Prepping World

Prep Smarter, Not Harder

David

Solar Power Basics for Preppers: How to Get Started Today

by 2 Comments

Preppers are always looking for ways to be more self-sufficient. One excellent way to become more independent is by using solar power. Here we go over solar power basics for preppers, including how to get started in a way that’s affordable and doable even for beginners.

Solar power can be used to power homes, heat water, and even cook food. It is a renewable resource that is free once you have the initial investment in solar panels and batteries. Preppers should seriously consider adding solar power to their list of self-sufficiency strategies.

Affiliate Disclosure

By clicking an affiliate link below, we may receive a commission on purchases at no additional cost to you.

solar power basics

What is Solar Power?

Solar power is a renewable energy source that is quickly becoming popular as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

As a clean and renewable energy source, solar power can be used to generate electricity or heat. Solar power comes from the sun (“sol” means “sun” in Latin), and it can be used to power homes, businesses, and even cars

In addition to being a clean and renewable source of energy, solar power has the potential to provide significant economic benefits by creating jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

📌 Save for later! 📌

solar power basics for preppers

Why is Solar Power an Important Resource for Preppers?

In the event of an emergency situation like an EMP or grid-down scenario, it is important to have a reliable backup source of power. Solar power is an important resource for preppers because it is renewable, affordable, and can be used to power essential devices.

DIY Faraday cage

Solar power is a renewable resource, meaning it can be used over and over again. It is also generally environmentally friendly and does not produce harmful emissions, or loud noise like a gasoline generator.

As the cost of traditional energy sources continues to rise, solar power is becoming increasingly affordable for homeowners. Solar technology has improved greatly in recent years, making it more efficient and less expensive to install.

In addition to a reasonable upfront purchase price, rebates and tax incentives are often available, making solar installation an even more attractive option. Even if you have a significant initial investment, solar power can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy costs.

Solar power can also be used to power essential devices like home heaters and appliances in the event of an emergency situation. As more and more people look for ways to be prepared for emergencies, solar power is becoming a popular option for backup power.

The Basics of Solar Power: How it Works

Solar power is captured through the use of solar panels, which convert sunlight into electrical energy.

There are two main types of solar power: passive and active. Passive solar power does not require the use of any mechanical devices to capture and convert sunlight into energy. Examples of using passive solar power are seen with solar camping showers and solar greenhouses. In this article we’ll discuss active solar power.

Active solar power uses devices such as solar panels or mirrors to capture and convert sunlight into electrical energy.

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made up of solar cells, which are made of silicon. When the sun’s rays hit the solar cell, they knock electrons loose from the silicon atoms. The electrons flow through wires to create an electric current. This current can then be used to power electrical devices.

Solar panels are usually mounted on roofs, where they can get direct sunlight, but portable solar panels are a popular option as well.

As solar panels collect energy from the sun, it can then be converted into electricity. Solar panels are connected to devices called regulators that control the flow of electricity into batteries.

Batteries are often used to store solar energy so that it can be used when the sun is not shining. There are two main types of batteries: lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries.

Inverters are then used to convert the DC (direct current) electricity from a battery into AC (alternating current) to power devices.

Solar system basics, courtesy of Solar Online Australia

The Benefits of Solar Power for Preppers

There are many benefits to using solar power for preparedness emergencies.

The primary benefit of having solar power is gaining independence from an electrical grid that can be unstable and unreliable. When it comes to being prepared for anything, having a reliable source of electrical power is key.

For preppers, having a way to generate your own electricity is crucial in the event of an emergency. Solar power can provide that independence from the grid, and it’s a renewable resource that can help you be self-sufficient even on a long-term basis.

Being energy independent and self-sufficient means that in the event of an emergency, you will still have access to the things you need like electrically powered heating, security systems, and refrigeration.

What You Need to Get Started With Solar Power

There are a few things to keep in mind when getting started with solar power. Solar power can be used to supplement an existing energy source, or it can be used as the sole source of energy.

To get the most benefit, solar panels need to be placed in an area that will get direct sunlight for the majority of the day. Solar panels can be placed on the ground or on the roof of a home, RV, or building like a shed.

