This thread is for those of us who are embarrassed to show our faces in those "What you did to prepare this weekend" threads, because we really didn't do that much.

I ordered some collidial silver, a wind-up flashlight and a wind-up shortwave radio. I gave serious thought to ordering potassium iodate. Sixty bucks and what if I don't need it? This is a tough one. I received my CD to upgrade Windows 98 to be compliant. I got $300 out of the autoteller (they might stop working you know).

Fess up, fellow slackers. What did you do?

-- Amy Leone (leoneamy@aol.com), December 16, 1999

Answers

http://www.survivalunlimited.com/surplus/iodate.htm

snip:

Potassium Iodate Tablets - (#PI2) $ 16.75

"Potassium Iodate 150mg 100 tablets For Emergency Use Only

Potassium Iodate 150mg is a superior form of "KI" because of its extended shelf life and lack of bitter taste. The extra molecule of oxygen in Potassium Iodate 150mg (actually KIO3), can guarantee the Iodate's continued freshness without adding stabilizers. Keep the bottle sealed, dry, and out of the sunlight. It should last for a generation.

Why should it be used?

During a Nuclear Disaster, such as War, Terrorism, a Melt Down or Spill, great amounts of Radioactive Iodine 131 are often released. Even though I-131 is radioactive, it is still Iodine....and Iodine is what the Thyroid requires to operate correctly. The Thyroid does not know the difference between "Good" Iodine and "Bad" Iodine and will readily absorb Radioactive Iodine 131 if allowed to. What must be done in case of a Nuclear accident is to SATURATE the Thyroid with the good Iodine so that the bad Iodine cannot do irreparable damage. This blocking must be done on a daily basis at least 12 hours BEFORE the Nuclear Emergency starts and it must be continued for up to 85 days.

Use during a Nuclear Emergency - ONLY!

Children 1 - to - 4 years old: 1) For the first 14 days the child should take 1/2 tablet twice a day. This is a total of 1 tablet a day for 14 days.

2) For up to the next 71 days the child should take1/2 tablet a day.

Adults, and Children over 4 years of age: 1) For the first 14 days take 1 tablet twice a day. This is a total of 2 tablets a day.

2) For up to the next 71 days take 1 tablet per day. This is a total of 1 tablet per day.

Warning: Only about 1-in-2,000,000 people are allergic to KI. If a rash appears then you may be only "mildly" allergic. You must make the decision, which is worse --- Radiation or Rash!

Remember: Children are extremely susceptible to Radiation. They come first....always!"

-- Hokie (nn@va.com), December 16, 1999.

I also read it is good to take calcium and potassium supplements, which help defend against other compounds that may be release in the event of a nuclear accident, but my slack butt has not got around to picking these up or even exploring the recommended dose or validity of these benefit claims, heh. For instance, would the potassium iodate cover the "potassium" recommendation, or would I need the pure molecule?

-- Hokie (nn@va.com), December 16, 1999.

Yes, but with two children and a husband I would need three or four bottles. Don't they have it the shelters anyway?

-- Amy Leone (leoneamy@aol.com), December 16, 1999.

Amy,

Went to the range to brush up on my marksmanship.

Picked up a new KA-BAR (It's ALWAYS loaded!)

I must admit, however, that I have slacked off the past week or so, as I have procured most of what I will need. I may pick up a few "presents" for myself while I'm X-mas shopping this weekend, though (extra jerry cans, extra medical supplies, etc.) After that, it's time to hunker down, be thankful you're living, and trust to your luck.

Best of luck to you and yours during the times ahead.

Got Ammo?

-- trouble (we're@inforit.com), December 16, 1999.

1. Installed new 1500 gallon water tank in basement,

2. picked up EMP sheilded metal boxes I had made at Maysville Tin Shop,

3. got in several items: backup laptop computer, motor for food freeze dryer, misc. hardware for power system.

4. packed corn. killed weevils.

5. Wife picked up more Sanalac. Cain't have too much moo juice.

6. More food packing.

7. Picked up more clothes for grandsons.

8. Cruized the forums, looking for canaries.

9. Mailed Christmas presents to family members. Mostly DGI presents for DWGI's.

That's one weekend in the ramp-down phase. Ya shoulda seen me last year!

Kook

-- Y2Kook (Y2Kook@usa.net), December 16, 1999.

I obsessed a bit. Other than that, I didn't do squat.

