struggling to keep it all organized. Sometimes, the less space you have, the harder it is to keep things in order.

Many people store their food in attics, garages, tool sheds, and other places outside their main house. DO NOT DO THIS! The ideal temperature for shelf-stable foods is 50° to 70° F. For every 10° F rise in temperature, your food's shelf life will be cut in half. Keep your food in a cool, dry, dark location.

Another concern is privacy. Unless you have a spare room or unusually large cabinets or pantries, it's possible that some of your emergency food is out where anyone can see it. That could be a problem.

You might be okay with friends and relatives seeing the food because you plan on helping them during a major disaster, anyway. That's fine, but what about the people they talk to? Are you certain they won't tell their friends or coworkers that they know someone who is stockpiling months worth of food?

Remember, if we find ourselves in a long-term crisis where food and water is hard to find, there will be hungry, desperate people who will do almost anything to get their next meal. They'll remember the story about the eccentric person stockpiling tons of food for an emergency.

That's why, as much as possible, you should keep your food stockpile a secret. I'm not saying you shouldn't help friends and relatives when a major crisis arrives. That's up to you. But if everyone in your neighborhood or your workplaces knows you have lots of food, you might not be able to decide who you want to help. They'll decide for you.

Where to Hide Your Food

Food Under Bed

Under the Bed

Purchase a bed frame that leaves at least 16 inches of space beneath the bed. Then, store 5-gallon buckets of food beneath it and hide them with a bed skirt. I did this myself and managed to fit 24 buckets under a full-size bed.

In order to remember what's beneath the bed, I made 4×6 grid on a piece of paper, and each grid shows what's in the corresponding bucket and the date I sealed it up.

Then, if I need some rice, flour, beans, oats, pasta, etc., I slide out the row with the food I need, take a bucket from the back, and put the others back where they were.

Behind the Couch

If you have a couch up against a wall, slide it out about one foot and stack cardboard boxes filled with food behind it. If you have a standard size couch, you should be able to fit about 12 of these boxes behind it.

Once you've done that, cover the boxes with a large blanket and push the couch up against the boxes. You could also put pillows on top of the boxes to make it even less obvious. Most people won't even notice you have something behind your couch, and even if they do, they probably won't suspect it's food.

This method also works with bookcases or your bed's headboard. But again, you'll need to keep the boxes organized, so I recommend creating a grid on a piece of paper that shows you exactly what's in each box along with expiration and/or sealed dates.

Other Hiding Places

There are many other places you can hide your food, but the more places you put your food, the harder it will be to keep track of everything. However, it still might be worth doing, especially if the government starts confiscating food from “hoarders.”

This might seem unlikely right now, but if we end up in a scenario where people are starving in the streets, the government will take food and redistribute it in order to maintain law and order. In that case, you'll need some secret food caches.

You can hide food inside the wall, behind a fake vent, inside a box spring, beneath floor cabinets, inside furniture, beneath floorboards, inside old electronics and appliances, or even buried in your backyard.

However, if you're going to bury food and supplies somewhere (this is called a survival cache), you have to be absolutely sure it's airtight and waterproof. I recommend a PVC tube and some good sealant. You could also use an ammo can or a pelican case. Just don't forget where you buried them!

More Info On Food Storage Locations:

Food and Water Checklist for Month 7

  • Decide where you're going to hide your food.
  • Create a grid or system to show you where your food is.
  • Store at least 2 days of water.
  • Try some new off-grid recipes.
  • Choose one recipe and get enough ingredients to make it 8 times.
  • Stockpile 8 days worth of breakfasts.
  • Stockpile 8 days worth of lunches.

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SKILLS AND SUPPLIES

Light & Power

Power Outage Kit

The first thing most people do when the power goes out is grab a flashlight (or turn on the flashlight feature on their smartphones).

That's fine, but the second thing you should do is get your “lights out box.” What is that? It's a box containing basic supplies you'll need during a power outage. Put it somewhere that's easy to access, even in the dark. The following is a suggested list of items to put in your lights out box.