The angle at which your panels are placed is important, as it affects how much sun they will get. If they are not placed in an area with maximum sun exposure, they will not produce as much electricity. If possible, you may want to consider using an automatic tracking system so that your panels always face the sun.

You should research what equipment will best suit your needs and whether you’ll hire professional solar installers or go the DIY route.

A ready-to-use solar panel kit like this one that has just about everything you need is a great option for getting started.

If you can afford it, you should also have a backup power source such as a generator. This is important in case of cloudy days or a failure of your solar panels.

A dual-fuel generator that runs off of both gasoline and propane is a great option to increase your flexibility with fuel sources.

The Challenges of Solar Power for Preppers

As with any type of project, you’re sure to face some challenge when getting started with solar power.

The first challenge with solar panels is the initial investment. The average cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically in recent years, making them a more viable investment for the average homeowner. Solar panels are now cheaper than ever before.

In addition to the energy independence provided by a home solar system, you could also save money on energy bills.

While solar panels are a great way for preppers to gain self-sufficiency, panels are not cheap. The initial investment can be quite costly, but the long-term savings are usually worth it. Solar panels will pay for themselves over time, and give you peace of mind of a backup power source in the event of emergencies.

Another challenge with home solar power is maintenance.

Many people believe that solar panels are maintenance free. However, solar panels need to be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis to ensure they are working properly. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your home solar power system:

  1. Clean your solar panels regularly. Dust, dirt, and leaves can build up on your panels and reduce their efficiency. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any debris.
  2. Inspect your panels regularly for signs of damage. Look for cracks, scratches, or other damage that could affect the performance of your panels.
  3. Keep an eye on the electrical connections between your solar panels and the rest of your system. Make sure all connections are tight and free of corrosion.
  4. It’s a good idea to have your system checked by a qualified technician at least once a year to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.

The Bottom Line on Solar Power for Preppers: Is it Worth it?

Solar power can provide electricity in an emergency situation when the grid is down or when gas generators are not available. Having electricity to power your home appliances and personal devices can make the difference between life and death, or at the very least between comfort and misery.

Interested in our recommendation for DIY solar panels? Check out this informational video on building your own affordable 6-foot solar tower that cuts power bills by up to 65%.

DIY home solar

Preppers must be prepared for any eventuality, and having a reliable source of solar power can make all the difference in a crisis situation. Solar power is an important resource that should not be overlooked when preparing for emergencies.

READ NEXT:

What is an EMP? And is it Dangerous?

How to Survive When Lost in the Woods

by Leave a Comment

person lost in the woods

If you’ve ever been lost in an unfamiliar environment, you know the feeling of sheer panic that can result. But the thought of being lost in the woods is a fear of many people, and can be a truly scary experience if you’re not prepared.

But don’t worry, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of surviving until you’re found. Here are some tips on how to survive when lost in the woods.

Affiliate Disclosure

By clicking an affiliate link below, we may receive a commission on purchases at no additional cost to you.

The survival mindset

The very first step to surviving if you’re lost in the woods is to focus your mind and stay calm. It’s important to carefully assess the situation and not give in to natural feelings of panic.

Once you have a clear head with a better understanding of what needs to be done, you can then start to look for ways to get back to civilization

What to do if you’re lost in the woods

If you ever become lost in the woods, there are four basic needs to focus on that will increase your odds of survival and being found. These include finding a water source, building a shelter, staying warm, and finding food.

Knowing what to do to meet these four needs will go a long way to ensuring you make it out alive from your wilderness experience.

Find a water source

When you find yourself lost in the woods, normally the first thing you should do is try to find a source of water. An exception to this would be if you are facing severe weather conditions. In that case, you would first seek shelter, and then look for water later.

As people can usually only survive about three days without water, finding a source of drinking water should be a top priority.

Here’s how to go about finding water:

1. Look for sources of running water, like streams or rivers. This is the best type of water to drink because it’s already been filtered by moving through rocks and sand.

2. If you can’t find running water, look for stagnant water sources like ponds or lakes. These may not be as clean, but you can purify the water with boiling.

3. You can also collect rainwater by tying a tarp or poncho above your head to catch the water as it falls.

4. Finally, if you’re really desperate, you can try digging a “still” to collect moisture from the ground.

How to Make Your own Emergency Water Well

Once you have found water, you can then focus on the next steps of locating food and shelter.

