4Patriots

Many families add to their supply ofemergency gear 1 item at a time. But how do you know what to get next? These 5 questions can help you find the gaps in your plan. That way, you know which reliable product can help upgrade your collection. TL;DR Start by taking stock of the gear you already own. List the devices and appliances your family can't go without during an outage. A second generator can make sense for larger homes or families on the go. Many experts suggest keeping at least 2 weeks of food for each person. A water filter that works without power gives you a trusted backup solution. What Do I Have Already? Look at all your emergency gear to take stock of what you have covered. Check dates on food and water. Test flashlights and radios. Charge your backup power. The gaps will show you what to buy next. If you don’t have backup power, that’s a great place to start.  Which of My Appliances and Devices Need Power During Outages? Walk through your home and list your family...

Buying emergency food kits for the first time can feel a bit daunting. How much food do you need? Every brand claims it's the best. What details should you keep an eye out for? Here's a simple checklist in order of what matters most to help you decide for yourself. TL;DR Portion size shows whether a kit really feeds the people it claims to. Taste and real ingredients are just as important as shelf life. Long-lasting kitsshould mention the right storage conditions. Price per serving tells you more than the box price. The best kits only need a few minutes in boiling water to prepare. How Many Servings Are Actually In Each Kit A survival food kit can look big in product photos. But does it have enough servings? Check the serving count on the label. The total weight doesn't matter as much as servings. A kit that claims to feed a family of 4 should tell you how many meals it comes with. Read the Ingredient List  Survival food kits only come in handy if people want to eat it....

Self-reliance means you’re in control, even when everyone else is in crisis. It’s the best feeling in the world. And all it takes is a plan and some basic survival gear to be prepared for anything. These 5 steps will help you feel prepared until help arrives or the power outage passes. TL;DR A backup generator keeps your most important devices running. A stocked food supply means you won't have to depend on the grocery store. Water filters that work without power provide a backup solution. Seasonal gear helps you stay ready for winter storms, summer heat, and trips away from home. Invest in a Backup Generator Power is the first thing most families lose in a storm or emergency. A backup generator keeps phones charged, lights on, and medical devices like a CPAP running. Powered generators with portable solar panel attachments charge with the power of the sun, so you don't need fuel. They also don’t give off fumes. That means you can even use them inside your home. Build an Eme...

Most people think about power and food when they plan for an emergency. But you can go without power for days. You can't go without water. A little planning now means your family always has something to drink when the taps stop working. Here's why water storage is such an important part of emergency preparedness. Pick Filters That Work Without Power Stored water can run low during a long emergency. Outdoor survival water purifiers help you filter water from streams, rain barrels, and other sources. Many filters use gravity or a simple straw design, so they don't need a plug. You get crisp, refreshing drinking water without using any power. Power is precious during an outage. A filter that runs on its own means you can save your portable solar generator for other jobs. Keep it available to charge phones, run lights, or power a CPAP. Build Water Security Before You Need It Plan on storing 1 gallon of water per person per day. Aim to keep at least 3 days' worth of w...

Winter in the northern states is no joke. Snow piles up. Ice coats the power lines. Temperatures can drop below zero for days. When the power goes out in January, you face specific challenges people in warmer climates never even consider. Here are 4 unique considerations and how to prepare for them. Your Home Cools Down Fast Many furnaces need power to run, even gas furnaces. Once the power goes out, your home starts to lose heat. Pick a room that you can always keep warm. That way, your family can always be comfortable, even during an outage. Close the doors to the other rooms. Hang blankets over drafty windows. Wear layers and wool socks, even indoors. Keep warm blankets and hats in the room you choose so no one has to search for them in the dark. Pipes Freeze and Water Stops Cold snaps can freeze pipes and cut off your water access. Keep a few gallons of stored water in a closet that stays above freezing. Plan for a backup solution, too. Survival water purifiers let you filter ...

The sun sets a little earlier every week this time of year. By November, many homes turn on the lights before dinner. Lamps stay on longer. Every extra hour of light indoors adds up. Here's what shorter days mean for your home and how to stay ready when light matters most. Your Lights Work Longer Hours in Fall Early sunsets mean more time under lamps and ceiling lights. Take a quick walk through your home. Note which rooms stay lit the longest. Swap old bulbs for LED bulbs in those rooms first. LED bulbs use less power and last longer than older bulbs. Fall Storms Can Leave You in the Dark Fall wind and early winter storms can knock out power. An outage at 5 p.m. in November starts in the dark. Plan your light source first. With a generator with solar panel setup, you can keep a lamp on and phones charged. Solar generators don't need fuel and don't emit fumes. You can use them right inside your home. Keep a flashlight in each main room as well. A solar flashlight charge...