Farmers dealing with drought and freeze damage to wheat, lack of custom harvesters
http://www.enidnews.com/localnews/local_story_146224521.html
By Robert Barron, Staff Writer
As if farmers didn’t already have enough problems, now Kansas custom cutters are saying they may not come into Oklahoma or Texas because of poor wheat conditions.
Drought and freeze have damaged the wheat crops in both states to the point many cutters are making the decision to cut their losses. Officials estimate Oklahoma’s crops will be about half of its normal yield.
NDakota Ranchers Trying to Rebound from String of Disasters
May 28, 2009
By Blake Nicholson
AP
BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota ranchers are trying to rebound from a string of disasters: Drought last year shriveled their pastures and hayland followed by heavy winter snow, then spring flooding that turned roads and fields to mud.
Hay supplies already low from last year's dry weather were depleted by cows that needed more energy than usual to survive one of the roughest winters in memory.
So folks...heads up...many things to think about and prepare for!
Showing posts with label prepare for disasters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prepare for disasters. Show all posts
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Survive Today's Headlines! Take Control of Your Life
Not to be a "nooge"...nor a constant harbinger of bad news...but you must wake up to what is going on around you. Things are amiss...and what to do? WAKE UP! Turn off that propaganda tool, aka TV set, and get REAL! It may not be the most comfortable thing to do, but it may save your life!
According to CNN, a record one in 10 Americans get government aid to buy food. That’s over 32 million Americans! Don't become a statistic! Get seeds, put up food, buy in bulk....
According to Bloomberg, the real unemployment rate now stands at 15.6 percent, not the oft-quoted 8.5 percent Maybe this is an area you cannot really control...but, start reducing debt now! Get rid of unnecessary bills, make contingency plans.
According to the Washington Post, the latest job report foreshadows deeper job losses ahead. Again, something that may be out of your control...but, get yourself in a position to deal with a loss of employment by...putting up food, getting more self-sufficient, etc.
According to USA Today, record numbers of consumers are behind on their non-mortgage loans. If you can't afford it with cash...don't buy it! AND invest in something that will last and benefit you and your family's survival!
According to the Christian Science Monitor, student debt levels and defaults are surging. Students owe a whopping $500 billion.
According to Reuters, one in eight U.S. homeowners is behind on loan payments or in foreclosure.
According to Associated Press, tent cities are springing up as people are forced out of their homes and onto the streets. As sad of fact as this is, you must also mentally prepare yourself for the consequences of what this may bring...people may become more desparate...make sure your family is safe!
In other words, despite what mainstream media would have you believe, (another example of how things are: US backing for world currency stuns markets
US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner shocked global markets by revealing that Washington is "quite open" to Chinese proposals for the gradual development of a global reserve currency run by the International Monetary Fund."
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard
Last Updated: 8:14AM GMT 27 Mar 2009), that the economy is rebounding, unemployment is down...
you must prepare for a worst case scenario..what is the harm? WAKE UP...and get ready...don't lose hope!
According to CNN, a record one in 10 Americans get government aid to buy food. That’s over 32 million Americans! Don't become a statistic! Get seeds, put up food, buy in bulk....
According to Bloomberg, the real unemployment rate now stands at 15.6 percent, not the oft-quoted 8.5 percent Maybe this is an area you cannot really control...but, start reducing debt now! Get rid of unnecessary bills, make contingency plans.
According to the Washington Post, the latest job report foreshadows deeper job losses ahead. Again, something that may be out of your control...but, get yourself in a position to deal with a loss of employment by...putting up food, getting more self-sufficient, etc.
According to USA Today, record numbers of consumers are behind on their non-mortgage loans. If you can't afford it with cash...don't buy it! AND invest in something that will last and benefit you and your family's survival!
According to the Christian Science Monitor, student debt levels and defaults are surging. Students owe a whopping $500 billion.
According to Reuters, one in eight U.S. homeowners is behind on loan payments or in foreclosure.
According to Associated Press, tent cities are springing up as people are forced out of their homes and onto the streets. As sad of fact as this is, you must also mentally prepare yourself for the consequences of what this may bring...people may become more desparate...make sure your family is safe!
In other words, despite what mainstream media would have you believe, (another example of how things are: US backing for world currency stuns markets
US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner shocked global markets by revealing that Washington is "quite open" to Chinese proposals for the gradual development of a global reserve currency run by the International Monetary Fund."