Find shelter

If you’re fortunate enough to be out in the woods during a temperate time of the year, you may not need to find shelter.

But if the weather is rainy or cold, staying warm will be a challenge and finding shelter will be a priority.

If you find yourself in the woods without a shelter, don’t panic. There are several ways to find shelter in nature. Here are a few tips on how to find shelter in the woods:

using trees as a shelter

Look for a natural structure

If you can find a naturally occurring structure like a cave or rock overhang, you’re in luck. These will provide great protection from the elements.

Find some large trees

Another option is to look for some large trees that are close together. You can then lean some smaller branches and leaves against the trees to create a makeshift shelter.

Build a debris hut

If you can’t find any natural structures or trees, you can build your own debris hut. To do this, simply pile up leaves, sticks, and anything else you can find lying around. This will provide the least amount of shelter but will be better than being totally exposed to the elements.

Stay warm

If you’re lost in the woods during the winter or in an area that gets cold at night, staying warm will be important to keep yourself from getting chilled.

Obviously, if you have matches, a lighter, or another way to start a fire, that will be the best choice for providing warmth.

survival fire

But assuming you don’t have a fire, here are some tips for staying warm when lost in the woods:

Find a sunny spot

Solar radiation can help warm you up even on cold days. If there’s no sun, try to find an open area out of the wind.

Insulate yourself from the ground

A lot of heat escapes through your body when it touches the ground. Try to insulate yourself by putting something between you and the ground like leaves, a sleeping pad, or extra clothing.

Stay dry

Wet clothes will make you colder faster so try to stay as dry as possible. If you do get wet, change into dry clothes if possible, or if it’s warm enough, remove your clothing and hang it in the sun to dry.

classic homestead ebooks
The Classic Homesteading eBook Bundle – Click now to learn more!

Find food

The last of your four basic needs when lost in the woods is finding food.

In the woods, food is almost everywhere if you know where to look. Foraging for food is a skill that takes time to learn, but anyone can do it with a little practice. Here are some tips for finding food in the woods.

Look for edible plants

Many plants in the woods are edible, including berries, nuts, and greens. If you’re not sure if a plant is edible, it’s best to skip in favor of something that’s safer.

There are many common wild edibles that can often found and harvested, such as dandelions, blackberries, and chickweed.

dandelion plant

Seek out sources of water

Water is essential for survival, and you’re more likely to find food near sources of water like streams and lakes.

It’s possible to grab a fish in shallow water with some time and practice.

Trap animals

Animals leave behind tracks that can tell you what’s been feeding in an area. Pay attention to what kind of tracks you see and where they’re going as this can help you find an animal’s den or hiding spot.

If you can set up a rudimentary trap, you could then kill and roast an animal like a squirrel or rabbit.

diy shipping container homes
Learn how to build your container home from a professional builder

How to prevent getting lost

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, or so the saying goes.

Assuming you don’t have a GPS or phone signal, there are some tips to prevent getting lost in the woods.

First, pay attention to your surroundings and try to remember key landmarks when walking through unfamiliar territory. If you can, mark a trail with string or ribbon so you can find your way back.

Second, walk in a straight line as much as possible. This will help you retrace your steps if you need to.

Finally, stay on paths and don’t wander off into unfamiliar areas.

Final thoughts on how to survive when lost in the woods

If you find yourself lost in the woods there are several important things you can do to increase your chances of survival and being found.

Keeping a calm mindset and following the tips outlined above could potentially save your life in the unfortunate situation of getting lost in the woods.

Learn from the original homestead survivalists

How would you like to sit down with a pioneer homesteader from the 19th or early 20th centuries? You know, the kind who travelled for months through uncharted terrain, built their own house, raised or hunted their own food, and did it all without electricity and running water?

Well, we can’t transport you back in time to meet an old-time homesteader, but we’ve got the next best thing!

The Classic Homesteading eBook Bundle is an incredible collection of 272 hand-picked titles written by homesteading experts in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Each book has been digitized into an easy-to-use format and is crammed full of little-known secrets:

  • How to grow all the food you need even in less-than-ideal condition
  • How to raise chickens, cows and other animals to provide fresh meat and eggs
  • How to build a simple house using the materials local to your area
  • How to learn handiwork skills like sewing
  • How to preserve food using traditional preservation methods

These books have been bundled together by category and are perfect for preppers, survivalists, and homesteaders. The information found in these books is a true treasure trove that will be invaluable in any type of grid-down scenario where you need to quickly get up to speed on how to live without electricity and other modern conveniences.

