I have a very low income and am trying to decide if a Kerosene Heater would be enough, instead of a temporary wood stove set up which runs around $1500. So as you can see I sure could use some input on this. Thanks for your help in advance.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 1999

Answers

Allene, Please do not spend your limited money preparing for a 30 day power outage, this is very, very, unlikely for any cause, and from my work in Y2K in the power industry, I am confident that a 30 day outage due to Y2K isn't a credible possibility. The Kerosene heater sounds like a smart idea for power outages caused by storms, etc. and many portable ones are inexpensive. If you haven't used one in a while, be sure to have someone show you all the features and safety measures to take when using it.

God Bless,

-- Anonymous, September 27, 1999

Dear Allene,

First, I really think that Factfinder's response was not only very nice, but quite prudent. You should look at your own resources and decide what you can honestly do, without putting a strain on your finances or causing yourself hardship - because Y2K is an unknown. A kerosine heater is a great idea - make sure you get one that has safety features and is fairly new because the efficiency is much higher. Make sure it is placed in an area that is far away from any flammable material.

One of the things we learned here in the country is that it is much easier to keep one room warm. So, in case of power outages, confine your family to one room - it'll save on heating fuel. (You can also put blankets on the windows and door to insulate the room even better.)

Stock up a little - as you can afford it. Things like Mac and Cheese, Ramen Noodles, canned vegetables, beans and fruit are great. (Remember to make sure you have a hand can opener.) If you have little ones, rice and/or oatmeal are wonderful grains to stock up on - none of these things are gourmet, but they will fill you up. Hot chocolate mix is also great to have on hand.

If you have an electric stove, talk to a camping store about a stove you can use indoors - Coleman Fuel has toxic fumes and should not be used inside. There are other things - like charcoal, that are dangerous for use inside your home. Talk to your Emergency Management people or the Red Cross and they can give you information.

Also, when you talk to the Red Cross, ask them about their contingency plans and shelters. All the Red Cross Offices I know about have already made their arrangements.

I second Factfinder - God Bless You.

Terri

-- Anonymous, September 28, 1999

FWIW, I "third" this advice.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 1999

Allene, this is preparation talk and not usually accepted on this forum but maybe this post will stay up. Cheapest way to heat food and water (for that hot chocolate), is to buy cans of Safe Heat from Sams. $11.99 for 12 cans. They are safe inside and each can burns for 6 hrs. Sterno cans only burn for 2 hrs. and cost the same or a little more. Canned heat is not cost effective for "cooking food" but is great for "heating" already cooked food, such as canned food of any kind.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 1999

Allene, since there are various potential infrastructure risks from the Year 2000 problem, I have thought from the beginning that it's better to marshall a limited amount of resources into a small or moderate contingency plan which covers the various emergency areas of heat, water, food, medecine, etc. than to spend an inordinate amount of money on any one part of a risk management plan. So I would also recommend that you balance your emergency preparations according to your ability.

I know several people who have used a kerosene heater in our cold area of the northeast with good success, as long as you pay close attention to safety concerns. You might want to also check out the vent-free propane heaters which are available now, and compare the prices and BTU output with the kerosene heaters. There are wall-mount models as well as floor models in various sizes and price ranges. (Places like HEP stores usually carry them.)

If you don't already have a fire extinguisher, I would recommend that you get one, whatever choice of contingency heating you decide upon. I've seen them at places like Sam's Club for about $20.00 and it's just a good sensible, all-around safety precaution. I'm assuming you already have a smoke detector as most places have legislation requiring them.

Just sit down and say, "This is what I've got..and this is what I can do with it to get a balanced plan and mitigate my risks." Whatever you can attain without putting yourself in debt will still be more than 98% of the population is doing. Let your common sense drive you, not fear, and I think you'll do just fine!

-- Anonymous, September 28, 1999

Allene, Check out TB prep site. Also The Rogue Valley site at:

http://www.rv-y2k.org.

Some of these folks may be your neighbors!

AShland Bi-monthly General Meetings Contact: 541-488-8782,

http://www.mind.net/ashldy2k

Grants Pass Josephine Community Preparedness Project, http://www.josephineprep.org (under construction)

Contact: Ron Strom, 541-479-7425, ron@josephineprep.org

Special Events:

CERT Training  This FREE course begins September 7th and runs for seven Tuesdays at 6 pm at Anne Basker Auditorium (604 NW 6th Street). You must register in advance. For complete details, see the above website.

No other activities planned as of September 24. Rogue River Contact: Helen Price, 541-582-4691, hlprice@internetcds.com Shady Cove & Trail Contact: Kim Ragsdale, 541-878-2056

-- Anonymous, September 29, 1999