Lights Out Box Checklist

Lighting During a Power Outage

If the power outage lasts more than few hours and drags on for days or weeks, you'll want some other options for lighting your home.

  • Emergency candles – Check the description and compare how long the various candles last. You may need hundreds of hours of emergency lighting.
  • Flashlights – It's pretty obvious why flashlights are important. I recommend a tactical flashlight. Most of them are small enough to fit in your pocket, but they can also be used as a weapon or to break glass. There are even flashlight stun guns.
  • Hand crank lantern – These are great if you can't stock up on a lot of batteries. Most hand crank lanterns can also be used to charge cell phones.
  • Head lamps – It's hard to cook, make repairs, work on your car, go to the bathroom, etc. when the power is out and you're also trying to hold a flashlight. Having a head lamp is incredibly helpful.
  • LED lantern – These rechargeable lanterns are very bright. They have a hook so you can hang them up, and they can also be used as flashlights.
  • Oil lamps – This is an old-fashioned way to light your home during a power outage. The upside is that they're very efficient. A gallon of lamp oil could provide anywhere from 1-2 weeks of burn time. The downside is that they could break and cause a fire.
  • Solar lanterns – Inflatable solar lanterns have became very popular among preppers. The reason is that they take up very little space in a bug out bag, and you can hang them on the outside of the bag so they charge up while you're walking. At the end of the day, you inflate them, and a single lantern can light up a whole tent (although I prefer to use at least two at once).
  • Solar yard lights – You can find these online or in any department store. Put them in your front yard now. Then during a power outage, bringing them inside for some extra lighting.

Tip: Make sure these devices have LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer.

Lighting Tips

  • Put a flashlight in every room – Also, make sure everyone knows where they are. Then if the power goes out, everyone will have a light no matter where they are.
  • Only use lights when you need them – You want to make your batteries last as long as possible, so be sure to turn off lights you aren't using it.
  • Use reflective surfaces – Put your lantern next to a mirror or another reflective surface to amplify the light.
  • Use glow sticks – These are especially great if you have kids. Give each of them a glow stick to put in their pocket as a backup light source. You can also hang them up to mark routes to places such as the bathroom.
  • Be careful with candles – I don't recommend candles, but if you use them, make sure you have candle holders that won't fall over easily, keep candles away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.

Practice

Once you have everything you need to light your home, practice. Shut off the power to your house, get your lights out box, and see what it's like to live without power for a few hours. Being more comfortable with flashlights and functioning with less light than usual will make you better prepared during an actual power outage.

Batteries and Charging

Obviously, you want to stock up on plenty of batteries for your flashlights and other devices. Just make sure you're only stocking batteries you're likely to use. Don't get a variety pack with C and D batteries if none of your devices use those.

Battery Tips

  • Store in a cool, dry location – High temperatures will lower battery shelf life, so don't keep them in the attic or garage. Keep them somewhere temperatures are stable.
  • Get lithium batteries – These have a longer shelf life and perform better in a wide range of temperatures.
  • Don't forget to rotate them – Be sure to use the first-in first-out principle when storing batteries.
  • Avoid mixing batteries – Try not to put both old and new batteries in the same device at the same time. Doing this can shorten the new battery's life and make it more likely to leak or corrode.
  • Remove from devices – If you use a device (such as a radio) very rarely, keep the batteries out of it until you're ready to use it. This way you don't have to worry about a battery leaking and damaging the device.
  • Use rechargeable batteries – While they won't hold a charge as long as a regular battery, you can use them over and over, saving money in the long run. Be sure to get a solar battery charger, too.

How to Get Power Out of “Dead” Batteries

If a battery seems to be dead, it might still have some power left in it, just not enough to power the device it's in. For example, let's say your battery discharges to the point where it only has 1.4 volts left in it. If the device you're using needs 1.5 volts to turn on, the battery may appear to be dead, but it actually still has some charge in it.

In order to get as much power out of your battery as possible, you want to combine it with other “dead” batteries and use them together to power a device. Of course, the device will only have room for so many batteries. That's why you need to get a battery pack holder.

