my local garage used to sell it, so Ive got a paraffin lamp, which acts as a heater. but they probably dont sell it anymore as its very much a forgotten or unused tech.
Prepping for food shortages
- Thread starter PaulSB
- Start date
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my local garage used to sell it, so Ive got a paraffin lamp, which acts as a heater. but they probably dont sell it anymore as its very much a forgotten or unused tech.
Katana
Well-Known Member
Katana
Well-Known Member
Reynard
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
When I went to Tesco on Saturday evening, the store was totally devoid of sardines and chickpeas. 
I have one camping stove - an old-style brass one that runs on meths. Oil lamps too, and a couple of paraffin heaters. Although I have solid fuel heating, and a good supply of wood and coal.
I have one camping stove - an old-style brass one that runs on meths. Oil lamps too, and a couple of paraffin heaters. Although I have solid fuel heating, and a good supply of wood and coal.
OP
OP
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
Thank you @Pat "5mph" that's much appreciated. I can understand the scepticism of some in the thread, though not at all the posters who interpret buying a small amount of basics, perhaps £50 - 75 worth, as panic buying. In my mind that's plain silly and argumentative for the sake of it.
I've been listening to the government advice and learned from it. My initial thoughts, which I stand by, were to protect myself against inflation or shortages which could result from the super El Nino. My six kilos of rice and five of pasta don't appear to have sparked panic in Chorley. Simply a small hedge against a possible problem.
I hadn't considered aspects of the three days preparedness but have now. I've found and charged our power banks, made sure my two front lights are fully charged etc. Purchased some candles, brought the ten year old wind up radio down from the allotment. We don't have a camping stove so I may look for one. Drinking water I'm working on. Instead of buying my solid fuel once a month I got in three months' worth.
Cash is on the list, under the bed soon!
I've been listening to the government advice and learned from it. My initial thoughts, which I stand by, were to protect myself against inflation or shortages which could result from the super El Nino. My six kilos of rice and five of pasta don't appear to have sparked panic in Chorley. Simply a small hedge against a possible problem.
I hadn't considered aspects of the three days preparedness but have now. I've found and charged our power banks, made sure my two front lights are fully charged etc. Purchased some candles, brought the ten year old wind up radio down from the allotment. We don't have a camping stove so I may look for one. Drinking water I'm working on. Instead of buying my solid fuel once a month I got in three months' worth.
Cash is on the list, under the bed soon!
Jameshow
Guru
Yea just go to work as that's the last place to run out of power! We're doomed if they do! I have a few comfy beds eyed up in the staff lounge!
potsy
Rambler
- Location
- My Armchair
Oh yeah, forgot we have a generator at work too, and our own diesel pump, could always live in my office for a few days 
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- The Urban Fringe
Im considering getting a generator.
figbat
Former slippery scientist
- Location
- South Oxfordshire, UK
The last food shortage was Covid - at that time we didn’t actively stockpile stuff but did put an inordinate amount of energy into finding somewhere that had stock of stuff.
Rather than stockpiling pasta, I made sure we have plenty of flour in. That way I could make pasta or bread, and the flour would keep for ages. We have a cupboard full of time not because we stockpile but because we buy stuff and forget to use it.
I was gifted a small generator a while back but it needs some work to recommission. I might just get around to it now. I also have the EV which can output up to 3.7 kW, so could keep a freezer running for a while and charge a heap of portable devices such as phones and lights.
We have a wood burning stove and a massive pile of wood, so could heat some parts of the house and cook on it if needs be. There’s also the barbecue outside and a gas stove somewhere (and a gas bottle).
I’m not saying we’re fully prepped, but could go a few days in relative comfort before turning feral.
Rather than stockpiling pasta, I made sure we have plenty of flour in. That way I could make pasta or bread, and the flour would keep for ages. We have a cupboard full of time not because we stockpile but because we buy stuff and forget to use it.
I was gifted a small generator a while back but it needs some work to recommission. I might just get around to it now. I also have the EV which can output up to 3.7 kW, so could keep a freezer running for a while and charge a heap of portable devices such as phones and lights.
We have a wood burning stove and a massive pile of wood, so could heat some parts of the house and cook on it if needs be. There’s also the barbecue outside and a gas stove somewhere (and a gas bottle).
I’m not saying we’re fully prepped, but could go a few days in relative comfort before turning feral.
The only item none of us can go without is drinking water. Should supplies be affected or power knocks out pumping stations then worth having a few days supply stored.
As it happens I have a 25l container in my garage which I filled literally years ago(so long ago I can't remember why). Anyway, I checked it this morning and inevitably gone a bit manky. Algae on inside despite stored in dark.
So, clean, sterilised and refilled. Just need to remember to empty/refill every 6 months.
As it happens I have a 25l container in my garage which I filled literally years ago(so long ago I can't remember why). Anyway, I checked it this morning and inevitably gone a bit manky. Algae on inside despite stored in dark.
So, clean, sterilised and refilled. Just need to remember to empty/refill every 6 months.
figbat
Former slippery scientist
- Location
- South Oxfordshire, UK
We have a rain water butt in the garden. In extremis this could be boiled for use and would refill itself.
SteveH80
Senior Member
We've got a couple of water containers at the wife's insistence, we've also got a cold water tank in the attic and a mountain stream down the road. Inevitably there will be some dilute sheep piss to deal with in the latter but after some of the bugs I've inadvertently swallowed cycling I'm not overly worried about that.
