Being new to prepping is daunting. It seems like everyone has things all worked out, and you don’t yet, but you’re not alone. Every newbie prepper feels this way. When confronted with issues like alternators and generators, it gets confusing. Although it takes time to get your preparations in order, I can help you sort out this power source question right away. Then you can decide what you need for emergency plans. You’re doing the right thing by learning to take care of yourself and those you love in disaster situations. Realistically most people don’t even consider preparing for an SHTF situation. After surviving with no plan in place, things ‘get real.’ Roughly forty-eight percent of all Americans lack emergency supplies for even the most basic temporary problems, like an extended power outage in summer. With this information, you won’t be on that list anymore.

Basic Differences Alternators & Generators

To understand the differences between alternators and generators, you need to know about AC and DC energy. While both machines create energy, the type of energy they make is very different. Specifically, they generate different currents.

One of the significant differences between alternators and generators is on the inside. A generator uses a commutator to convert AC energy into DC power. Meanwhile, winding an alternator connects it to a slip ring.

Although it’s a little confusing to think that both types generate electricity, the names help remind us of which is which. Don’t let all the technical jargon scare you off. I’ve provided simple descriptions to help.

Alternator is AC

Your home runs on AC. Plugs that run everything from your refrigerator to your laptop are typically sixty hertz, at least in America. If it helps, remember that AC power runs your AC (air conditioner).

AC or alternating current is a pattern of electrons flowing both forward and backward. Hence it is called Alternating Current. Naturally, an alternator is a device that makes this type of power. Whether separate from a generator or included inside one, it’s an AC power creator.

By using a wire loop and a magnetic field, the alternator creates power. As the wire spins through the different magnetic polarities, it creates alternating power. Both pushing and pulling electrodes to cause a current is ‘alternating.’

Inverter Generator

Despite being called alternators, an inverter generator is a proper term for an AC generator. The words are a little confusing, but the facts remain the same. Technically the generator is an electromagnetic device while the inverter is a powered electronics device.

I recommend the Ampeak 2000W Power Inverter because it has both AC and DC outlets for running your devices and machines. The cooling fan, automatic shutdown, and alarm will help keep you safe. More importantly, it also helps prevent overworking your inverter generator. Click here to learn more on Amazon. 

 

Generators Can Be AC or DC

Sadly it confuses the issue, but generators can be either AC or DC. Typically it’s called an alternator if it runs AC and known as a generator if it runs DC. Still, you need to read the specifications of a generator carefully before buying or installing it. Using the wrong current will not power your devices. Furthermore, it may cause a cascade of problems.

DC or Direct Current is perhaps more straightforward than AC. Instead of having the electrons flow in both directions, they only move one way. Though modern cars run on AC power, vehicles up to the nineteen-sixties ran on DC.

It may seem that DC generators have fallen out of fashion. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In a moment, we’ll discuss everyday machines that need DC power to run.

The fantastic NEXPOW Portable Power Station Generator from Amazon runs on solar energy. As long as you have a clear day, you will have power for whatever you need. Plus, at barely over three pounds, this unit is extremely portable. To read the reviews, click here.

Similarities Between Alternators & Generators

Whatever their differences, both machines are marvels of Faradays Law in action. This law states that any moving wire inside a magnetic field has electricity induced upon it. Basically, that means any change to the wire. Inside the magnetic field, movement causes the wire to conduct electricity.

Other internal similarities also affect how the two machines work. Both varieties have an armature. A generator (DC) has a rotary armature that moves. Meanwhile, an alternator has a stationary, non-moving armature. The spinning parts make most of the difference.

Do You Need an Alternator or a Generator

Learning the difference between alternators and generators is one thing. However, deciding which one you need is a very different issue. Unless you’re very electrically savvy, you may not know where to apply each power source.

No worries. Most machines have a label on them. Often this indicates the type and amount of power they require. A little bit of detective work will show you what you need to know. However, you can usually tell because AC devices plug into a standard home outlet.

Ships and planes are a bit different. Still, most household items either use batteries or a cord. If there’s a cord that eventually plugs into a wall, it’s AC. Alternators or inverter generators are what you need for most things you’d want to plugin right away. For example, a phone needs an AC outlet to charge its battery.

The great news is that most generators are either AC or AC/DC compatible. The only time you’d really need to worry about it is pretty rare. If you need an inverter generator and you get a strictly AC version, then you have a problem. Luckily there are relatively few things that absolutely must have DC.

When to Use an Alternator

Alternators typically power large ‘things.’ Because they’re more efficient, this makes sense. You want the best power creator to run anything massive. Here are four examples of what runs on AC power sources like alternators.

• Power Stations- Due to the size, efficient power is needed.
• Homes & Businesses- Most American buildings run on AC power.
• Smaller Devices & Tools- Anything that plugs into the wall socket needs an alternator somewhere. While you might not see it in your house, it’s there on the power line somewhere.
• Vehicles- Your car or truck probably needs AC power. If you’ve ever replaced an alternator, it’s an AC car. However, vehicles from the sixties might be DC instead.

Another superb inverter generator is the BESTEK 2000W. You can use this durable, yet portable option to run most equipment. Your car battery is all it takes to keep the power on. You’ll appreciate the six external 50A fuses. Plus, it comes with spares. Click here to grab this generator while it’s in stock on Amazon. 

Where You Need a DC Generator

Direct Current generators may not run the biggest things, but they’re necessary. There are a lot of machines we couldn’t run without DC. Here are six examples of items that require DC power.

