regarding building a FIRE in one's house w/out a fireplace: here's an interesting piece from an experienced COLD CANADIAN to consider out of my dusty archives:
If there is no power-energy as these links [will furnish if requested, but don't guarantee they still work] suggest then society is
down the tubes. In the middle of winter. From what I have seen in here, there is little
talk on surviving such an event although well meaning people have said to head to the
hills, then what? Doubtfully few that post or lurk have had the experience to survive this.
My name is BH and I have lived in isolation in the Northwest Territories in the Canadian
Arctic. This was 1000 miles from
a Big Mac, folks. So to contribute my share I am going to type out info that could give
you ideas on your preparations. It has been 14 years since I have been in that life style
so this is a deja vu in thinking about the effects of Y2k. Bear with me as the info may
jump from topic to topic. A web site on survival in harsh conditions should be forth
coming.
As we are well aware full effects of Y2k is during the winter. For much of us that could
mean bitter cold weather to deal with. Riots are going to be foolish to worry about.
Freezing to death is the first thing to avoid. Snowsuits and "moose boots" are first on
my list. Check out army surplus as their gear is cheaper and I know their boots are the
best. These boots look like rubber boots with nylon tops, usually white with felt liners.
Get several liners as then you can dry them out as needed your sweat is your worst
enemy. Keep heads, hands and feet warm. Buy lots of clothes by the way as
manufactured items are not likely to be around.
Plan on living in a smaller open area and sleep with others if possible. An airtight stove
is invaluable as is a chainsaw. I would recommend having two stoves. One for flash
heat and another for steady heat. This is not normal in the arctic but a consideration.
The tin wood stoves that sell for less than a $100 are a good choice. They are
light weight for traveling also if you must. Convert your house to a survival area and put
the wood stove at a lower point than your living area. A basement with a stove pipe
coming up through the floor is a good idea. If there is no chimney prepare to take out a
door or a window and have a insert for your stove pipe. Have a good supply of well
seasoned wood, maul, axe and a good bowsaw with several blades.
In the event of total collapse and freezing temps most would not
recognize water as the greatest problem. Snow is not a good idea to melt anywhere as
pollution could cause health problems. The last thing you need.
The best idea is a distiller on the wood stove for drinking water. My experience is
having a 45 gal. drum that was filled by a water truck. This is not likely but a good idea
in a small community. This problem should be the highest priority after getting warm.
In the bush we used propane. Portable, flexible, easy and convenient, having a 500#
tank or 20# tank, one can cook, heat, light, generate et cetera. For a few months, this is
a good all round solution and can be used with natural gas apps. I would imagine, (does
anyone know?). A 100# tank could go a long way if only for cooking. One would, of
course, use their wood stove for cooking when ever possible.
Food would be long term storage of course. If you wish to eat rice like Cory at least
buy lots of Soy sauce :o). Dehydrated foods is the best bet. You can cut and dry food
during the next 18 mo. and have loads of portable/healthy/stable munchies. I think this is
a growth industry. Up north the natives even dry meat which strangely enough they call
Drymeat. This is a staple up there and is liberally covered with lots of lard. On this note,
read Lost in the Barrens by Farley Mowat. Preparing for the winter is a challenge.
Fishing is a good source of food. If you are truly adventurous ice fishing with nets or
lines is a good bet. One could even consider snares for small animals. Their fur could be
used on collars of clothes.
Here is a few ideas of many BH plans on posting. On a personal note, your sanity is
critical!! Diversions such as games and hobbies are rewarding when the novelty of
chopping wood wears thin. I plan on having plenty of good cassettes of music and a car
battery or three to keep the car stereo happening. And books. In the likelihood of Y2k
disruptions we must keep knowledge growing. Get books on any topic that interests
you and then some. Music instruments for entertainment.
Till the next installment may I leave you with this thought, do not
consider other humans your greatest challenge if there is disruptions: it is
yourselves.
Your inner nature and contending with the outer Nature is the
greatest hurdle. Western culture has insulated us from nature, inner and outer. It is my
belief this is the great "denial" humanity has. Once you have done the life and death
game with nature you understand reverence for her. At least once during the summer go
camping in a tent. Cook over a fire. Make bannock :o)
Before enlightenment chop wood and haul water
After enlightenment chop wood and haul water
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