Lol, I meant we rarely 'lose' power! We use it all the time!

What's a Berkey?

Hey, Pete! I did it all on my own. It linked without my son helping me. I'm so excited.

Unfortunately, the contest is over. No I didn't win. My only problem I'd have with any electric (and I am assuming it is electric, like plug-in) water purifier is that right when you'd need it most, during a storm or after a storm, hurricane, earthquake, whatever is when the electric would be out anyway. I guess there is a portable camping model but I don't know much about it.

Does flour go bad? I have a huge bucket of it. How long does it last?

We have all brought our own experiences to this site.  While I currently do not live in a rural area.  I did for 20 years and had well water.  We would fill the washer, bathtub and pots, etc whenever stormy weather (especially in spring)was near because I knew the electricity would go out and with kids someone just had to go to the bathroom (there is a law don't you know).  Because we now live only a couple of miles from an electrical substation and our lines are underground we only lose power for short periods of time.  The longest has been 12 hours (knocking on wood).

Several years ago we were on a day trip and had a mealtime issue.  I made up a bag that contains basic picnic supplies (paper plates, plastic cutlery, handwashing liquid, salt, pepper & sugar as well as scissors, knife (not plastic), canopener and a basic first aid kit.  Sometimes I will add some food items for emergency situations.  This goes with us when we are on day trips because we sometimes are in the middle of nowhere.  I also carry a jug of water for washing (hands, cleaning windshields, etc).  I bought a cooler at a garage sale and use it for this purpose although an empty suitcase works just as well.

I have a suggestion for the preparedness bag is a camera.  With all of us now on computers——–backup, backup, backup and stored off site.  Also we all have pictures that ws don't want to lose whether it is digital or printed that need to be safely stored.  I am just as guiltly as anyone about not getting it all together and it is springtime in the mdwest. 

Heather B,

I've got the same thought as you.  We still know people who are without power in this area.  Four of the people I work with have had no power since Saturday morning and they're being told they may not have any until the beginning of next week.  That makes 4 times this past year for significant power outtages around here.  In the past we never had problems like that.  I think the reasons are because we had really wacky weather, the power companies have cut back on their work crews and there isn't as much up keep on the lines as before. 

The apartment that my daughter lives in still doesn't have heat from the Sept 7th flooding.  She's now in the process of looking for another apartment.