• LEDs- Although you can run LEDs on AC, you shouldn’t. LED lights only turn on when the current runs in the right direction. Hence with enough AC, they’ll blink or appear to run continuously. However, they are DC devices.
• Electric Cars- Are you trying to save the world from fossil fuels? Good for you! Pollution is nasty stuff. However, it’s vital to know you have a DC machine. You need a generator for electric car emergencies.
• Battery Chargers– All batteries are DC. They generate voltage going one way. Likewise, battery chargers have to be DC.
• Electroplating Machines- Electroplating is used in machine parts. DC current makes dissolved metal form a plate on an electrode. Jewelry, rims, and bathroom fixtures need that covering. It prevents corrosion.
• Solar Panels- Since they are batteries, solar panels use DC. The power travels in one direction to charge devices. We may not think of solar as a battery, but it is.
• Metal Refining- Extracting and refining metals requires tons of power. Resultantly, economical AC energy isn’t an issue. DC current helps create many metals through electrolysis.

Sometimes Both is Best

There are times when you need both AC and DC power. RV’s use the two together. There’s a twelve-volt DC system for your battery and engine. Meanwhile, a hundred-twenty volt AC system runs appliances.

Your fridge and toaster need different energy than the vehicle itself. Because of the way various machines work, it’s vital to know how your equipment runs.

When in doubt, more is better. Since it’s easy to get an AC/DC generator, you should do that. Unless you specifically need just one power type, get both. Redundancies save lives.

 

Final Thoughts

Alternators and generators both give you power. Whatever kind of energy you need, it’s easy to get. Hopefully, I’ve cleared up when to use each type. Good power sources are essential to survival.

The differences between generators can be confusing. Watch the video for a refresher anytime. You’ll find lots of useful facts. Plus, you might learn something new.

I recommend investing in both. When you have backup systems, your survival odds go up.

Your backpack is almost packed and ready to go. Camping is on the menu, but what foods do you need to stay healthy? Not so long ago, Gatorade powder was all the rage, and I’m not discouraging you from adding some to your hydration plans, but carrying some powdered milk is also an excellent idea. Especially if you’re not a hunter, keeping up your protein is vital. However, even those with fishing rods and a rifle in their pack can benefit from taking some milk. Avoiding weight and spoilage problems is essential. Luckily I’ll help you pick the perfect drink powder for your trek.

Choose the Right Powdered Milk for Camping

Powdered milk is perfect for camping, but not every powdered milk is the same. Sadly, the higher a company heats its liquid to make the powder, the more flavor and food-value they lose. Additionally, some brands package badly, leaving a funky aftertaste from plastic or aluminum.

Whenever possible, you should taste test everything before you store any. Picking up a small or sample-sized quantity can save you a fortune. Moreover, you always want to know what you’re in for. There are so many brands these days that finding a better flavor is easy.

Avoid picking a brand because it’s exceptionally inexpensive. Frugality is a good thing, but cheaping-out just to have something is rarely a good idea. This is especially true when it comes to food storage and rehydratable foods.

What to Look For In Powdered Milk

The first thing you want when taking powdered milk for camping trips is compatibility. If you usually drink whole milk, nonfat is the wrong choice. Your palate is adjusted to a specific flavor, and it is offputting to make a sudden switch.

Next, you want to read the labels. Powdered milk should be entirely made of milk. Because of the process it undergoes, there’s no reason to add preservatives. Moreover, plain dairy doesn’t have flavoring. Look for a single ingredient on the label. Failing that, seek the milk with the least additives.

Also, you want milk that has a long shelf life. Although you can store your powdered milk for twenty years, the flavor is better for the first five to seven. Naturally, a product that’s been in some warehouse for a year or more already isn’t going to taste as fresh or store as long.

Finally, you need reviews. Never trust a product that no one seems to have heard of or tried. Whether you test for yourself, have friends and family help, or check online, make sure someone approves of the milk. Untested products don’t belong in a savvy preppers storage unless there are no other options at all.

If you’re a fan of low-fat milk, the individual servings of Milkman Lowfat Milk you can order from Amazon are perfect for making one quart of milk. No messy scoops or measuring is a significant bonus on the trail. Plus, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to mix. Get your Milkman single servings here. 

Substitutions & Location

Although it’s difficult to control every aspect of what goes into your emergency supplies, you can make smart substitutions. Furthermore, a little research will help you find the best and freshest powdered milk. You can pick some up to store long term while you’re getting what you need for your trip.

Doubling up when you order supplies is always smart. Don’t order one pound, or one item, get two particularly if you can get a discount for ordering more. That way, you have milk for your camping trip, and your BOL, or a jug for your BOV and one for your bug-in storage.

You can use two packages of different milks to mix in a pinch. Not only does that apply to brands, but it also includes certain types of milk. For example, whole milk plus one percent is roughly the same as two percent milk. Likewise, a two percent plus a nonfat is similar to one percent milk.

Making substitutions is sometimes necessary when supplies run low. You could mix powdered cow milk with goat or coconut. Although it changes the flavor, the proportions are similar. Always use up everything you have instead of wasting good protein because you don’t ‘have enough’ of me specific type to make a full container.

Whenever possible, you want local milk. Powders imported from foreign countries are less likely to adhere to FDA standards. The closer your powdered milk is to home, the fresher and more reliable it is. Unfortunately, only some of us live near powdered milk factories. If you’re not nearby, find the closest distributor you can.

Alternative Milk Powder for Camping

There are plenty of alternative kinds of milk for camping. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply prefer non-dairy products, then choosing one of these outstanding alt-milk powders is smart. You can get what you need without any animal products.