By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard
Last Updated: 8:14AM GMT 27 Mar 2009), that the economy is rebounding, unemployment is down...
you must prepare for a worst case scenario..what is the harm? WAKE UP...and get ready...don't lose hope!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Surviving The Lights Going Out...How to Wire a Home Generator
There are many scenarios which might precursor the lights/electricity going out. Look at our recent weather...blizzards, tornadoes, earthquakes, high wind, hurricanes, etc. Another scenario might entail a breach in the electrical grid. Please refer to my post on How to Survive A Disruption In the Electric Grid.
You may prepare by obtaining a disaster kit...or you may invest in a home generator. When I lived in the city, I used my home generator on more than one occasion when the electricity went out...once, during a most life-threatening situation...the last 2 minutes of the Superbowl..saved my life! So how do you wire your generator to your home safely? Here is an article I gleaned from the internet I would like to pass on to you. I hope this is a good reference and will truly help you out.
Wiring a Home Generator for Emergencies
March 8, 2009
Dr. Lon Schultz
There are three basic ways to wire a generator. The first is a permanent installation with a transfer switch. This is the best. The next is the method I have listed and the last is with extension cords, a poor choice.
First. Construct or have constructed an extension cord, one end with a plug that goes into the 220 V outlet on the generator. The other end needs to have a plug for a 220 V outlet in the house, air conditioner or electric dryer. The wattage and subsequent amperage of the generator should match the outlet in the house, but it is not necessary; however the wire must meet or exceed the rating of the generator. This cord will have a plug on each end and is very dangerous! If you plug it in and start the generator, so don't.
Here are some guidelines for cord construction:
With up to a 4 KW 220V generator a grounded 12 G wire rated @ 20 amps is adequate.
With up to a 6 KW 220V generator a grounded 10 G wire rated at 30 amps is sufficient.
With up to a 10 KW 220V generator use a grounded 8 G wire rated for 50 A.
Of course you can always use a larger wire.
Second. Turn off the main breaker. (I can't overemphasize this) then turn off all other breakers!
Third. Connect the cord between the generator and the house. If possible, ground the generator to the ground.
Fourth. Start the generator and let it warm up a little. The generator should be out side or at least in a garage. NOT IN THE HOUSE!
Fifth. Turn on one breaker to 1 room with lights only. If all is well, turn on another breaker to other rooms with lights only. This is to avoid wiring and load problems. So now the house is mostly lit, turn off any unnecessary lights.
Try this before you need it; there might be problems!
Sixth. Depending on the power of the generator, turn on other breakers to rooms with freezers and refrigerators, one at a time with 10 to 20 seconds between. High wattage devices like electric stoves and air conditioners will usually overload your generator. If this happens, just turn of the device and reset the breakers.
At this point your house will operate nearly normal. Accept for high wattage devices like large air conditioners or electric stoves and ovens.
Seventh. Shutting the system down is in the reverse order.
No matter what, shut down the generator before any wires are disconnected. as it is a shock hazard other wise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Lon Schultz spent 40 years in electronics, engineering and taught industrial maintenance for A.T.U.
http://standeyo.com/NEWS/09_Sci_Tech/090408.wiring.generator.html
You may prepare by obtaining a disaster kit...or you may invest in a home generator. When I lived in the city, I used my home generator on more than one occasion when the electricity went out...once, during a most life-threatening situation...the last 2 minutes of the Superbowl..saved my life! So how do you wire your generator to your home safely? Here is an article I gleaned from the internet I would like to pass on to you. I hope this is a good reference and will truly help you out.
Wiring a Home Generator for Emergencies
March 8, 2009
Dr. Lon Schultz
There are three basic ways to wire a generator. The first is a permanent installation with a transfer switch. This is the best. The next is the method I have listed and the last is with extension cords, a poor choice.
First. Construct or have constructed an extension cord, one end with a plug that goes into the 220 V outlet on the generator. The other end needs to have a plug for a 220 V outlet in the house, air conditioner or electric dryer. The wattage and subsequent amperage of the generator should match the outlet in the house, but it is not necessary; however the wire must meet or exceed the rating of the generator. This cord will have a plug on each end and is very dangerous! If you plug it in and start the generator, so don't.