Click here to check out the Classic Homesteading eBook Bundle!

How to Get a Shipping Container Home for Cheap

by Leave a Comment

cheap shipping container home

With the prices of housing skyrocketing, many people are looking for more affordable options for their new house. Constructing a cheap shipping container home can be a great way to save money on your next house purchase.

Shipping containers can be found for sale on the internet, and they are usually very affordable. Although there will be costs involved with finishing out the container into a ready-to-live-in house, you’ll still save thousands over a traditional home.

Shipping container homes are becoming more and more popular, and there are a few things you should know before you buy one. In this article, we will tell you how to get a shipping container home for cheap.

Affiliate Disclosure

By clicking an affiliate link below, we may receive a commission on purchases at no additional cost to you.

What are shipping container homes?

A shipping container home is a house made out of a modified steel shipping container. Unheard of a few years ago, they are now becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional stick-built homes.

Shipping container homes can be cheaper, quicker to build, and more environmentally friendly than traditional homes. They can also be just as comfortable and stylish as a traditional home.

All around the world, people are re-purposing shipping containers as homes. They are popular because these homes are often more affordable than traditional homes and can be constructed relatively quickly.

Shipping container homes can be found in a variety of climates, from hot to cold, and can be outfitted to suit the needs of any family. If you’re considering a shipping container home, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

The benefits of shipping container homes

Shipping container homes are becoming increasingly popular, as more people recognize the benefits they offer. If you’re considering building a shipping container home, here are just some of the advantages you can enjoy over traditional homes.

First, shipping container homes are cheaper to build than traditional homes.

In addition, these homes can be built more quickly than regular stick-build houses.

Shipping container homes are also eco-friendly, as they reuse materials that might otherwise be sent to a landfill or just sit out rusting away.

The cost of shipping container homes

One of the biggest benefits of shipping container homes is their cost-effectiveness.

Shipping containers are relatively cheap to buy, and because they’re modular, it’s easy to add on extra rooms or even split them into separate living areas.

Building a traditional home from scratch can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, so if you’re looking for an affordable option, shipping containers are definitely worth considering.

As the expensive housing market continues to scare away many potential buyers, many homeowners are looking for creative and cost-effective ways to build or expand their homes.

Shipping container homes are becoming an increasingly popular option, as they offer a unique and stylish aesthetic while being significantly cheaper than traditional construction methods.

Hidden costs of shipping container homes

While the initial cost of shipping container homes may be lower than traditional construction, there are a few hidden costs that must be considered.

First, shipping containers must be properly insulated to ensure they meet local building codes. This can add several thousand dollars to the total cost.

Additionally, because shipping containers are just big empty boxes that not designed to be lived in, basic amenities like plumbing and electricity must be added, which will also increase the overall cost.

Despite these hidden costs, shipping container homes can still be an affordable option for those looking for an alternative to traditional construction methods.

How to get a shipping container home cheap

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to live in a shipping container home, here are a few tips to get you started.

First, check with your local zoning office to see if there are any regulations or restrictions on building a shipping container home in your area.

If there are no zoning restrictions, you can start shopping for a used shipping container. Check online classifieds such as Craigslist for good deals on used containers.

You can also buy shipping containers on eBay, with 40 to 50 foot containers usually going for around $3000.

Once you’ve found a suitable shipping container, the next step is to decide if you’ll use a contractor or go the do-it-yourself route.

Finding a reputable contractor who can help you turn your container into a comfortable and stylish home can be a challenge, but they are out there. Try to get multiple bids from different contractors before making your final decision.

If you decide to build your own home using a shipping container, make sure to thoroughly research the steps involved. Consider following a guide from an expert builder who can walk you through all the steps, including footings, plumbing and electricity.

With planning and effort, you can find a cheap shipping container that will make for a great home. Just be sure to do your research and get help from an experienced professional to make sure everything goes smoothly.

diy shipping container homes
Learn how to build your container home from a professional builder

Final thoughts on building cheap shipping container homes

Building a shipping container home is a great way to get a durable and eco-friendly house while saving money.