For those who dislike cow-products, there is also other animal milk. One option is goat milk powder. Although it’s a little harder to find, you can get camel milk as well. However, I prefer coconut milk powder because it has healthy fats and a good flavor.

I recommend the two-pound container of Nutricost Coconut Milk Powder from Amazon. Not only does it have a resealable lid, but the flavor will pleasantly surprise you. Coconut powder preserves well. The lightly sweetened powder makes a yummy drink. Find out more by clicking here. 

Other Milk Alternatives

Choose soy or coconut milk powders for standard options. Alternately, almond powder, and rice powder each make tasty alternatives. However, you should avoid any product labeled ‘milk drink’ or similar titles. You want an actual milk powder, not a partial mix.

It’s okay to bring along a mix like instant breakfast, but keep in mind that it’s not milk. Moreover, you need to mix instant breakfast and some cocoa with milk. Where health is concerned, you need to read labels very carefully. It’s easy to get the wrong impression at a glance.

Another healthy alternative to milk is protein powders. However, if you’re bringing a powdered protein-drink along, you should also bring milk to cook with and drink. Think of the protein powder like an instant breakfast. Meanwhile, milk is more of a standard sipping option.

How to Make Powdered Milk While Camping

The best recipe for camping milk I’ve ever made is also one of the simplest. Sure, you can simply add the powder to water and shake, but there’s a better way. Warm milk is alright before bed, but it’s more lethargic and calming than refreshing and revitalizing. Follow these steps, and you’ll have tasty milk for your morning meals.

1. Measure half of your water into a container the night before you plan to drink it.
2. Add all your milk powder while paying particular attention to the correct proportions.
3. Stir with a camping spork or small whisk until frothy and mostly mixed.
4. Add the rest of your water and stir again.
5. If you’re cold-weather camping at forty degrees or below overnight, you can use a rope to hoist your milk. Hang it from a tree branch. This will keep animals out of your drink.
6. When camping in spring or summer, then use a well-sealed container for your milk. Get a large rock ane tie it to the milk. Sink the rock and sealed liquid in a cool pond or stream overnight.
7. Letting the milk sit and chill overnight makes the flavor much better.
8. Shake before using, and enjoy your milk.

Make sure you drink or eat the full serving of milk within an hour of making it. If you stored it in the cool overnight, then you either need to re-cool the milk or use it up within an hour. Warm milk will go bad and make you sick, whether it’s made from powder or not. However, vegetable milk may last a little longer. Always read the label’s information about storage.

Add These Things to Powdered Milk

When you take powdered milk camping, you may want to change it up a bit. Especially if you aren’t a fan of regular or powdered milk, a little additive can do your palate a world of good. While I don’t recommend adding sugar, you can use the following ingredients to change the taste for the better.

• Cinnamon is a sweet and spicy flavor. Add this if you’re drinking powdered milk warm.
• Cocoa mix may have a little sugar, but you can find sugar free mix-in options for both hot and cold milk.
• Cardamom is one of the most underrated spices in your cabinet. A pinch in a cup is enough to add an exotic zing to your regular routine.
• Vanilla powder or liquid gives soy and almond milk their unique sweetness unless you buy the unsweetened varieties.

It helps to bring the tastiest milk powder, to begin with. Pick Nestle Nido Milk Powder from Amazon for a reliably great flavor. This brand regularly makes the top three on blind taste test lists. Try it for yourself— Order Nido by clicking here. 

Add Powdered Milk to These Foods

Using powdered milk in your home-made travel foods will give it a calcium kick and add flavor. Try adding a tablespoon or two of milk powder to dry soup mixes for a creamy treat. Plus, you can use it to extend the life of powdered creamer and improve the flavor of freeze-dried coffee.

Additionally, you can toss a pinch into your morning eggs along with a little water. Just make sure you whisk well. Although most people put eggs in their fridges, this is one unique food that travels well at room temperature. However, you need to use freshly laid eggs that have never been inside a refrigerator to do this trick.

Make your own DIY cake mixes for the trail. Simply follow your favorite cake recipe, but add powdered milk and powdered eggs. You can substitute a tbsp of ground flax for each egg. Just remember to add two tablespoons of water to the recipe per flax-egg.

Bring some coconut oil and water along to finish the recipe when it’s time to add liquid. You can bake over a fire and have your favorite desserts.

Before you ever go camping, you can use powdered milk at home to test recipes. I love making cream of broccoli soup with freeze-dried and powdered ingredients. Better still, it makes an outstanding white pepper gravy to go on biscuits.

Powdered Milk Is Amazing

It’s not difficult to substitute powdered milk into any recipe. In fact, you can even make cheese and yogurt with rehydrated whole milk. Once you’ve mastered the process, it’s a great way to expand any long term travel menu. Bugging-out, much like camping, can actually be a ton of fun if you let it be an adventure.

Try out a powdered milk ice-cream for a delightful treat. In the winter, you can use snow to freeze the dairy. It’s a very useful skill for survival. Most of us need something beyond continuing to breathe to look forward to at the end of our emergency preparations.

Not only will ice cream help you thrive and raise your spirit, but it could make you relatively wealthy. When SHTF, being the only one around who can make a favorite treat for survivors is a tradeable commodity. Once things settle down again, you’ll need to find ways to make a living.

Another outstanding powdered milk option is Peak Instant Full-Cream Milk Powder. Like the Nido, it often tops the charts for most delicious powdered milks. You’ll be happy to have a powder that has little to no aftertaste and makes fantastic whole milk. Get it from Amazon, click here. 