Here are some guidelines for cord construction:
With up to a 4 KW 220V generator a grounded 12 G wire rated @ 20 amps is adequate.
With up to a 6 KW 220V generator a grounded 10 G wire rated at 30 amps is sufficient.
With up to a 10 KW 220V generator use a grounded 8 G wire rated for 50 A.
Of course you can always use a larger wire.
Second. Turn off the main breaker. (I can't overemphasize this) then turn off all other breakers!
Third. Connect the cord between the generator and the house. If possible, ground the generator to the ground.
Fourth. Start the generator and let it warm up a little. The generator should be out side or at least in a garage. NOT IN THE HOUSE!
Fifth. Turn on one breaker to 1 room with lights only. If all is well, turn on another breaker to other rooms with lights only. This is to avoid wiring and load problems. So now the house is mostly lit, turn off any unnecessary lights.
Try this before you need it; there might be problems!
Sixth. Depending on the power of the generator, turn on other breakers to rooms with freezers and refrigerators, one at a time with 10 to 20 seconds between. High wattage devices like electric stoves and air conditioners will usually overload your generator. If this happens, just turn of the device and reset the breakers.
At this point your house will operate nearly normal. Accept for high wattage devices like large air conditioners or electric stoves and ovens.
Seventh. Shutting the system down is in the reverse order.
No matter what, shut down the generator before any wires are disconnected. as it is a shock hazard other wise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Lon Schultz spent 40 years in electronics, engineering and taught industrial maintenance for A.T.U.
http://standeyo.com/NEWS/09_Sci_Tech/090408.wiring.generator.html
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Surviving a Disruption in the Electric Grid
What would you do if you were without electricity for 1 day, 2 days, 1 week, 1 month or more? Are you prepared? Last week another threat was posed to our national electric grid:
U.S. Electrical Grid Penetrated by Russian and Chinese Spies
April 8, 2009
By Siobhan Gorman
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON -- Cyberspies have penetrated the U.S. electrical grid and left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system, according to current and former national-security officials.
The spies came from China, Russia and other countries, these officials said, and were believed to be on a mission to navigate the U.S. electrical system and its controls. The intruders haven't sought to damage the power grid or other key infrastructure, but officials warned they could try during a crisis or war
"Over the past several years, we have seen cyberattacks against critical infrastructures abroad, and many of our own infrastructures are as vulnerable as their foreign counterparts, " Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair recently told lawmakers. "A number of nations, including Russia and China, can disrupt elements of the U.S. information infrastructure."
The U.S. electrical grid comprises three separate electric networks, covering the East, the West and Texas. Each includes many thousands of miles of transmission lines, power plants and substations. The flow of power is controlled by local utilities or regional transmission organizations. The growing reliance of utilities on Internet-based communication has increased the vulnerability of control systems to spies and hackers, according to government reports.
The sophistication of the U.S. intrusions -- which extend beyond electric to other key infrastructure systems -- suggests that China and Russia are mainly responsible, according to intelligence officials and cybersecurity specialists. While terrorist groups could develop the ability to penetrate U.S. infrastructure, they don't appear to have yet mounted attacks, these officials say. (YET!!!)(emphasis mine)
Rebecca Smith contributed to this article.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123914805204099085.html
So, it is admitted that our infrastructure has been penetrated. Are you going to wait until the other shoe drops, or will you begin to make provisions for a backup, emergency system. Our advertisers, such as Nitro-Pak.com
, 1800prepare, LLC.,American Family Safety all offer excellent preparedness kits to help you in any natural or manmade disaster!
Don't wait to get ready! Many events are happening at an amazing speed. Take action today!
U.S. Electrical Grid Penetrated by Russian and Chinese Spies
April 8, 2009
By Siobhan Gorman
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON -- Cyberspies have penetrated the U.S. electrical grid and left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system, according to current and former national-security officials.
The spies came from China, Russia and other countries, these officials said, and were believed to be on a mission to navigate the U.S. electrical system and its controls. The intruders haven't sought to damage the power grid or other key infrastructure, but officials warned they could try during a crisis or war
"Over the past several years, we have seen cyberattacks against critical infrastructures abroad, and many of our own infrastructures are as vulnerable as their foreign counterparts, " Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair recently told lawmakers. "A number of nations, including Russia and China, can disrupt elements of the U.S. information infrastructure."
