Items we apparently need because of El Nino this winter

MawsRosie

Casdon

Solar powered lights won’t work without sun though MaizieD, so they would be useless if it’s stormy. Battery powered LED lights are good, I’ve got a brilliant LED torch.

Solar power works on light rather than sunshine (although the latter generates more)
I am often pleasantly surprised that my solar panels still seem to be generating on a non-sunny day.

I agree about LED torches though and maybe those stick on LED lights for awkward corners in the house, stairs etc

Yes, you’re right. I don’t think solar powered lights would last long if they were recharged on a wet winter day though, so probably not the best option. I should get an LED light you can recharge, because if the power is off, it could be recharged in the car phone charger I guess.

So someone like me older, disabled & living alone are just supposed to magic these things up out of nowhere, or sit in a corner is the preferred wish if those in control while waiting to die!

Solar panels work at only 10% of their power generation potetial in winter.

SillyNanny321

So someone like me older, disabled & living alone are just supposed to magic these things up out of nowhere, or sit in a corner is the preferred wish if those in control while waiting to die!

No, as you can, over time, order what you need online with your normal weekly shop - just add an extra can of soup, or an LED torch, or whatever, to your weekly supermarket order.

SillyNanny321

So someone like me older, disabled & living alone are just supposed to magic these things up out of nowhere, or sit in a corner is the preferred wish if those in control while waiting to die!

I am in my late eighties, SillyNanny321 and I have no intention of sitting in a corner with no light, no hot food, no water and no contact with the outside world. I already have had some of these items for years, for general convenience, and I plan to buy some (but not all) others.

For instance I have -
Camping stove and the fuel to run it - *www.decathlon.co.uk/sports/camping/camping-stoves You don't need special pans, your kitchen ones work fine. A non-electric kettle would be useful, but a small saucepan will heat enough water for a cup of tea or coffee, or fill a hot water bottle.
Battery or wind–up torch and/or radio www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wind+up+torch+uk&crid=2V4XU6QUUL1TF&sprefix=wind-up+torch (I have the Duronic camping lantern - there are three way to recharge it, by plugging the USB cord into an adapter, into a laptop, or by turning a handle. I keep it charged up through the USB cord, but even a few turns of the handle gives you a light beam)

These are in every supermarket, and if you order online they will deliver them to your door.
Spare batteries
First aid kit
Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
Bottled water
Non–perishable food that does not require cooking.
Tin opener
Baby supplies
Toilet paper
Adult size wet wipes (Fred and Flo?) for when you can't get a shower or bath.
www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=which+supermarkets+have+simple+online+ordering

These are available in outdoor sports or camping shops, or online
Camping stove and the fuel to run it - www.decathlon.co.uk/sports/camping/camping-stoves

Battery or wind–up torch and/or radio www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=wind+up+torch+uk&crid=2V4XU6QUUL1TF&sprefix=wind-up+torch

N95 face mask www.amazon.co.uk/n95-face-mask/s?k=n95+face+mask&tag=gransnetforum-21

Portable power bank www.expertreviews.co.uk/technology/batteries-charging/best-power-bank-uk-portable-charger

I don't think anyone expects old ladies like us to use these. If the need for them arises the emergency services will have been alerted to rescue us.
Gas–powered generator
Chainsaw

Make sure you have a phone which will work without mains electricity, so that you can let someone know that you need help

I got my OH a power pack for Christmas a couple of years ago "just in case" but he doesn't bother to keep it charged.
I always seem to be the one who's supposed to know where all the batteries, torches, etc etc are kept. Like most women, I imagine.

I've actually got all of those, except a gas-powered generator, a chainsaw and an N95 mask - do unused 2020 Covid masks count? I'm not a "prepper" but I used to live in a rural area where, if the power went out, it stayed out for days. I soon stopped mocking my better-prepared neighbours and have kept a good store-room ever since (you only have to spend one Christmas with no stove, heating or lights - it concentrates the mind beautifully).

There was a power cut for some hours here today; we were out so missed it.
A foretaste of the winter ahead?

Exactly that!

Casdon

Solar powered lights won’t work without sun though MaizieD, so they would be useless if it’s stormy. Battery powered LED lights are good, I’ve got a brilliant LED torch.

We have 4 rechargeable lights as well as solar. They are just rectangular 6 in x 2in LEDs that detect movement as well as stay on full time.

They normally sit at the top and bottom of the stairs on the skirting and in the kitchen so we don't have to put lights on when we wander around in the evening. They are detachable so we can take them off and use them for reading or playing scrabble.

They recharge from the power supply or from a laptop or power bank. We recharge them every few weeks normally.

Sorry Casdon just seen other responses.

"Be Prepared", the Girl Guide training and motto has always stood me in good stead! This is a test for us all though. Being prepared as best you can will help to reduce panic and keep you calm in the face of adversity. Do your best to obtain the supplies that you think you may need.

Thanks to the author for posting this item, and Dotpocka thank you for sharing the link too.