Final Thoughts

For those who never considered bringing milk while camping, now you know-how. Better yet, it means you can expand your culinary options beyond anything you previously expected. From powdered and dried soup recipes to spaghetti with creamy sauces, so many possibilities open up with milk on the menu.

Use up your powdered milk stores at home and replace them often. You’ll want fresher powder for your camping trips. Check out the video to see how one woman tricks her family into never realizing they’re drinking powdered milk.

The tips and tricks in this article should help you find, or make, the best-tasting powdered milk and use it to your best advantage. Happy camping!

 

Society has crumbled, and you have a toothache. Surely this is the time to use great grandpappy’s whiskey. At least, that’s what you’ve probably heard. Some traditional remedies genuinely are the best choice, especially in emergencies. Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to tell you to have a shot, it’s not what you need. I’ll help you discover why, and give you some better solutions instead.

Does whiskey help a toothache? The temporary help from whiskey is more likely to add to the problem than truly help. First, most people drink whiskey instead of swabbing the area. Secondly, alcohols have sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay. Also, getting drunk might make the pain stop, but it does so by creating a different problem.  

Whiskey Myths Vs. Reality

Alcohol can indeed cause a temporary numbing effect on your toothache. Sadly, that’s not the whole story. Despite generations of people using it to clean wounds and numb pain, the science behind this practice would indicate that it’s not the right idea.

Realistically, alcohol does as much damage as good or more. Any alcohol at all will have an adverse effect on the injured tissue. You don’t need to get drunk or become an alcoholic to cause harm. Not only can it thin the blood, but there’s more to it. Alcohol increases swelling at the site of injuries. Moreover, that sting you feel is the alcohol-killing proteins in your tissue.

Resultantly, what seems helpful at first is merely a damaging distraction. Skip the whiskey, and go with a real painkiller. Or you can opt for an anti-swelling agent. Alternately, a numbing effect can help you manage pain while you seek a long-term solution.

The Proper Use for Alcohol When SHTF

There are two main survival reasons to store alcohol, like whiskey, though neither is for toothaches. Sure, you can drink it. I’m not one to judge how people unwind. I like a good single malt as much as the next person. However, that has nothing to do with survival.

The first reason you should store alcohol is specific to whiskey and other spirits. Not only do they keep for incredibly long periods, but you might need a few bottles. When your other supplies are low, you can bet you aren’t alone.

Barter is King

Trading whiskey or other spirits for food, medical gear, or even tools is an excellent barter strategy. Like dentistry, distilling spirits or even making wine is an underrated skill. People will still want to drink, and they’ll need alcohol if society collapses.

Learning to haggle is essential. Travel down to mid or southern Mexico and visit the markets if you can’t afford to visit other places where haggling over the cost is standard. Practice getting a good deal with cash before you ever need to swap for your survival.

You can also find like-minded survivors and make trades with them for things you need. Plenty of preppers keep more than they need. If you can’t find anyone to trade within your area, and you can’t travel, then try out an online barter site.

Sterilizing Saves Lives

Rather than storing whiskey for toothaches, you can focus on stocking up on denatured alcohol for sterilization. Medical tools, food surfaces, and more need to be sterile. While it may seem like it’s not a big deal, without modern cleansers, a little rubbing alcohol can make a massive difference to your survival chances.

What you should never do is put it on an open wound. When a doctor swabs your arm before giving you a shot, it’s not because it will help you heal. They do this to prevent contaminants on your skin from causing infection.

What Should You Do About Tooth Pain

While whiskey isn’t your best choice, there are plenty of useful painkillers in nature. Living without a dentist is going to be tough. Hopefully, a few will survive and offer their services. Dentistry is one of the most underestimated skills you can have when society falls apart.

Regardless of the availability of dentists, numbing pain is easy enough to achieve for yourself. You don’t need a stock of expensive painkillers to pull it off. More importantly, with the right herbs and oils, you can trade your knowledge with others as a high-value barter.

I strongly suggest getting familiar with your local plants. There’s something nearby that can help with your problem. However, some of the most effective and conventional solutions are also worth keeping around. You need to take a look at this video from Dr. Nicole Apelian to learn more in-depth information about healing with the right herbs. The information she gives is invaluable.

Numb By Nature

Dental pain is the worst. It can take you out of the action and distract you when you need to focus. You can add some essential herbs to your BOB or other emergency supplies to help numb or kill the pain. With some of the following natural remedies in your collection, you’ll be able to temporarily help yourself so you can survive long enough to fix the problem.

Basic Pain Medicine Herb Kit:

1. Clove- Whole and ground clove will work in a pinch. However, it’s best if you add clove oil to a cotton ball and bite down on it.
2. Cayenne- Capsaicin in ordinary cayenne pepper helps with blood flow and soft tissue pain. While some people can’t stomach the spice, you can put it directly on a sore tooth. Once the initial burn fades, so will the pain. Moreover, you can use it as much as you want.
3. Tobacco- I’m not suggesting anyone take up chewing tobacco. However, it is worth noting that it has a numbing effect, which is useful. Additionally, nicotine affects the pleasure center in the brain, helping you feel calm.
4. Tumeric & Black Pepper- Tumeric is known for reducing swelling. However, when you add ground black pepper, the effects are heightened. I suggest using both. Furthermore, use the pair with coconut oil and baking soda as a paste in place of your regular toothpaste for even more beneficial effects.
5. Lavender- These fragrant purple flowers are good for more than bouquets and teas. Lavender oil and blossoms help reduce stress and pain. Keeping a sachet with you to smell often will help you control pain.
6. Peppermint- Although peppermint and peppermint oil can help with pain and stomach upset, there’s one thing most people forget. You should never put pure peppermint essential oil on the skin. It can cause chemical burns.
7. Eucalyptus- Like many of the herbs on this list, eucalyptus oil or leaves can help with pain by merely smelling it. Keep in mind; these aren’t like taking a processed pill. Not only do they take time, but they aren’t going to affect your brain and body so profoundly that you shouldn’t operate heavy machinery. That’s a good thing when life is on the line.
8. Ginger- Ginger is a well-known mild painkiller. Like peppermint, it will also help settle the stomach, which can be a problem with tooth pain. Furthermore, it also helps with circulation like cayenne.
9. Wild Lettuce- This little-known herb is probably a weed you see all the time. Though you may not think much of it, the painkilling quality of wild lettuce was used during the civil war to help soldiers who had been shot. Beware the sedative effect of this particular remedy.
10. Willow Bark- If you find yourself wishing you could take an aspirin, then you’re in luck. Willow bark works in a very similar way. Additionally, it tastes about as good as BC powder, in my opinion, but I’ve used both in a pinch.
11. CBD & THC- Though most people only recently became aware of the medicinal properties of hemp and marijuana, anyone who’s had either one can tell you they kill the pain. I suggest CBD for TEOTWAWKI because THC gets you high which can distract you at crucial moments while the CBD won’t have that effect.

Final Thoughts

Using whiskey for a toothache is like using a hammer to pull screws out. It might work in one way, but it’s not really doing what you want. Moreover, it’s doing more damage in the process. It’s the wrong choice.

If you have nothing else, swabbing a small amount on your gum will help you cope with extreme pain while you hunt for a more practical solution. Unfortunately, it’s vital to find a better option as soon as possible. There’s nothing wrong with having a drink, but the medical value of liquor is greatly misunderstood.

Most of the positive benefits of alcohol are better served with other remedies. The exception is sterilizing your equipment.

 

You don’t want to be incarcerated, or trapped when the SHTF. That will reduce your survival chances to a joke. At the same time, you don’t want to panic and lose your job, friends, and house if it’s no big deal. Paranoia and lack of vigilance are two extremes that severely impact your survival. How do you know when to go and how to get there safely? I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about evading capture when you Bug-Out.

Numbered List of Steps

If you’re already stressing about how to evade capture and stay safe, you probably feel overwhelmed. I have great news. You don’t need to worry over a million tiny details. Instead, just follow these seven simple steps to get to your Bug Out Location intact.

1. Dress right for the environment—both weather and background colors matter. You want to blend in without freezing or frying.
2. Pack light so you can carry everything you need on your back while moving fast for a long time. Extras are fine, but make sure you have what you need on your body.
3. Mute matters. Anything that jingles, clanks, or otherwise makes a lot of noise is a beacon for trouble. Wrap loud and breakable items in clothing or a sleeping bag.
4. Stay off main roads and avoid roadblocks. It helps if you have a CB or police scanner.
5. Choose your timing, so you aren’t leaving during rush hour and riots.
6. Watch out for people. Don’t stop for anyone and try to avoid being seen.
7. Avoid predators and poison. Humans aren’t the only ones who might come looking for you. Know your local dangers at your BOL, including both wildlife and plants.

How to Dress to Evade Capture

To dress for evading capture, we’re going to assume the worst. You’re starting out in the middle of one of the most crowded cities around. That means avoiding dense crowds, but also staying in populated areas, so you don’t stick out.

Presumably, you’re not a ninja or roof-running parkour expert, so this is a practical beginner’s guide. First, you need to ditch any custom, specialty, restrictive, or fancy clothing. Stop putting it on at all. Instead, dress down so you blend in.

Basic Survival Dresscode: City Version

You want to look average, neither hobo nor wealthy. This means that you should not be kitted out in camo, or heels either. If you absolutely must dress up for work, carry a cross-body bag with a quick change.

You want jeans and a t-shirt in dull, but not dirty-looking colors. Men in suits should only swap pants and ditch their coats and ties. Women in skirt suits should avoid tight belts and large accessories. Both genders need sensible running shoes, so bring slip-on tennis shoes if you wear them better at work.

Sunglasses, hoodies, and loose, generic clothing are all good additions. If you lived in Seattle in the 90s, then a plaid shirt and torn jeans would blend in. For NYC, you may need to add a warm undershirt. Be sensible about how the locals look and become one with the norm.

Also, bring a hat to hide your hair or lack thereof. Better still, grab one of those novelty beanies with fake hair attached. The idea is to make yourself disappear. That means fade into the background and look like someone else.

Hidden Identity

With luck, you’ll never be tracked by serious alphabet agencies who have facial recognition software and camera drones. However, this advice goes for both high and low-tech evasions. Your nose and ears give you away.

It’s easy to shove some cotton in your cheeks to change your jawline and cover your eyes with sunglasses, hoodies, bangs, or ballcaps. Sadly, your nose doesn’t change much. If you know enough to slap a prosthetic on with spirit gum fast, do that. If not, you want to learn the skill when you can.

Ears are trickier, especially if yours are large. Cover them with a hat. You can also use a headband or stocking to hold them down. It’s tough to make your ear profile change, so go for the coverup.

If you have ears that stick out, clean skin, and superglue, you can paste them back in a few seconds. Regrettably, you will not be happy about it later. The layer can pop off oily skin, and superglue is mildly toxic. Save that trick for the high-tech big-brother nightmare dystopia instead of average evasion.