With this one, you can put up to 4 AA batteries in it, then plug any device that uses a USB cord into it. If your device has a DC plug, you can use this one instead. This is a must-have if you're stocking up on lots of regular batteries.

How to Charge Your Phone with a 9V Battery

9-volt batteries aren't as popular as they used to be, but there's one reason you should stock up on lots of them: You can use them to charge your phone.

Here's what you need:

Here's what to do:

  1. Connect the metal spring to the battery's negative terminal (the bigger one).
  2. Touch the other end to the metal part on the side of the car charger (either one). Use some tape to hold it in place.
  3. Connect the end of the car charger to the battery's positive terminal. Use more tape to hold it in place.
  4. Finally, plug your phone's cord into the car charger. If it worked, the green light on the car charger should be on, and that means your phone is charging.

A single 9-volt battery won't charge your phone completely—maybe ¼ of the way—but it's still a great hack if you don't have any other options.

Note: This might not work with all phone chargers, and it should be done with caution.

Portable Generators

Portable Electric Generator

Having a portable generator with plenty of fuel will make life much more comfortable during a power outage. However, there are several things you should consider before buying a generator.

As with anything, you get what you pay for. In general, the more expensive generators are better, but that doesn't mean you can't get a decent generator for a good price. When shopping for a generator, here are some features to consider:

Power Output (Wattage)

The power output, measured in watts, lets you know how many appliances or devices a generator can power at once. If you don't know how many watts an appliance (such as a fan or refrigerator) uses, get a Kill-a-Watt meter.

Fuel Type

Most generators run on gasoline, but there are also generators that run on propane or diesel. If possible, get a dual-fuel generator, which can run on more than one type of fuel. This could be helpful during a time when a certain type of fuel is scarce.

Run Time

The runtime tells you how long the generator can operate on a gallon of fuel under specified conditions. Check the manufacturer's specifications to determine if the stated runtime is based on a 50% load or a full load. This is important because if your generator is running above 50% of its capacity, it will consume fuel more quickly than the runtime at a 50% load suggests.

Portability

If there's any chance you would need to move your generator, make sure it has wheels. Also, make sure the wheels are rubber and not plastic, which can end up breaking.

Noise Level

Most generators will tell you the noise level in decibels (dB). Although there are a few things you can do to minimize generator noise, you want to get the quietest model you can. The quieter ones aren't as annoying and they won't bother your neighbors as much.

Starting Method

Generators usually have a pull-start mechanism or an electric starter where all you do is push a button. Pull-start mechanisms can be a hassle, especially in cold weather, but electric starters will eventually need a battery replacement.

Outlets and Power Management

Check the types and number of outlets on the generator. They usually have standard 120V outlets, USB ports, or 240V outlets for heavy-duty appliances. Consider what items you'll want to plug in or charge and whether the generator has all the outlets you need.

Safety Features

Make sure the generator has some safety features like overload protection, carbon monoxide detection, and automatic shut-off if the oil levels are too low.

Display and Controls

Most new generators have an LCD display. This is fine, but keep in mind that if the display breaks, the generator could potentially be unusable. Make sure the generator has manual override options if the display breaks, or just get a generator with traditional knobs and buttons.

Note: If you get a portable generator, be sure to run it periodically, even if there’s no power outage. This will ensure it's in good working order when you need it.

Solar Generators

Solar generators come with both solar panels and a large battery. The great thing about them is you don't have to stock up on gasoline. The problem is, they're a lot more expensive, and you'll probably want to buy extra solar panels (which only work well on sunny days).

With most models, you can charge up the battery using a standard power outlet. The battery will hold enough power to get you through a typical power outage. However, you'll need to get out the solar panels if the power outage lasts more than a day or two.

If you have the money to get a solar generator, here are a few features to consider:

Power Capacity

Check the wattage to find out how many watt-hours the battery can hold. For example, if the battery has 3600 watt-hours and the things you want to plug in add up to 900 watts, then since 3600 / 900 = 4, your battery would last 4 hours.