With a little bit of planning and research, you can find a container for a fraction of the cost of a traditional home.

By working with a qualified contractor or going the DIY route, you can turn your shipping container into a comfortable and stylish home that will last for years to come.

10 Must-Have Non-Electric Kitchen Tools for Homesteaders and Preppers

by Leave a Comment

off-grid kitchen cooking tools

In today’s world, more and more people are interested in lessening their dependence on traditional utilities like electricity, gas, and water. For some, this means looking for off-grid kitchen ideas. Others simply want to be prepared for unexpected long-term power outages.

In either case, having the right non-electric kitchen tools can make all the difference in preparing food in grid-down or long-term off-grid scenarios.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best manual kitchen tools that don’t need electricity. The right tools can make your life a lot easier when you’re off the grid and electricity is unavailable.

Affiliate Disclosure

By clicking an affiliate link below, we may receive a commission on purchases at no additional cost to you.

Why would you have an off-grid kitchen?

An off-grid kitchen is a term used to describe a kitchen that is not connected to the main power grid. This can be by intentional choice through opting to live off the grid, due to a natural disaster like hurricanes or ice storms, or from a SHTF scenario like an EMP or attack on the power grid.

Off-gridders still have many options to power an off-grid kitchen, including solar panels, wind turbines, and generators. But for the purposes of this article, we’ll only be looking at non-electric manual kitchen tools that can be used without electricity.

Here are ten of the best non-electric kitchen tools for when you’re without electricity.

📌 Save for later! 📌

non-electric kitchen tools for preppers

Can opener

Any prepper worth his or her salt will stock up on canned goods like beans, vegetables and meats. But if the power goes out and the only tool you have to open your cans is an electric can opener… well, you get the idea.

You’d be surprised how many people stock up on canned goods but either don’t have a manual can opener at all, or only have one of those cheap openers that is either difficult to use or stops working after only a few uses.

There are all styles and types of non-electric can openers. We always recommend a name brand, high-quality can opener with lots of good reviews. It’s a great idea to have two or three openers in case one stops working or you want one as a high-value barter item.

Camping stove

For cooking without electricity, nothing is as simple as an old-fashioned camp stove.

For maximum versatility, we recommend getting a dual fuel camping stove that uses both butane and propane as the fuel source.

These stoves always carry a warning not to use indoors but many people use theirs inside a house, RV, etc., without any issues.

Don’t forget the fuel for your camp stove!

Ice chest

Another must-have non-electric off-grid kitchen tool is an ice chest.

An ice chest can buy you precious time if the power goes out and you want to preserve refrigerated or frozen items that may otherwise spoil.

A good quality ice chest with extra insulation can actually keep things frozen for up to five days even in warm weather.

If the power goes off in the winter time and it’s cold outside, you can store food in an ice chest outdoors. This protects the food from predators and potentially keeps it frozen for many weeks in northern climates. (Of course, if your house is unheated, just keep the ice chest indoors.)

How to Create Your Own Homesteading Kitchen

Solar oven

Solar ovens are another popular non-electric kitchen tool. These can be used to cook food without using any electricity or gas.

A solar oven is a device that uses the sun’s energy to heat your food. Solar ovens are a very efficient way to cook, as they can reach temperatures of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. They are also portable, making them ideal if you need to take it on the road.

The disadvantage is that you won’t be able to cook on a cloudy or overcast day. But if the sun is shining, a solar oven is a great way to go.

For cloudy days when you need to cook, a charcoal grill is a fantastic cooking option. (You can also use small wood pieces in place of charcoal.)

Water filter

Having pure, clean water for drinking and cooking is an absolute must in any grid-down situation.

There are a lot of options with affordable water purification filters, but a filter with multi-stage filtration is best.

How to Make Your own Emergency Water Well

Hand crank grain mill

Many preppers stock up on grain as part of their food storage stash. But if the power is off and you need to grind grain, you’ll need a manual grain mill to get the job done.

Hand crank grain mills come in an assortment of sizes. You’ll want one that is adjustable so you can control how fine or coarse the milled flour comes out.