Hiding In Nature

Camo clothing may be trendy, but it’s also highly effective. If you plan to pass through natural surroundings, then doing your best to blend is advisable. A ghillie suit is perfect for short-term hiding. However, they tend to be heavy. Plus, you don’t want to look like Swamp Thing or a dirty bear at a distance when people are panicked.

What to Pack To Evade Capture

We’ve already talked about what to wear and carry for a quick change to evade capture. However, packing for evasion is a more complicated thing. You need self-defense and common sense items.

• EDC- Your Every-Day Carry should include spare phone batteries, a form of self-defense, a map of your local area, and tools for everyday emergencies, like scissors, and a flashlight.
• BOB- A Bug Out Bag needs enough food, clothing, medicine, and tools to last you three to seven days with nothing else. You need to update it for every season, so you have the right gear and equipment.
• BOV- The Bug Out Vehicle needs more than your bags. Cases of water, nonperishable food, and extra medical supplies for starters. You should carry a spare tire, essential vehicle tools, and fluids, like extra gas. This is where you keep a tent and other bulky survival items. However, you should never carry a map that has your home, meeting locations, supply caches, or BOL marked on it.

If you’re not sure where to start, I highly recommend picking up a premade emergency kit like the Rescue Guard Emergency Survival BOB from Amazon. Ultimately, a bag like this can save your life if you don’t have time to prepare better. Plus, you can keep it as a backup once you have a custom emergency bag. To learn what’s inside, click here. 

When to Bug Out

Before you can get going, or worry about evading capture, you need to choose your timing. How can you tell when it’s time to go? Are there specific signs? You bet there are.

When the world starts to get ‘iffy,’ you need to pay close attention to the news. Moreover, if you live near a military base, watching how many troops go in and out can help tip you off. However, there are some simple, surefire signs that you need to hit the road.

Is the news reporting widespread panic in your area? That’s a pretty big sign of the times. However, it’s not the only clue. Take a trip to the grocery store. When the shelves are out of staples like toilet paper and canned meats, you should have your Bug-Out Bag (BOB) packed. Still, you should always have your BOB ready anyhow.

Don’t Hesitate: Get Out of Dodge!

A global pandemic is a superb example of when it’s time to hit the road. Civil wars, riots, and natural disasters are also times to leave. The trick is getting out before roads close, so you can’t go ‘too soon.’

As long as you’ve prepared a Bug-Out Location (BOL), you can always take a little ‘vacation.’ Remember that, if things go back to normal, you can come back. Bugging Out doesn’t have to be permanent. When hurricane season hits the southeast coast, lots of smart preppers head north to their emergency BOL for the season.

Especially if you’re retired, or do remote work, there’s no reason to wait. Toss that bag in the car and move! For those who are traveling by foot, bike, or who need to stay for jobs, it can be a bit more complicated.

Who Should Wait Longer

It’s okay to wait a little longer to bounce if you need supplies or do vital work, like being a first responder. When you commit to your community or have other serious reasons to stay, it’s alright to do your duty.

People who are saving the lives of others should consider this as part of their plans. You will be more likely to have travel leeway anyhow. Plus, you don’t want to pull a high-profile disappearing act if it could increase pursuit.

Additionally, single survivors can consider taking a little longer. Because you have to DIY everything without a team, taking a few extra hours could save your life. Even a couple of days to make sure your Bug-Out-Plan (BOP) is necessary and complete is better in some situations. Also, solo survivors are harder to catch because there’s no one else to give you away or slow you down.

Top Five Signs You Need to Bug-Out NOW

In addition to the indicators I just mentioned, there are some other serious warning signs that you need to go. Keep an eye out for all these circumstances. Moreover, you should be checking the weather and news at least twice a day no matter how calm things seem.

• Long Lines- Are banks and gas stations so packed it’s hard to get inside? These ‘runs’ are a surefire sign that the people around you are seriously concerned about their money and cars. Unfortunately worried people are dangerous people.
• Shortages- More than just toilet paper, keep an eye out for shortages. If you can’t get medical supplies, or there’s a strict limit placed on how many of numerous items you’re allowed to buy, Bug-Out.
• Government Order- Whether they want you to leave, or there are warning signs of martial law impending, it’s terrible news. You don’t want to get caught up in forced evacuations, quarantine zones, or enforced curfews.
• Missing or Failed Leadership- Is your mayor or governor around? The second they disappear during a crisis, you should too. Furthermore, if it’s evident that there’s a problem, and their answers include things like, “Let’s pray,” or “Wait and see,” don’t stick around to see how that turns out.
• Market Collapse- You don’t need to invest in the stock market to keep an eye on the state of the world. However, when the markets tank, it’s a sign of the times. Good examples of this include world wars and the Great Depression.

Time To Travel

I loathe a cliche, but when ‘they say that ‘timing is everything,’ it’s essential to listen. Escaping, especially by road, is dicey. You need to keep an ear out for chatter about roadblocks, and other travel problems.

As soon as travel restrictions begin, your escape gets harder. Whether your BOL is an hour away or halfway around the world, you have to get there for it to matter. Don’t just jump in the car willy-nilly if you can avoid it.

Instead, plan your route and choose your time of day. Never leave during rush hour. Early morning or late night is better. Also, when possible, embark on a Tuesday. Fewer people depart on this day of the week, as evidenced by the cheaper plane, train, and bus ferries.