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), December 16, 1999.

this is a funny post. i am a slacker now but i have pretty much finished because i was pretty devoted during the spring, summer, and fall. i unfortunately have saved some of my harder jobs till now-- and i just don't wanna do em. like installing that darn texasfireframe grate and trying out my camp stove. i hate manual labor.

i did finally get my courage up to buy kerosene and then i have to go the firing range to practice.

-- tt (cuddluppy@nowhere.com), December 16, 1999.

Amy,

No, it is not in the shelters.

Dr. Paula Gordon on CSPAN reported that she had worked for the civil defense in the past when they did have potassium iod. for everyone thru civil defense, and she is confused as to why the gov has NOT stockpiled this item for our present citizens...

You are NOT gonna get a freebie courtesy of Uncle Sam, so if you think your family might need it anytime in the next 20 years or so then you have like 2 weeks to get it.

-- Hokie (nn@va.com), December 16, 1999.

tt-

Get out there and practice! practice! practice!

BTW, what ya packin' when you go to the range?

Just curious.

My Regards,

-- trouble (we're@inforit.com), December 16, 1999.

Bought more kerosene, and white gas. Ran 50 rounds through the .45, tuned up the Dogmobile ('75 Power Wagon), stashed another 15 empty 2- liter bottles, reloaded 200 rounds of .45, and cleaned out more space in the garage...

snoozin'...

The Dog

-- The Dog (dogdesert@hotmail.com), December 16, 1999.

Did same as Kook's #8.

Bought a shortwave Grundig YB400 PE (has side band). Pricey even on sale at Circuit City.

Still need to fill water barrels, large containers, umpteen plastic gallon jugs, and two liter bottles. Have lots and lots of bottled, & juged spring water already stored; our city water tastes nasty. Have an AquaRain standing by for use (we tried it out months ago and it did a super job).

-- Lurkess (Lurkess@Lurking.Net), December 16, 1999.

I ordered my Potassium Iodide last week, should be arriving shortly? I found out where the local fall out shelter was in my town, didn't even know we had one. It's in the basement of the Courthouse. Go figure.

Everythings done but the fun stuff.Bought 20 bottles of Diet Coke, five assorted large boxes of cookies.Still didn't get around to the Velveeta. Still need to p/u extra prescription meds..I've been carrying that around in my purse for two weeks now. Maybe this evening? Still have to eat at Chinese Buffet one more time!

-- kritter (kritter@adelphia.net), December 16, 1999.

Filled 4 water barrels in basement, tested kero heater & fireplace again, went on a $250 food mission, gave the house a good 2nd to last cleaning. Need to fill 2-15 gal kero barrels & get some shooting practice in!

-- Jim (x@x.x), December 16, 1999.

Concerning Velveeta: Someone please tell me why to buy it? Doesn't it have to be refigerated after opening? Cheez Whiz...same thing.

PLEASE answer this. Seems like most of the little questions I ask don't get answered. In fact, a lot of the time I seem to kill the thread and it slides to the bottom, never to be seen again :) I know y'all are busy and would sure appreciate it.Thanks.

-- A lurker (maybe if I use a fake addy@aol.com), December 16, 1999.

Sixty bucks and what if I don't need it?

Amy, I'd be more concerned if you do.

-- Powder (Powder@keg.com), December 16, 1999.

This week was mostly about buying anything left on my preps list. I plan to take the next two weeks off of Y2K and enjoy the time with my family. Heck, after 18 months of preparation, if I don't have it by now, I probably don't need it.

Purchases: extra 10 gallons gasoline a spare axe handle rat poison extra vitamins 10x25 roll of 6 mil clear plastic 2 fifths of Jack Daniels :-)

Activities: repacked my bug-out-bag went to the range and practiced

-- Stars and Stripes (stars_n_stripes@my-deja.com), December 16, 1999.

Amy, No, it is not in the shelters.

Dr. Paula Gordon on CSPAN reported that she had worked for the civil defense in the past when they did have potassium iod. for everyone thru civil defense, and she is confused as to why the gov has NOT stockpiled this item for our present citizens...

Well, that changes things then. I went ahead and ordered some, seeing as I live near Three-mile island. Thanks.

-- Amy Leone (leoneamy@aol.com), December 16, 1999.

Lurker, I know what you mean. I seem to be the last one on a lot of threads too. The problem is, there are so many new threads. I don't know the answer to your Velveeta question. Why don't you read the package.

By the way, some of you are not slackers...start your own thread...you know who you are.

-- Amy Leone (leoneamy@aol.com), December 16, 1999.

Lurker,

Lots of people love Velveeta cheese and Cheese Whiz.

