Emergency Radio Club of Reno County
Hutchinson, Kansas

 

This is a random order listing of lessons learned and ideas suggested by members of the ERCRC to help make the best of an emergency situation, especially one with an extended power outage.

LESSONS LEARNED

GENERAL:

1.         More than one battery operated lantern type light is useful

2.         One 16.4 Oz container of Coleman Propane fuel will operate a Coleman two burner camp stove for at least
            three days of meal cooking.

3.         Coleman Propane fuel can be stored for at least 7 years.

4.         Don’t sit Pyrex containers on a Coleman stove to heat water, they break.

5.         Good coffee can be made by heating water on a camp stove and slowly pouring it through the basket of coffee
            grounds in a coffee maker. (Generators don’t like coffee makers.)

6.         Instant Idaho Red Potatoes make very good potatoes by just adding hot water

7.         Keep a supply of canned food on hand.  (soup and vegetables)

8.         Have some flashlights that use AA batteries.  D Cell batteries soon become hard to find in the stores.

9.         Keep fresh batteries on hand for flashlights, lanterns and other battery operated devices.

10.       When on generator power remove extra light bulbs in a multi-bulb lamp or ceiling fixture.

11.       Perishable food can be kept cool or even frozen in the winter time by setting outside in a closed container.
           Hint: this might not be a good idea in Bear country!

12.       Have food on hand that does not require heating or cooking before eating.

13.       Keep an operational chain saw available.

14.       Have an ample supply of dry stove or fire place wood on hand.

15.       Be cautious of extension cords running between homes.

16.       Be mindful of older neighbors and family members who may have special medical needs.

17.       Keep a spare supply, 3 or 4 days, of all prescription medicines.

GENERATOR OPERATION AND SAFETY:

1.         Keep the oil and filter changed on your generator.

2.         Keep new oil and an extra oil filter on hand for your generator.

3.         Ground any generator connected to house wiring

4.         Be sure to disconnect from the main power grid before feeding power to your house from a generator.

5.         Read and follow the safety directions with your generator.

6.         Do not run a generator in an enclosed area such as a closed garage.

7.         Test your generator monthly.

8.         Keep enough fresh fuel on hand to run your generator for 24 hours.

RADIO SUGGESTIONS:

1.         Have 146.580 MHz programmed into handheld and fixed station radios.

2.         Develop a plan for emergency battery power for fixed station VHF & HF radios

3.         Monitor 146.580 MHz. and local repeaters during potential emergency.

PRE PLANNING:

1.         To run a furnace from a generator the thermostat must also have power.

2.         Consider switching from electric cook top or range to natural gas or propane.

3.         Monitor and heed weather forecasts

4.         Make arrangements for your pets, have plenty of their food and water available.           

5.         Purchase a camp stove and fuel for cooking.

6.         Have books or games available to pass time especially for the youngsters.

7.         Take time to read the ERCRC EOP manual before an emergency