When to Rest

Even if you can keep moving constantly, you shouldn’t. Evading traffic jams and other significant hazards means knowing when not to travel. Sleep when everyone else is busy. Allow them to swarm like insects while you catch Z’s.

The middle of the day or twice a day during rush hours is perfect for stopping to sleep. Whether you’re driving or using your legs to get to your destination, it doesn’t matter. Anyone enforcing movement restrictions is going to be more active when traffic is at it’s highest.

More police and troops are moving during peak hours in the daytime. Escaping means avoiding those as best you can. Instead of making a high-risk situation worse, plan smarter.

Get your downtime in comfort even on the run. You want to keep insects and critters out while letting airflow in during much of the year. The Sansbug Pop-Up Mosquito-Net Tent I got from Amazon is ideal. It’s lightweight at less than three pounds and folds up in seconds with a little practice. Search Sansbug availability on Amazon here. 

Running Bug Out Drills

To evade capture efficiently, you need to be prepared. Although it’s better to go without a plan, than to stay at risk longer than necessary, better preparedness involves doing dry runs. That means start to finish practicing every step.

Skimping on your preparation drills means your plans are much more likely to go south unexpectedly. Everyone knows that things are going to go wrong. Still, running your scenario every month or season helps you to execute the steps faster.

No one wants to be ‘that guy,’ who doesn’t know where their shoes are when it’s time to walk out the door. More importantly, in a real emergency, it could kill you. Self delay is the cardinal sin of emergency preparedness. Whatever you think you need to do, start today.

How to Run a Drill

To execute a plan, you need to have one. Know what you need and where you’re headed. Moreover, you need backup plans and alternate locations. For example, say you have kids and a spouse. Who picks them up, and where are you meeting?

Take that three steps further. First, who else is authorized to pick up the kids? Secondly, you need a second choice meeting place in case of delays. Don’t use this only when someone disappears or is incapacitated.

Set a time limit and leave when it’s up, period. Do not hesitate. Instead, plan to meet up further down the road. Additionally, you need a timer on every backup meeting place. Stay only as long as you agreed, or until it becomes unsafe.

Assign Duties In Order

Hopefully, you have a Bug-Out Team. However, even flying solo means having a particular order to your priorities. With multiple people, assign tasks by capability and priority. The fastest and most reliable need to handle packing extra food, water, and tools.

Everyone should have a seventy-two-hour BOB to carry with enough essential supplies to cover their needs. After that, temporary shelter comes first along with the ability to make fire. Then food and water together.

Next tools, followed by weapons and medical supplies, and be sure to include a sewing kit. Emergency blankets and all-weather gear comes after that—finally clothing, bedding, and other not-quite necessities. Don’t forget your extra socks.

If anyone has an underlying medical condition or special needs, pack those first. Last, pack pet supplies and any extras.

More Than Packing

Ideally, you’ll have all these supplies in bags, backpacks, and boxes, so you only need to load them up. Either way, you should have a checklist. As each item is added, check it off the list. Alternately, have the member of your party who places it into the BOV do so.

You need to check all your supplies every month or season, depending on their nature and whether they have expiration dates. This will allow you to make adjustments and additions as needed. Plus, you can remove any damaged goods, and use items nearing expiration, so they don’t go to waste.

Once you’re packed, go the distance. You need to run a full drill every time. That means driving to your location. You should always check the perimeter before you enter your BOL. Moreover, you need to find multiple routes and exits.

Evade Pursuit

Getting away clean is easier if you don’t get caught. Regrettably, that doesn’t always work. Once someone or something is after you, then you really have trouble. Always remember that your best bet for evading capture is to avoid having anything chase you. So go around troops, police, property owners, homes, and animals.

Human

People are a tough one when it comes to evasion. You need to be faster or smarter than they are. No one can outrun a bullet, but you can serpentine and make the shot difficult. Small vehicles like bicycles and cars are great for evasion in crowded areas.

When running from humans, it helps to know how many and have some clue about their capabilities. Armed troops are very different from the lone tracker with a dog and a gun. Sadly, a large enough group of very angry toddlers can hurt or even kill you.

Try heading upward. Shimmy up a tree or wall if you can do it without being seen or heard. Because people don’t have natural predators in the sky, we tend not to look up. Also, a river or other moving body f water can carry you away quickly.

Whatever you do, you need to get around a corner and out of sight. The longer and harder you run, the more noise you’ll make when you finally rest. That’s extra dangerous because you’re not only loud but tired too.

Machine

Cameras and drones are everywhere. The good news is that they aren’t perfect. Unfortunately, the bad news is that taking a dunk in cold mud a’la Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator (1987) won’t defeat heat sensors. Keeping an eye out and giving machines with cameras, a wide berth is your best defense.

Ditching a flying menace is possible. You need overhead cover, dense brush, or a way to go underneath something so it won’t see you. In many natural landscapes, this is relatively easy. However, for desert dwellers, burying yourself in the sand might be the only option.

Fortunately, you can thwart a regular camera. Several companies design CCTV and AI proof outerwear. By playing on the weaknesses in how machines ‘see,’ they can change the perception and get you passed right over.

Wildlife

Before you head out into nature, you need to know the dangers. For example, in the desert, you can pretty much assume anything that grows or moves could kill you very fast. Until you know enough to understand what you can eat, and what’s not deadly poisonous or violent, just don’t touch anything.

In the forest or swamp, you need to know what to look for. Spotting signs of bears, alligators, and other large predators takes some skill. Start learning your animal tracks right away for whatever area you might need to Bug Out through.