The U.S. electrical grid comprises three separate electric networks, covering the East, the West and Texas. Each includes many thousands of miles of transmission lines, power plants and substations. The flow of power is controlled by local utilities or regional transmission organizations. The growing reliance of utilities on Internet-based communication has increased the vulnerability of control systems to spies and hackers, according to government reports.
The sophistication of the U.S. intrusions -- which extend beyond electric to other key infrastructure systems -- suggests that China and Russia are mainly responsible, according to intelligence officials and cybersecurity specialists. While terrorist groups could develop the ability to penetrate U.S. infrastructure, they don't appear to have yet mounted attacks, these officials say. (YET!!!)(emphasis mine)
Rebecca Smith contributed to this article.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123914805204099085.html
So, it is admitted that our infrastructure has been penetrated. Are you going to wait until the other shoe drops, or will you begin to make provisions for a backup, emergency system. Our advertisers, such as Nitro-Pak.com
, 1800prepare, LLC.,American Family Safety all offer excellent preparedness kits to help you in any natural or manmade disaster! Don't wait to get ready! Many events are happening at an amazing speed. Take action today!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Prepare for Disasters......TODAY
We are all concerned with the possibility of further disaster emergencies arising in the wake of recent hurricanes, tsunamis, acts of terrorism, and floods, and earthquakes. The winter of 2008/2009 appears to be a severe one...and one that has just started! Though some people feel it is impossible to be prepared for unexpected events, the truth is that taking preparedness actions helps people deal with disasters of all sorts much more effectively when they do occur.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) says "To survive a natural or man-made disaster we must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when the disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector in the case of a fire, preparing for the unexpected makes sense."
When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
Hurricanes are among the most dramatic, damaging and potentially deadly weather events. The force of hurricane winds alone can cause tremendous devastation, toppling trees and power lines, closing roads; they cause flooding and severe damage to buildings. Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of the United States with devastating effect. The storm surge breached the city's levees at multiple points, leaving 80 percent of the city submerged, tens of thousands of victims clinging to rooftops, and hundreds of thousands scattered to shelters around the country. This past hurricane season left the Gulf Coast in tatters, and many northern states were affected by the power of these storms.
Winter storms can bring heavy snowfall and extreme cold that can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at any time of the day or night. If an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighbourhood or community, or if very large, can affect entire river basins and multiple states.
The most disturbing news that the latest surveys have given us is that fewer than 50% of households located in earthquake zones have disaster supply kits at hand. Even after the graphic videos provided by the news media, half of our population makes no effort to prepare! Remember, you will likely be on your own in the hours and days following an earthquake, flood, and severe storm or any major emergency.
It is imperative that you take action NOW, to protect your family. To prepare your family. To survive! There are several disasters which can and may strike you. Make the proper preparations now. Your life may depend on it.
Please note the various vendors, etc. on this page which can help you prepare for any disaster.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) says "To survive a natural or man-made disaster we must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when the disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector in the case of a fire, preparing for the unexpected makes sense."
When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
Hurricanes are among the most dramatic, damaging and potentially deadly weather events. The force of hurricane winds alone can cause tremendous devastation, toppling trees and power lines, closing roads; they cause flooding and severe damage to buildings. Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of the United States with devastating effect. The storm surge breached the city's levees at multiple points, leaving 80 percent of the city submerged, tens of thousands of victims clinging to rooftops, and hundreds of thousands scattered to shelters around the country. This past hurricane season left the Gulf Coast in tatters, and many northern states were affected by the power of these storms.
Winter storms can bring heavy snowfall and extreme cold that can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at any time of the day or night. If an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighbourhood or community, or if very large, can affect entire river basins and multiple states.
The most disturbing news that the latest surveys have given us is that fewer than 50% of households located in earthquake zones have disaster supply kits at hand. Even after the graphic videos provided by the news media, half of our population makes no effort to prepare! Remember, you will likely be on your own in the hours and days following an earthquake, flood, and severe storm or any major emergency.
It is imperative that you take action NOW, to protect your family. To prepare your family. To survive! There are several disasters which can and may strike you. Make the proper preparations now. Your life may depend on it.
Please note the various vendors, etc. on this page which can help you prepare for any disaster.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
