Prepping World

Prep Smarter, Not Harder

SHTF

Be prepared for when the SHTF. Contingencies, back up plans, security, first aid and hygiene considerations.

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!

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 Make Your own Emergency Water Well

by Leave a Comment

In areas where water is scarce or contaminated, an emergency well can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some tips on how to make your own emergency water well.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need water and there is no clean water source nearby, you can make an emergency well. This type of well will probably not be suitable for long-term use, but it will provide you with enough water to get by in a pinch.

Affiliate Disclosure

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

Emergency wells are a vital part of disaster preparedness

When disaster strikes, access to clean water is essential for survival. Emergency wells can provide a much-needed source of water in the event of a natural disaster or man-made crisis.

📌 Save for later! 📌

how to make an emergency water well

Emergency wells are typically shallow, hand-dug wells that can be quickly and easily constructed with minimal equipment. They can be used to provide water for drinking, cooking, and basic sanitation needs.

classic homesteading books

While emergency wells are not intended to be a long-term solution, they can be a lifesaving measure in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Having an emergency well in place can make all the difference in surviving and recovering from a catastrophic event.

How to make an emergency well

If you find yourself without access to clean water, one option is to build an emergency well.

It’s a fairly simple but physically demanding process that anyone can do with the right materials and a little bit of know-how.

Here’s how to make an emergency well:

  1. Find a suitable location for your well where you think there may be underground water. Look for an area that is lower than the surrounding land, as water will tend to collect in these areas. It should also be away from any sources of contamination, such as sewage or chemical runoff.
  2. Dig a hole that is at least 10 feet deep. In some areas you may need to go down 25 feet. The deeper the hole, the cleaner the water will be. Using an auger digging drill will make the job a whole lot easier.
  3. Cover the bottom with gravel or sand to help filter the water as it rises up through the filter medium.
  4. Line the hole with rocks or bricks to help keep the sides from caving in if you plan to use the well on a longer term basis.
  5. Insert PVC tubing into the hole. Make sure the tubing extends up above the ground level so you can attach a pump later on. Use a screen or cloth at the bottom of the pipe to keep dirt and debris from entering your well. This will help keep contaminants from seeping into the water.
  6. Attach a hand pump or other type of small water pump to the tubing and start pumping!
  7. Old timers would dig a deep well wide enough to put a bucket or other container down into the hole to collect the water as it seeps in. For this type of well, you would need to place a lid or cover over the top of the well to keep out debris and animals.

You can also buy ready-made water well drilling kits to make the job even simpler.

Emergency wells can be an essential part of being prepared for a disaster

An emergency water well is a great way to ensure that you have a fresh water supply in case of an emergency where your primary water source is cut off.

An emergency well can give you the peace of mind that you need to know that you and your family will have access to life-sustaining water.

survival biscuits

Read Next:

10 Emergency Lights for When the Power Goes Out

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

What is an EMP? And is it Dangerous?

by Leave a Comment

solar flare causing EMP
Solar storms can produce damaging EMPs

An electromagnetic pulse (abbreviated EMP) is an intense and sudden burst of electromagnetic energy. EMPs can damage electronic equipment by frying circuits and disrupting communication.

An EMP could be created by a ground-level nuclear detonation, a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse weapon, or a solar storm (also known as a geomagnetic disturbance).

Affiliate Disclosure

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

Are nuclear EMPS an urgent threat to the USA?

There is no clear consensus on whether or not nuclear EMPs pose an immediate threat to the USA. Some experts believe that an EMP could cause major damage if it were to detonate in the country, while others say that the risk is negligible.

There are many factors that would determine the seriousness of an EMP impact, including how many nuclear explosions took place, how strong they were, and where they occurred.

The U.S. government conducted a hearing in 2015 to discuss this threat and steps needed to prepare and prevent EMP damage.

Is an EMP dangerous?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the potential consequences of an EMP event depend on a number of factors, including the exact nature of the EMP attack and the location of the target.

However, in general, an EMP attack is potentially very dangerous because it can damage or even completely destroy electronic equipment and networks on a widespread basis, disrupting communications and the electrical power grid, severely impacting the ability of people to work and live effectively.

📌 Save for later! 📌

what is an emp?

A strong geomagnetic disturbance from a solar storm hit the Canadian electrical grid in the late 1980s, causing a blackout across the entire province of Quebec.

Will cars function after an EMP?

It is not totally clear what impact an EMP would have on the function of cars, although sensitive electronic components would be most vulnerable.

Cars are designed with a limited life span in mind, so it is unlikely that they would last indefinitely after exposure to an EMP. Older cars are likely to fare the best under the stress of an EMP.

Some car manufacturers have stated that their vehicles are designed to survive up to 15 seconds of exposure to an EMP. However, after 15 seconds of sustained electromagnetic pulses, the electrical and electronic systems within a car may start to fail.

One review suggests that most cars will survive an EMP, and that damage may be minimal and more along the lines of minor functional disruption.

seeds now coupon
SAVE 10% ON HEIRLOOM SEEDS WITH CODE SAVE10NOW

How can a Faraday cage protect devices from a nuclear EMP?

Since an EMP is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is capable of damaging or destroying electronic equipment, finding ways to shield sensitive equipment is highly desirable.

Nuclear Bomb Radiation Supplements

A Faraday cage is a type of enclosure that can protect electronic devices from an EMP attack.

EMPs are created when a nuclear weapon is detonated or a solar flare generates geomagnetic disturbances. The explosive energy from the detonation or flare then creates a powerful electromagnetic field that can damage or destroy electronic equipment.

Faraday cages are designed to protect electronic devices from the damaging EMP field. The metal walls of the cage create a barrier that prevents the EMP field from destroying the devices that are shielded inside.

Faraday bags are also available to shield sensitive devices from EMP exposure.

Can an EMP damage powered-off electronics?

An EMP attack irradiates electronic equipment with high-energy particles, disrupting its operation. In extreme cases, this may cause the entire device to fail.

While it is not totally clear that that an EMP can damage electronics that have been turned off, it’s certainly possible that a powered-off device would be affected.

classic homesteading books

Can an EMP damage batteries?

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can damage batteries leading to device damage or failure.

Although an EMP may be unlikely, it is still possible, so if possible store your batteries in a Faraday cage.

Can a nuclear EMP damage solar panels?

Solar panels work by using sunlight to create electric currents that power devices like your appliances or your car. A nuclear EMP could damage these solar panels, reducing their efficiency and causing them to stop working. If this happens when you are relying on your solar panels to power your home, you could be in for a difficult and expensive repair, not to mention the loss of power provided by your solar panels.

Final thoughts on EMPs

While the risks of electromagnetic pulses causing widespread severe damage may be relatively low, there is still the possibility of EMPs from either nuclear attack or natural solar flares.

Preppers should evaluate their supplies and take steps to protect their radios, computers, and other vulnerable electronic devices.

Read next

Nuclear Bomb Radiation Supplements

What to do With Your Poo When SHTF