Hand crank egg beater

For scrambling eggs, a manual egg beater is another must-have non-electric kitchen tool.

These are also great for whipping cream and mixing batters like for pancakes and breads.

Coffee grinder

If you’re a coffee drinker and prefer to store unroasted coffee beans for long-term storage, then a hand-operated coffee grinder is another essential tool.

When looking for a manual coffee grinder, one that has adjustable settings is ideal. This allows you to choose the coarseness of the grind.

Stainless steel percolator

You won’t be able to make coffee in an off-grid scenario without a percolator.

You’ll need a high-quality stainless steel percolator. Many people report that coffee prepared over a fire with a percolator yields a deeper, richer flavor.

You can also use loose leaf tea in your percolator.

Cast iron cookware

cast iron cookware for off-grid kitchen

Our last (but definitely not least!) recommendation for non-electric kitchen tools is cast iron cookware.

For cooking over an open flame, cast iron is definitely the way to go.

A cast iron Dutch oven is an incredibly useful piece of cookware. They are perfect for soups, chili and stews. You can eve cook breads like biscuits in them!

Cast iron skillets are also very useful for frying all sorts of meats, making pancakes, and cooking vegetables.

Learning from the original homesteaders

How would you like to sit down with a pioneer or homesteader from the 19th or early 20th centuries? You know, the kind who raised all of their own food, built their own house, and did everything without electricity and running water?

Well, we can’t transport you back in time to meet an old-time homesteader, but we’ve got the next best thing!

The Ultimate Homesteading eBook Bundle is an incredible collection of 272 hand-picked titles written by homesteading experts in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Each book has been digitized into an easy-to-use format and is crammed full of little-known secrets:

  • How to grow all the food you need even in less-than-ideal condition
  • How to raise chickens, cows and other animals to provide fresh meat and eggs
  • How to build a simple house using the materials local to your area
  • How to learn handiwork skills like sewing
  • How to preserve food using traditional preservation methods

These books have been bundled together by category and are perfect for preppers and homesteaders. The information found in these books is a true treasure trove that will be invaluable in any type of grid-down scenario where you need to quickly get up to speed on how to live without electricity and other modern conveniences.

classic homesteading books
Click now to learn more!

Final thoughts on non-electric kitchen tools

In an off-grid scenario where you need to prepare food without electricity, you’ll need several basic tools to be up to the task.

The non-electric kitchen tools mentioned above are among the best items to have on hand to keep you alive and well in any SHTF scenario.

How to Store Food in Mylar Bags

by Leave a Comment

storing food in a mylar bag

Long-term food storage is on the minds of many people these days. While there are several food storage options, using Mylar bags is one of the very best ways to keep your food fresh and dry for many years. Storing food in Mylar bags is not as difficult or complicated as you might think.

Storing Food in Mylar Bags

Prepping for long-term food storage is a great way to get ready for any future disasters that may come your way.

With rapidly rising food prices and threats of social and economic instability, it only makes sense to stash away some food for emergency use.

📌 Save for later! 📌

By storing food in Mylar bags, you can keep it fresh for many years. This is a great way to have peace of mind knowing that you and your family will always have something to eat no matter what happens.

Should Honey be in Your Prepping Stash?

But to make sure your food stays good on a long-term basis, you’ll need to take a few steps as outlined below.

Affiliate Disclosure

By clicking an affiliate link below, we may receive a commission on purchases at no additional cost to you.

Best Foods to Store in Mylar Bags

Some types of food keep better in long-term storage in Mylar bags than others.

When thinking about the types of foods that keep best in long-term storage, some good choices are white rice, dry beans (all types), pasta, oats, and whole grains like wheat berries.

Avoid foods like brown rice and flour as these will not stay as fresh, even when stored in Mylar bags.

Coconut: The Ultimate Prepping Food?

How to Store Food in Mylar Bags

Here are the steps I followed recently when putting food in Mylar bags for long-term storage.

1. Pick the foods you want to store in Mylar bags

Decide on the foods you want to store. As noted, white rice, wheat berries, and oats are great choices. You can buy these in bulk at places like Sam’s or Costco. My favorite source of bulk foods is Azure Standard.

grains for long-term food storage

2. Using Mylar bags with and without buckets

You can either store foods in Mylar bags without buckets or inside of buckets for added protection. Using bags without pails is easier and less expensive, but I prefer buckets to keep rodents and bugs from chewing through the bags.