Battery Type

Try to get one with a lithium-ion battery. These batteries weigh less, last longer, and generally perform better than lead-acid batteries.

Solar Panel Compatibility

Technically, not all solar generators come with solar panels. It's silly, but it's true. If you have to purchase the solar panels separately, make sure they're compatible by checking the voltage and connector types.

Charging Options

While the main focus is on solar charging, it's good to have other charging options as well. See if the generator can also be charged through a wall outlet or a car charger.

Portability

Large batteries can be very heavy. If there's any reason you'd want to move it, perhaps from room to room, make sure it has wheels and handles.

Output Ports

Make sure it has the right types of outlets for your devices. You want at least two AC outlets, several USB ports, maybe a USB-C port (depending on what devices you use), and possibly a DC outlet (the same kind of charging port that's in most vehicles).

Recharging Time

Find out how long it takes the fully charge the battery using the solar panels. This is really important. You only get so many hours of direct sunlight per day, and you may find that with only a few solar panels, your appliances will drain the battery faster than the solar panels can charge it.

Expandability

Make sure your solar generator has connections for additional batteries or solar panels in case you want to purchase more down the road. Also check the maximum input wattage to find out how many solar panels you can connect.

Durability and Build Quality

Look for comments and reviews from people who have had a certain solar generator for several years. Find out how durable it is, whether it's made from good materials, has water-resistant properties, etc.

Generating Power

Before using your generator, first you should add up the watts of all the appliances you want to plug in and compare that to the wattage of your generator. Only use about 75% of your generator's maximum capacity to prevent overload.

You also need to take the starting wattage into account. Appliances with motors such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners, have a starting wattage that is 2-3 times the regular wattage. On the other hand, smaller appliances like fans have a starting wattage that is only a little higher than its regular wattage.

For this reason, you should plug in the appliances with the highest starting wattage first. For example, your refrigerator, followed by an air conditioner, followed by a lamp, following by a fan.

Practice Living Without Power

If you get a gas or solar generator, be sure to practice using it. Again, shut off the power to your house, plug everything you want to power into your generator, and see how it goes. The more comfortable with this you are, the less stressed you'll be during a real power outage.

More Info On Light & Power:

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Vehicles

Off Road SUV

Be sure to take good care of your vehicle before a disaster strikes. Get an oil change on a regular basis, and make sure all the fluids are topped off and the battery, filters, lights, etc. are all in good shape. If you don't know much about cars, get a “full service oil change” and have them check everything for you.

This is important because if you're forced to hit the road, you want to make sure your vehicle can go a long distance without any problems. You also want to be able to fix anything that might go wrong while on the road, which is why you should bring an auto repair kit.

Auto Repair Supplies

Remember, in a long-term crisis that involves supply chain problems, auto supplies could be very difficult to find. Make sure you have all the basic supplies needed to take care of your vehicle. Below is a list of supplies to put in your auto repair kit.

Note: You should put most of this into a single box or tote. That way if you have to hit the road, you can quickly grab it and bring it along. However, I understand that most people only have so much space in their vehicle, so I put an asterisk (*) next to the most important items. Try to at least find room for those.

Vehicle Maintenance

To make sure your vehicle is in good shape and you don't have to rely on a mechanic, you should learn to do the following things:

  • Change a Tire – Everyone should learn to do this. Here's how.
  • Replace Windshield Wipers – If you're trying to bug out in the rain and your windshield wiper needs to be replaced, you need to know how to change them so you don't get into a car accident. The directions should be on the package.
  • Change the Oil – Learning to do this will save you a lot of money. Here's how. Just be sure to dispose of the oil properly.
  • Replace the Battery – Car batteries usually need replaced every few years. It's a straightforward task that only requires a wrench. Here's how.
  • Refill Fluids – This includes coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. Check your owner's manual to see where the various fluids go.
  • Change Spark Plugs – These need to be changed every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, and doing so will improve your vehicles performance. Here's how.
  • Replace Air Filters – Check and replace air filters on a regular basis to improve engine performance. Here's how.
  • Check Tire Pressure – Properly inflated tires are safer to drive on and increase fuel efficiency. This can easily be done at home with a tire gauge. Check the owner's manual to find out the ideal tire pressure for your vehicle.
  • Replace Headlights or Taillights – Don't drive at night if one of the lights is out. It isn't safe, and replacing them is easy enough. Here's how.