If you live in the northern climate and there's cheese left after the meal, just put the jar or package into a closed metal container (example: an old popcorn tin) and stick it in the garage or outside the house somewhere) where it's cold. (Our garage gets mighty cold here and that is going to be my fridge until at least March if things get bad.)

-- Mo (Maureen@Meadowgate.con), December 16, 1999.

Dear Amy,

Well I thought alot about things that still need to be done,made a list & assigned most of the jobs to my husband .Does that qualify ???

Wait a moment,I did pick up a bottle of hydrogen peroxide for the dog's medical kit !

-- Chris (griffen@globalnet.co.uk), December 16, 1999.

I made a trip to Aldi's Monday. Got 10 canned hams at 1.99 ea. 48 cans of soup (12 tomato & 36 mushroom, for all that stored rice...)

Coffee in the 35oz cans is 3.69 so I got six and am going back tomorrow for a dozen more. Y2K or not the price of java's going to go up. Drought in Brazil. BTW - A warning to looters: don't come around before I've had a good cup of coffee in the morning, I'm mean enough to kill...

Shortening, got 3 more cans at 1.69. Five 7oz Hershey w/almonds @ .99 (comfort food) two cases of canned tomatoes. Imperial margarine is .49 a pound, got five. Got some unsweetened cocoa powder, another bottle of seasoned salt and a few boxes of saltine crackers.

Filled another 4 - 5 gallon cans with Kero, I guess the temps going down made me realize again how nice it is to have heat. Also filled my last six 5 gallon cans with Stabil & unleaded gas.

Amy, you made a prudent choice by ordering the Potassium Iodate. As for myself, I have Perry nuke plant 50 miles upwind of me, so I did the same thing.

-- Powder (Powder@keg.com), December 16, 1999.

Hi Chris!

Long time no type! I am so glad you are buying the "dog" a medical supply kit... we get forgotten a lot of times... This old dusty dog still remembers you, and I am glad you are still reading and posting...

a little over two weeks now...

snoozin'...

The Dog

-- The Dog (dogdesert@hotmail.com), December 16, 1999.

Amy and Mo-

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer. After all the time I have been here, I feel so stupid when not one person even acknowledges that I posted. In my mind, I am the "thread killer." :)

You are much appreciated.

-- A lurker (maybe if I use a fake addy@aol.com), December 16, 1999.

Sorry Lurker,

I was just glad to "see" Chris. Get several of the small Velveeta blocks. I think they are one pound. That way if you have no cold storage (like my garage... BRRRR...), You won't waste much. Velveeta is very resilient though. It will last opened at room temperature for quite a while...

Keep postin' Lurker, not much time left.

snoozin'...

The Dog

-- The Dog (dogdesert@hotmail.com), December 16, 1999.

Dog-

I am glad to see Chris too :) Thanks for your help.

Come over here and let me give you a good scratch behind the ear. There you go :)

Always enjoy your posts.

-- A lurker (maybe if I use a fake addy@aol.com), December 16, 1999.

Finally gave up hoping I'd find a second-hand gas fridge and bought a new one, bought more gas bottles and got them filled. Just in time too, only 3 20lb, no 10lb and a few small ones left at the shop.

Bought 4 dozen Champagne.

Had swimming pool cleaned, emergency cooling and non-potable water.

Bought new black metal pot for solar cooker.

Bought still more cat food and a heap of litter.

Bought a lot more D cells.

Bought a wind up radio.

Recharged spare battery for the laptop

Checked over 300 programs for complaince that had got overlooked in a library believed to be obsolete, found 8 that still ran and needed fixes.

Left to do...

More wine, more smokes, more Fosters, fill the car and jerry cans.

Final review, I must have forgotten something!

RonD

-- Ron Davis (rdavis@ozemail.com.au), December 16, 1999.

Wouldnt it be wiser to stock up on nutritious food? Velveeta, hot dogs, and twinkies, could withstand a nuclear holocaust. In fact....that's probably all that will be left on this earth if that ever happens. How about some dried fruits, nuts, soy protein, etc.. ya know...healthy replenishing and sustaining food!

-- uh err ummm (you dont@know.me), December 16, 1999.

hmm...lemme see...

bought more food for the freezer. Hams, turkeys, chickens, bacon, salt pork...

got more sprouting seeds and lettuce seeds that I can grow indoors.

put a few more water bags away.

got EVEN MORE firewood...and I've already got a lot...and have still more coming Saturday.

got more chocolate. That leaves only fresh eggs and cereals for "preps"

picked up about a case of assorted wine; good vintages and few nice German Reislings.

got more cash.

-- joe (joe@adeveloper.net), December 16, 1999.