There is no doubt that the climate of our planet is changing fast, right now
Nobody really knows the full story on what will happen with our planet’s weather, and what is causing it is a combination of things, only some of which humans have any role in. We cannot afford to waste time arguing about. The smart thing to do is get ready NOW, for a number of possible scenarios, some more extreme than others. There are some very respected scientists who believe that global warming will ultimately produce another ice age. The reason for this is that the melting ice will change the salinity and temperature of the ocean in critical areas that affect the warming ocean currents.
Wherever you happen to live, consider that the weather may change radically in the next 5 to 15 years. It could get much drier, or colder. Or, it could get hot, or full of dust. People who live in areas that are almost totally flat are extremely vulnerable to high winds. Mountains can experience landslides and violent weather. It’s better to prepare for many possibilities.
It’s very likely that most people living today will experience a power outage at some time. This is one situation that can be prepared for in advance. Get proper equipment like solar chargers, generators, batteries, windmills, water pumps, etc.
This period that we are in, crossing the 2012 threshold, is very complicated and we do not know what will happen in the future. However, we do know what has recently happened ( tsunami, hurricane Katrina, earthquakes, etc ). There are many possible scenarios, some of which nobody could possibly prepare for.
One thing that is very common and likely are large power outages.
These are common because there are so many ways for our power supplies to be interrupted. Power outages can come from wind and storms, earthquakes, floods, cyber terrorism, and just plain overloading ( very common ). I believe all people should prepare themselves for serious short and long term power outages.
Power outages create problems that many people don’t think about much. Aircraft navigation beacons and airport lights would be out. Freezers holding huge amounts of food in storage would fail. Some water and fuel pumps would not work. The internet would be profoundly affected, possibly damaged beyond repair. Computerized records could fail.
Some things to get:
All kinds of solar charging units. You can get some really good stuff these days, from small units that can power laptops and other small devices, to much larger solar power units that can power a cabin or small house. Many of the popular electronic devices today run on 3 t0 18 volts D.C. ( direct current ). In an emergency, small chargers can keep many of these tools working.
Generators There are generators that run on gasoline, others run on propane or natural gas, and still others that can run on both, or on diesel ( biodiesel ). A good sized electric generator can power quite a few lights, a water pump, and a bunch of smaller electrical devices. When all is well and the power is on, we often have way more electrical gadgets running than we really need. In a crisis, you’ll learn what REALLY is necessary.
Fuel – for generators and other needs.Also, propane tanks and kerosene can come in really handy, as well as simple firewood. A wood fire or wood stove can be used to cook, sterilize water, heat water for bathing.
Batteries -- all kinds of batteries can be helpful if we lose the electric grid. Batteries and be combined in ways that add up volts or amps. Many types of rechargeable batteries exist, and chargers that go with them. Get chargers to, of course.
Flashlights - Light, can’t get enough of it. It really comes in handy…. Get lighters, too, any kind of lighter will be useful, and the more the better.
Electrical tools -Today you can by a whole range of battery powered tools. These can be recharged by generators and portable solar chargers. You will need some electrical testing equipment, too, like volt / ohm meters, voltage regulators, wires, clips, capacitors, etc. Get a full range of electrical tools, pliers, cable splitters, screwdrivers, etc.
Portable lights, and LED lights. LED lights use much less power, don’t have a breakable filament, last much longer, and produce less heat. Stock up on lighting. Small clip lights, low voltage lights, etc.
Remember alternative ways to generate power locally. It is not very difficult to build a windmill power supply, or small scale hydroelectric. Wind and water can turn a simple car generator, and using a car voltage regulator, or a more powerful one, you can produce electricity.
Collect books and articles that have instructions for setting up small power supplies, fix equipment, etc. It may become necessary in some areas to rebuild a grid, or set up a small regional system. Print out stuff from online in case the internet goes down.
Good extension cords — generators are placed outside usually, so you need thick gauge extension cords, 50 feet or more might be needed. There is a type of cord that has a special rubber that stays flexible in very cold weather.
Warm clothing ( cold climates ). Without a power grid it will be colder in most homes.
FOOD – dried, canned, smoked and sealed for long shelf life. Also, big containers of staples like rice, grains, sugar, salt, coffee, tea. Today you can buy all kinds of good products that are designed for long shelf life.