Fuel Storage

It's important to stock up on extra gasoline for your vehicle and your portable generator (if you have one). However, there are a few fuel storage safety tips you should know:

  • Use Proper Containers – Always store gasoline in containers designed for fuel storage. Any other type of container could degrade and leak.
  • Keep It Away From Your Home – The best place to store gasoline is in an outdoor shed. If you don't have one, you could still keep the gasoline in your backyard, but you'll want to put the gas cans in some kind of large tote or cabinet or tightly wrap them with a fire-resistant cover to protect them from the elements.
  • Use Stabilizers – Gasoline degrades over time, especially if exposed to air and heat. Add a stabilizer such as STA-BIL. This will make the gasoline last up to a year or longer.
  • Rotate Gasoline – Don't forget to use your stored gasoline and replace it before it degrades. Create a system for rotating through it.
  • Safety First – Use funnels to avoid spills, and never smoke or use flames near stored gasoline. You should also keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Inspect Regularly – Regularly check gasoline containers for signs of leaks or damage.

Keep Your Gas Tank At Least Half Full At All Times

Disasters strike when we least expect. You don't want to have a near empty take at a time when everyone is rushing to the gas stations. From now on, fill up your tank whenever it's half empty. I know it's a hassle having to fuel up more often, but it's worth it.

Bug Out Vehicles

Certain vehicles are going to be better in a disaster scenario than others. For example, a good truck can go off-road during a major traffic jam where everyone is trying to escape the city.

Next time you purchase a new vehicle, get one that would be good in a bug out scenario. Here are some things to to consider:

  • Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) – Vehicles with one of these will do better on rough, slippery, or uneven terrain.
  • Ground Clearance – Higher ground clearance means you can get over larger obstacles when going off road.
  • Fuel Efficiency and Range – The larger the tank and better the fuel efficiency, the farther you can get without refueling.
  • Cargo Space – Make sure there is plenty of space for emergency supplies. Look for vehicles with configurable interiors to maximize storage space.
  • Reliability and Durability – Look for vehicles known for their durability and reliability. Research models with good track records and read reviews from current owners.
  • Power and Engine Performance – A powerful engine is important for towing and navigating rough terrain. Consider the torque specifications as higher torque is helpful when going off-road.
  • Modifiability – See if the vehicle can be enhanced with off-road tires, extra lights, roof racks, and other accessories you might want.
  • Ease of Maintenance – Be sure the vehicle is easy to repair and doesn’t require specialized parts or tools.
  • Safety Features – Check for safety features like anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, and airbags in both the front and back seat.
  • Discreet Appearance – The gray man concept applies to vehicles as well. Don't get something flashy or colorful that will draw a lot of attention in a crisis.
  • Age – Never get a brand new vehicle as it will lose thousands in value the second you leave the dealership. A vehicle that's a few years old is best. However, if you're concerned about an EMP, you'll want to get a pre-1980s vehicle that doesn't rely on electronic components.

More Info On Vehicles:

Skills and Supplies Checklist for Month 7

  • Create a lights out box.
  • Get at least two methods for lighting your home.
  • Practice living without power for a few hours.
  • Stock up on extra batteries and store them properly.
  • Learn how to charge your phone with a 9V battery.
  • Consider getting a portable generator.
  • If you get a generator, practice using it.
  • Create an auto repair kit.
  • Learn and practice maintaining your vehicle.
  • Stock up on fuel and store it properly.
  • Remember to keep your gas tank at least half full.
  • Consider getting a “bug out vehicle.”
  • Set aside $40 cash.

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