These are the Mylar bags I have used with good success. You can get 5-gallon pails with lids at hardware stores or Walmart.

3. Place the Mylar bags inside the buckets

If using both Mylar bags and pails, unfold the bag and press it down into a pail with the top of the bag above the pail rim. The bucket also acts as a support to hold the bag in place while putting the food into it.

off grid food storage

4. Pour the food into the bag

Open your bag of food and pour it into the bag. As a general rule, I’ve found that a bag inside a five-gallon bucket holds about 25 pounds of grain or beans. This will vary somewhat depending on the density of the specific food you’re storing.

Make sure you don’t overfill the bag inside the pail as overfilling will keep the lid from closing, making the bag more prone to pests or punctures.

I fill up all of my bags before proceeding to the next step.

classic homesteading books

5. Place oxygen absorbers inside the bags on top of the food

oxygen absorber in Mylar bag with grain

Oxygen absorbers are really important if you plan to store the food for many years.

As the name suggests, these little absorbers remove oxygen from the air inside the bag, preventing the food from going rancid. As a bonus, an oxygen-free atmosphere is also inhospitable to bugs.

I like this set of Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, or you can purchase absorbers separately if you already have some bags. I strongly recommend using the larger 2000CC oxygen absorbers as they are more effective than the smaller ones.

I have used these oxygen absorbers with good success.

6. Seal the Mylar bags using a hair flat iron

Once the food and oxygen absorber is in place inside the bag, you’ll need to seal it up.

If your Mylar bags have a zipper, press down on the bag to get out as much air as possible while closing the zipper. If your bags are zipperless, it will be harder to squeeze out the air, but just get out as much as you can.

Plug in a hair flat iron until it heats up. You can also use a clothes iron, but a hair iron is much more convenient.

Take the hot flat iron (be careful!) and insert the top edge of the Mylar bag into the flat iron. You only want to seal the area above the bag’s zipper.

hair iron to seal mylar bag

Run the hot iron all the way along the top of the bag to create an airtight seal. Squeeze the bag to make sure no air comes out. If it does, seal the bag again to close off any air holes.

7. Place lids on the pails and label the buckets

We’re now heading into the final stretch on your food storage adventure!

survival biscuits

Once all your bags are sealed, press them down to fully fit inside the pails, then securely attach the lids.

Finally, be sure to write on the buckets so you know what’s inside. You can either write directly on the pails with a permanent marker, or use adhesive labels or tape to write on.

Your long-term food storage stash is now ready to go!

Final Thoughts on Storing Food in Mylar Bags

There are many good reasons to have long-term food storage using Mylar bags.

In the event of an emergency, it is always a good idea to have a backup food plan. If there is a power outage, natural disaster, or social upheaval, having non-perishable food items can be a lifesaver.

It’s also a good idea to have long-term food storage in case of job loss or other financial difficulties. Having a stockpile of food can help you weather just about any storm that comes your way.

If properly stored inside of Mylar bags and pails, dried goods can last for years, giving you peace of mind in the event of an emergency.

These Surprising Uses of Pine Sap Could Save Your Life

10 Emergency Lights for When the Power Goes Out

by Leave a Comment

oil lamp in woods

Light is an essential part of our daily life that we usually take for granted. But what if a natural disaster or other type of emergency happens and your power goes out? What would YOU do for emergency lights in a grid-down situation such as an EMP or natural disaster?

In this article we’re going to discuss some easy and affordable emergency lighting for the home to use when the lights go out!

Here’s the Prepping World list of 10 light sources for when the power goes out!

Affiliate Notice

By clicking an affiliate link below, we may receive a commission on purchases at no additional cost to you.

Oil Lamps

Oil lamps have been used for lighting for many hundreds of years. They were the primary light source for our ancestors before the advent of electrical power.

Oil lamps come in all different types of shapes and sizes, so you can pick the one(s) with the appearance and features that you prefer.

We’ve picked up several cool old oil lamps at flea markets and antique stores.

You’ll want to have plenty of lamp oil on hand, and some extra wicks to replace the ones that get used up.

Make sure you use oil specifically made for burning indoors or you’ll have a smoky and potentially dangerous room.

classic homesteading books

Candles

This one seems pretty obvious, but your prepping stash should contain a lot of candles.

Candles burn for quite a while, are affordable, and very easy to use.

Having some type of candle holder to keep the candle upright and collect dripping wax is a great idea. A glass -walled candle lantern is also great for keeping stray objects out of the flame, and will also protect the flame from breezes.

Make sure you have a good supply of lighters and/or matches!

📌 Save for later! 📌

emergency lights when power is out

Alcohol Lamps

Alcohol lamps are similar to oil lamps, but as the name suggests, the fuel source is alcohol.

While all alcohol is flammable, you’ll want to use at least 95% ethanol for best results. The flame is clear and bright, and may also be used for cooking since it gets very hot.

Alcohol lamps are inexpensive and a great option for emergency lighting.

Olive Oil

Another option for emergency lighting when the power goes out is to use olive oil as fuel. All you need is a lamp with a wick, and some olive oil.

To use olive oil as a fuel, fill the lamp with oil so that the wick is saturated. Then, light the wick and allow it to burn until it burns out on its own.

Watch video to learn how to protect from an EMP

Olive oil is a great emergency lighting option because it is easy to find and it burns cleanly.

Solar Yard Lights

If you don’t already have some solar yard or garden lights at your house, you’ve probably seen them in your neighbor’s yard.

These simple devices are placed in the ground lining sidewalks or in garden areas. Using renewable solar energy, they provide a decent amount of light. As long as you have sunlight, they will last for years.

If the power goes out and you don’t have other lighting available, bringing in a few of these lights from your yard at night can give you another emergency lighting source for your home.

Solar yard lights are a great emergency lighting option

Phone Flashlights

Everyone knows to have a few flashlights around your house for portable lighting, but did you know that most phones also come with a flashlight function?

Different phones have different ways of activating the flashlight feature. With some phones, you open the phone’s camera and turn on the camera light.

Other phones may already have an app to use your camera light as a flashlight, or you may need to download one.

using flashlight on smart phone

As a bonus tip, a phone can also be used to signal for help. If you are lost out in the woods or mountains, go to a high hill and flash the camera light to attract the notice of rescuers.

What is an EMP? And is it Dangerous?

Solar Powered Lanterns

Another great emergency light source is a solar powered lantern.

These are very popular for use with camping when you need some light to use in a tent at night.

Renewable lighting options are ideal since they last so much longer than non-renewable lights like candles and oil lamps.

Glow Sticks

Remember those fun glow sticks that kids use at night?

Glow sticks come in all shapes and sizes and tend to be very affordable. You can even find them at places like Dollar Tree!

You can even get super-sized glow sticks that reportedly last for over 12 hours.

Shortening

Another little-known fuel source is shortening.

Like olive oil, shortening can be used in a lamp with a wick to provide a flame. Depending ont the purity of the shortening, it may be a little smoky when lit.

To use shortening as a fuel, first fill a clean can with solid shortening. Place the can in a well-ventilated area and heat it until the shortening melts. Use caution when handling the hot can.

using shortening for fuel

Once the shortening has melted, dip a wick into the melted shortening and then place the wick into an empty candle holder. Allow the wick to soak up the shortening for several minutes before lighting it.

Depending on how much shortening you use, the it should burn for several hours.

Nuclear Bomb Radiation Supplements

Crayons

The tenth and final item to use for emergency lighting is crayons.

Crayons are made of wax, which makes them ideal for burning. They can be lit easily and will burn for a long time. Crayons can provide enough light to help you find your way in the dark.

Simply light the end of a crayon and hold it up to a wall or ceiling for a small area of light. Be careful, though, as the hot wax will melt and drip down.

lost survival foods

If you have kids at home, you may already have a supply of crayons. Crayons are great not only for kids but even many adults enjoy using crayons with coloring pages. This would be a great way to pass the time during a power outage.

Final thoughts on emergency lighting options

Giving some thought to emergency lighting will help you be prepared for when the power goes out.

There are several ways to light up a room or provide a source of light to see in the dark. Using one of the different types of emergency lights discussed above, you’re sure to find at least one that best suits your needs.

What to do With Poo When SHTF