Recent Articles
Episode 30 – G20 and G8 and Dealing with Explosive Events
Jul 1, 2010 Family Preparedness 3 Comments
It’s really insanity that the dignitaries would set up an explosive event in a major centre. It’s also insanity that the protesters would take the bait. Here’s a few of my thoughts and a few ideas to help you avoid, or deal with, such a situation if you have to be near it.
Of course I’ve got some political and philosophical thoughts about this whole G20 and G8 thing, yet I don’t really go into it in this podcast. As time goes on, you’ll find me addressing these sorts of events and news items more regularly. Hope you enjoy, let’s talk in the forum!
Episode 29 – Survival Gardening for Absolute Total Beginners
Jun 28, 2010 Uncategorized Leave a comment
One of our excellent members, peter31, has done a video talking about his approach to survival gardening in his part of the world. I think you’ll find his methods well thought out and well explained. Especially simple, yet really intriguing, is using Rubbermaid bins as raised garden beds to get plants off to a good start. Seems so obvious.
There’s a bit of wind, so you might miss a few words, however I’m sure you will get the entire meaning as well as some sparks for ideas of your own. I’d love to see your garden and gardening ideas in the CanadaPrepared.com forum. Come check out what my wonderful wife has done! She can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
For further thoughts on gardening check out Episode 24 – About Home Food Production – Gardening. Really, there is never a bad time or place to start growing your own food.
Solar Electricity Generator Wiring
Jun 26, 2010 Energy, Solar 2 Comments
I finally sat down and did a very basic wiring diagram of what a very basic solar generator would look like. Size your wires, battery, panel, regulator, inverter and fuses appropriately and safely. If in doubt, consult an electrician. Heck, consult an electrician anyway to be safe.
This will help you understand what I was talking about in Episode 26 – About Solar Generators.
The diagram is in PDF format – click here to download it. What you’ll see in the center of the drawing are terminal blocks, and fuse blocks. The vertical solid black lines are jumpers between the terminal blocks.
If you have any questions, please join the forum and ask them there, so we can all benefit.
The real point of this diagram is to show you that making something like this doesn’t have to be overly complicated. You can do it! Just make sure you read up on electrical safety and codes or have an electrician friend guide you.
Just think, if you can do this then you have the basics of what it takes to build a larger solar electricity plant, or an array for your home.
Episode 28 – About Entertainment and Preparedness Planning
Mar 30, 2010 Family Preparedness, Fun Stuff 2 Comments
What happens if the power goes out?
Might have radio. Might have lights from candles or lanterns or back up generator. Might have a lot of work to do to get ready for the remainder of the challenge.
For a few hours this is okay.
For a few days, this is drudgery.
What will you, your family and your neighbours do without TV, video games and the Internet? Same thing you do every time the power goes out. Get to know each other over a game of cards or someone playing guitar. Entertainment is an oft neglected part of preparation planning. Don’t let it be.
- The House of Cards – Get card game rules here.
- About.com – Board Games – Everything you’d want to know.
- Books Recommended by Other Authors – NPR
Episode 27 – About Growing Productive Trees
Mar 23, 2010 Food Production, Gardening Leave a comment
With the exception of the areas of Canada where orchards are ubiquitous, you don’t see a lot of food production going on with trees and shrubs. Why not? Trees are hardy, easy to grow and tend, and keep producing year after year. Add to that the wonderful benefits that you find in any tree – aesthetics, shade, and pollution cleaning – and why wouldn’t you try to grow fruit trees?
Today I highlight some fruit trees you might not think of growing, but will do well in Canada’s harsher growing zones. You might be surprised at what you hear! Kiwi, Honeyberries, Currants….mmmm.
Check the notes for more information:
