ICE STORM 2010 are you ready????

Arkansasfarmgal · #41 01/27/10, 10:02 AM

Boy oh boy am I dreading this! I went into town yesterday and picked up a few extras, lamp oil, milk, etc, just in case. Hubby and my dad cut and hauled wood yesterday but if the electric goes out like it did last year we'll be staying at my parents who have a wood stove. We're all electric. Have an outoor wood furnace but with no electric it's useless. I need to get all the laundry done today and DH needs to get the hay ready for the cows. I have to work the rest of the week, ice or no ice.

EasyDay · #42 01/27/10, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dale

Someone said they had city water so they was ok

That was me, Dale.
I said that because in our old house on the property we have a 460 ft well. No power, no water (except on generator). When we built the new house (~1/2 mi from old house) we had the option, so we went with city water mainly because the folks with city water always still have water when we have no power. Also because it's so expensive to dig a well.

So, thanks for the good info regarding water municipalities, but I'm sure ours must have a generator(s) since those with city water don't have problems when power quits.

On the other hand, our well water never freezes up, and a few weeks ago during supercold temps, our city water froze. DH couldn't find any frozen pipes, so called water co. to turn off water before the meter so he could check the valve at the meter. When they arrived, they realized that the meter itself had frozen and cracked! You'd think they'd bury them deeper if that happens.

Old Vet · #43 01/27/10, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EasyDay

That was me, Dale.
I said that because in our old house on the property we have a 460 ft well. No power, no water (except on generator). When we built the new house (~1/2 mi from old house) we had the option, so we went with city water mainly because the folks with city water always still have water when we have no power. Also because it's so expensive to dig a well.

So, thanks for the good info regarding water municipalities, but I'm sure ours must have a generator(s) since those with city water don't have problems when power quits.

On the other hand, our well water never freezes up, and a few weeks ago during supercold temps, our city water froze. DH couldn't find any frozen pipes, so called water co. to turn off water before the meter so he could check the valve at the meter. When they arrived, they realized that the meter itself had frozen and cracked! You'd think they'd bury them deeper if that happens.

If you are on Harrison water they have a generator to pump the water. They got it last year during the ice storm. You will do fine. Put a blanket of hay on top of the water meter to keep it form freezing.

TRAILRIDER · #44 01/27/10, 03:37 PM

I could use a pair of those "get a Grips" but the site says they are one size (mens 10+)? I'll look further. During last years ice storm I wore out a pair of yak tracks, they're not very well made.

This year I am ready! I say BRING IT ON!

Last year we were with out power for 17 days. I have my propane camp stove and fuel ready, several oil lamps and fuel, several cans of kerosene, lots of food on hand and a vent free propane heater on the wall. Water is not a problem, but just in case before a big storm we fill everything we have.

mtman · #45 01/27/10, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Vet

You forgot the most important one. The main switch. I wouldn't want to read about some electrical worker that got fried by yore generator. I got a stand by generator for my house lots of wood and some preps. They are predicting snow here but further south a ice storm. I live just north of Marshall.

its wired right main off alt. switch on

EasyDay · #46 01/27/10, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Vet

If you are on Harrison water they have a generator to pump the water. They got it last year during the ice storm. You will do fine. Put a blanket of hay on top of the water meter to keep it form freezing.

No, we're the other direction. I didn't see your post before... we're between Fox and Shirley.

Our water office is in Fox, but I believe it all comes from Mtn View. Mtn View has generators for everything... I'm guessing because of the hospital and nursing home?

EasyDay · #47 01/27/10, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtman

its wired right main off alt. switch on

Thanks for jumping in there. Never know if my terminology is correct.

CarolynRenee · #48 01/27/10, 07:15 PM

We were hit with the ice storm last year, but our generator was only able to keep up with the two freezers (of course, newly stocked with 1/2 a steer & a hog).

So this fall we bought another larger generator, used by some guy for LAST year's ice storm (bet he's wishing he didn't sell it now!) that will run the well pump & the hot water heater. We survived 13 days last year without running water or electricity, but I wouldn't want to do it again now that we have a little one.

Also, I'm definately going to do ALL the laundry & dishes. Last year I didn't get to the laundry before the storm & it sure got old doing stuff in the sink.

We're fine with firewood & fuel for the generator.

I think I'm also going to make several loaves of bread, scones & other snackies that can be eaten as is or heated up on the wood stove.

Take care all!

Old Vet · #49 01/27/10, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarolynRenee

We were hit with the ice storm last year, but our generator was only able to keep up with the two freezers (of course, newly stocked with 1/2 a steer & a hog).

