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Author Topic: I learned an important and expensive lesson tonight.  (Read 4341 times)

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KW

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I learned an important and expensive lesson tonight.
« on: April 10, 2015, 12:53:29 AM »
2 post long story... separated for ease of reading...


Ever since my wife have been together, we have had a severe weather kit prepared and we keep it in our basement in a little extension in our basement wall that held the old well pump and tank, it's all underground and concrete on five sides measuring 6' long 4' wide and 6' high.

We set everything in a plastic storage tub with a bright red lid on it. We keep enough basic supplies to live in the cubby hole for a few days.

It's all in the trash can now.

We failed in one thing, we had a gallon of water in it... and a loose can opener... My wife went down to add something to it and found 3 inches of water in the bottom. I opened it to find the contents soaked and covered in black mold.

I remember, the last time I moved it, I set it down kinda rough as it was heavy and I was leaning over old the well pump that is still there. The can opener looks to have slit the jug and the water got out and the contents festered all winter.

We lost...

12 assorted MRE entrees
4 MRE desserts
4 MRE heaters
12 PowerBars
6 cans of tuna
12 cans of cat food
2 rolls of TP
16 AA batteries
2 rolls of gauze
1 "2 day" First Aid kit and various first aid items
1 bottle Hydrogen Peroxide
1 bottle rubbing alcohol
1 bag women's products
1 bag of mens products
1 bag of waterless body wipes
1 can opener
1 lighter
1 handheld radio
1 handheld TV case (TV was safe unstairs)
1 flashlight
1 Fox40 Whistle
50 9mm bullets
50 Now irreplaceable .22 bullets
some other stuff I can't remember.... and a gallon of water.

We're leaving for Meijer to replace it all before tonights storms... all water will for sure be OUTSIDE the box this time.
« Last Edit: April 10, 2015, 01:25:25 AM by KW »
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KW

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Re: I learned an important and expensive lesson tonight.
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2015, 12:54:10 AM »
Our new Severe Weather Prep supplies...



Most can be purchased at Meijer or any big-box store for ~$250... except MRE's, electronics, and ammo were already on hand
Same items can likely be found at a Dollar store for less.

My new box has moist items (wet wipes, fluids ect) and must-stay-dry items (bandages, paper products, money) in separate gallon zip bags, and ammo and electronics in a sealed plastic ammo can.

I realized while repacking that a bottle of hydrogen peroxide or a damp pack of wipes could cause a similar problem.

1 105qt clear plastic storage container
7 MRE entrees
5 gallons factory bottled water
6 1 liter sport type bottled water
12 cans wet cat food (for our 3 cats)
2 Stools
1 Foam camping mat
2 Pillows
1 Comforter
1 Handheld Digital TV
1 Handheld S.A.M.E Weather Radio
1 AM/FM AC/DC Radio
1 Plastic ammo box with rubber gasket
1 Box 100 CCI .22lr Mini-mags
1 Box 50 Federal 9mm
1 Pair leather gloves for moving debris
1 Low power LED flashlight
1 High power LED flashlight
1 LED Headlamp
16 Energizer AA batteries
6 Energizer CR123A batteries
1 cheap all stainless pocket knife
2 ponchos
1 travel size Tylenol
1 bottle eye wash
1 4" athletic wrap
1 Trauma Pak
1 pack gauze roll
1 pack gauze pads
1 assorted band-aids
1 pump hand sanitizer
5 dust masks
2 bottles saline wound wash
1 Two person "Large" first aid kit
1 Whistle
1 8x10 Tarp
1 roll duct tape
1 pack super glue
1 box lotion Kleenex
1 bottle rubbing alcohol
1 bottle hydrogen Peroxide
2 bandage tape dispensers
1 pack of Wisp "tooth brushes"
1 pack wrapped Life-Savers candies
1 battery powered motion activated LED light
1 pack of 3 battery powered tap lights
2 cell phone backup battery packs
1 travel size female deodorant
1 travel size Male deodorant
1 pack feminine products
3 types of wet wipes (Hand/Body, disinfecting, and feminine)
4 rolls TP
1 5 gallon bucket
1 tub cat litter... for everyone... 2 or 4 legs

Will add $200 cash for a hotel room later.
« Last Edit: April 10, 2015, 01:29:19 AM by KW »
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Rctinker

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Re: I learned an important and expensive lesson tonight.
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2015, 01:02:12 AM »
More Toilet paper needed.  :shock:

Tink
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cvasqu03

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Re: I learned an important and expensive lesson tonight.
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2015, 01:17:25 AM »
The cans of tuna and cat food may have been OK unless they rusted.
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KW

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Re: I learned an important and expensive lesson tonight.
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2015, 01:21:29 AM »
Quote from: cvasqu03 on April 10, 2015, 01:17:25 AM
The cans of tuna and cat food may have been OK unless they rusted.

Cheap, close to expiration, and wife is severely allergic to mold.

Quote from: Rctinker on April 10, 2015, 01:02:12 AM
More Toilet paper needed.  :shock:

Tink

We live in a suburb a mile from a major city, rescue should come before TP runs out, but I'll add another 4 rolls just in case... for barter maybe.
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