So this fall we bought another larger generator, used by some guy for LAST year's ice storm (bet he's wishing he didn't sell it now!) that will run the well pump & the hot water heater. We survived 13 days last year without running water or electricity, but I wouldn't want to do it again now that we have a little one.

Also, I'm definately going to do ALL the laundry & dishes. Last year I didn't get to the laundry before the storm & it sure got old doing stuff in the sink.

We're fine with firewood & fuel for the generator.

I think I'm also going to make several loaves of bread, scones & other snackies that can be eaten as is or heated up on the wood stove.

Take care all!

Can I come over that sounds good.

francismilker · #50 01/27/10, 11:54 PM

Been working in the electrical industry for years now. (As a lineman and now at a power plant.) I've always had to be somewhat "prepared" all the time due to the fact that no matter where it hit I was likely to get loaned out to another electrical cooperative to go help out where the problem is. No matter how prepped I've been, it's always an uneasy feeling to leave my family at home without commercial power. My wife and kid are pros at putting the generator in service and cycling loads of various appliances to keep it from being overloaded but I'd rather be home with them. That's part of the job.

What do I have/keep to be ready?
-6 rick of firewood
-15 gallons generator fuel
-900 gallon stock tank full of water for non-potable use
-lots of dry beans and corn bread fixins!

francismilker · #51 01/27/10, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copperhead46

We got enought wood in today, got extra drinking water, getting gas for the generator tomarrow and a few extra groceries. I have the pantry stocked, propane in the tank and hay out for the cows and horses. We got lamp oil a couple of weeks ago so I guess we're as ready as we'll ever be. I hate the ice layer going down under the snow, but that seems to be the way we do it around here. I have a creek running through the back yard so we carry water for flushing and washing dishes, and I cook with gas so I can cook and clean up. Hope everyone stays warm and cozy.
P.J.

PJ, looks like us okies may dodge the major bullet that was being called for yesterday. (At least I hope so. God Bless and take care) PS, arkies, I'll be praying for you guys if you get the brunt of it.)

FarmerChick · #52 01/28/10, 06:56 AM

I agree with CarolynRenee-----I want to get all laundry and dishes and anything else like that caught up. Our storm is coming late Fri and mixed thru Saturday. I know that stupid ice is coming..lol

Usual preps of course. I am fine and ready.

EasyDay · #53 01/28/10, 06:57 AM

Ice storm 2009.
Beautiful but treacherous!!

ICE STORM 2010 are you ready???? - Homesteading Questions

JIL · #54 01/28/10, 07:22 AM

I second the warning on the Main being turned off to keep the workers safe !! i was just going to put that when I saw Old Vet put it first great job!! we have a wood stove and wood hauled in so we don't have to go out for a while except to do animals and this year i gat a propane grill to cook on Stay warm everyone!

ChristyACB · #55 01/28/10, 07:41 AM

Anyone in Texas or Oklahoma ready to give us an update on what they are seeing?

zookeepertomany · #56 01/28/10, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristyACB

Anyone in Texas or Oklahoma ready to give us an update on what they are seeing?

I'm in NE OK and nothing is happening yet. It's not due here for another hour or two. Half my kids are out of school but my HS are in.

calliemoonbeam · #57 01/28/10, 08:07 AM

I'm just slightly southwest of Tulsa, and there's nothing here yet...knock on wood. It is really cloudy, and they're saying it's going to be moving in over the day. Temp right now is 30, if it would just not get any warmer and start dropping instead we could possibly miss the ice, but I'm not holding my breath, lol.

FarmerChick · #58 01/28/10, 08:13 AM

such a pretty pic easyday!

yes dangerous for sure

when we have alot of drought in the summer---any ice sure brings those big trees down fast...ugh

**Cabin Fever** · #59 01/28/10, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRAILRIDER

I could use a pair of those "get a Grips" but the site says they are one size (mens 10+)? I'll look further.....

Get-A-Grip cleats come in a variety of sizes.

Here is one retailers selection ==> http://sportys.com/ToolShop/product/10482

What I like about them is how easy it is to stretch them over large snow pac boots. Very easy On/Off.

MOgal · #60 01/28/10, 08:53 AM

DH is working in SC this week and comes home Friday evening. He has a connecting flight in Charlotte NC then to St. Louis. All the forecasters--here in central MO and in St. Louis--are saying minimal snow for us. As long as planes keep moving through the system, he should be able to make it home. I sure hope so, because we could use a little more wood and our first kidding of the season should be this weekend. He said his boss had made a comment about sending him out again next week. Her mother was a triplet, she was a quintuplet and she's big as a house--DH is a marvel at getting kids started. Otherwise, we're good. And I have good neighbors who would help me out if it were necessary.

The storm has to pass someone's house but I wish everybody the best in getting through it.