Also, carry bear-spray. I recommend Sabre Frontiersman Bear Spray for every EDC and survival plan. It will stop a bear or anything else that’s got eyes. The large seven-point-nine-ounce bottle I got from Amazon comes with a belt holster, so you’ll always have it on hand. Get Sabre by clicking here. 

Final Thoughts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSvG1x4TiZ8

No one want’s to think about having to evade capture. Yet even people who have done nothing wrong can end up running from a crazy mob, stalker, or even law enforcement. You can turn and fight, but that’s pretty likely to get you killed.

Instead of risking your life to try and save it, I suggest learning to evade capture instead. Learn to blend in, both in urban environments and by using camo in nature. After all, refusing to practice evasion is like saying you’re okay with being caught by the enemy.

The best evasion is avoidance and leaving before trouble gets truly bad. Though you don’t always get to pick your problems, you still have to know how to solve them.

The world ended, or you’re just in quarantine, and suddenly the power goes off. It’s not a big deal if the weather is mild, but things in your refrigerator are going to spoil if someone doesn’t fix the problem soon. Hopefully, if you’re off-grid, then you have a root cellar or backup generator. However, cooking some of that bacon is also a good idea right about now. Do you need to go outside, or can you use your camping stove on the kitchen counter? I’ll walk you through butane safety indoors, so you don’t accidentally kill someone. After all, when the SHTF, you need as many trustworthy friends and family members alive as possible.

Is butane gas safe to use indoors? Butane is safe to use indoors, provided you stick to a couple of basic safety rules. Primarily, you need to have proper ventilation, so you don’t inhale butane or carbon monoxide gas. Otherwise, make sure you’re using it correctly, in a device that’s rated for indoor use. 

Dangers of Indoor Butane

Butane is safe enough indoors when you store and use it correctly. However, since many people skip right past the warning labels and ‘wing it,’ more often than not, it’s essential to understand that you are handling a toxic explosive. Unless you want to be known as ‘the prepper with the missing fingers,’ then you need to treat it like fireworks or bullets.

Improperly stored butane can leak. At best, it’s a waste, and at worst, it encounters a spark and blows up whatever happens to be in the way. Equally important is avoiding inhalation of butane.

It takes shockingly little butane in your lungs to sicken or even kill you. An inquest into the death of a teen in 2012 found that a single breath might be enough to end a life. Though some so-called ‘huffers’ inhale butane, presumably more than once, it’s never safe.

In a survival situation, you don’t want to be on fire, but neither do you want to accidentally ‘huff’ butane. Even if it doesn’t kill you, it will make you sick for up to twelve hours. Moreover, it could distract you from other important things. For example, watching your back, or turning off the stove.

Butane in Your Food

Since butane is potentially dangerous, you should ask if it’s even safe to eat food cooked with butane. People eat foods grilled in aluminum foil all the time, and it has been linked with leeching into our bodies and Alzheimer’s. As it turns out, a little isn’t worth being concerned over, and that goes for both foil and butane.

Unlike the foil we cook in, butane becomes a gas at room temperature. That means it’s evaporating. Hence there’s little to none in your food. Equally noteworthy is this; butane is an alkane, so when it burns off, it doesn’t produce anything you need to worry about, at least where food is concerned.

When to Take Butane Outside

For those who are worried about burning butane indoors, the answer is simple. Take it outside instead. Unless you’re in a bunker or windowless room, you should be fine. Still, you always have the alternative of removing the concern if you can go outdoors.

If you’re seriously concerned about your ventilation, open the windows. You can also set a butane stove inside a clean chimney if you open the flue. There are plenty of safe solutions for venting a small cook stove.

Vent fans over stoves also work well to remove any doubt, but you need power for them to work. Similarly, a small fan circulating air will help clear the gas out as long as it has somewhere to go, and the fan needs a power source as well.

Safe Indoor Butane Stoves & Heaters

Although butane gas is safe indoors, any flame can produce unpleasant results. Proper ventilation is no joke because, without it, your fire might not have enough oxygen. Improper oxygen flow on flame becomes dangerous and produces carbon monoxide.

The problem with breathing in carbon monoxide gas is that it displaces oxygen in your blood. Taking up the ‘spot’ where your body would store and deliver oxygen, suffocates your cells. Unfortunately, it can kill you.

So how do you tell when there’s carbon monoxide in the air. You can’t see it. Plus, it has no smell or taste. You’ll need special equipment.

Safety Equipment

To remain safe while using an open butane flame, you need three specific pieces of safety equipment on hand. First, a fire extinguisher is essential for any cooking. Everyone should have them around the house. You need one in the kitchen. Moreover, you should keep a fire extinguisher near any fireplaces, in the main hallways between bedrooms, and near your main exits for emergencies.

Secondly, you’ll want to make sure you have fire alarms. Always test the batteries at least twice a year. Four times, once a season is better. Without batteries that work, a fire alarm is just a lump of useless plastic.

Finally, you need to install carbon monoxide monitors. Especially when your emergency plans involve cooking with fire, you need to know if something goes wrong. Sadly, there’s no other way to tell. The first signs would be headaches, nausea, and unexpected tiredness. By the time that happens, you’re already breathing dangerous fumes.

You can cut down on the number of alarms you need by doubling up. I installed the First Alert ZCOMBO Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarms from Amazon in my home. They work exceptionally well. You can feel safe knowing that they’ll detect what you can’t and let you know. Have yours delivered by clicking here. 

Get Certified

Before you start shopping for a butane emergency stove to cook with, you need to do your homework. Not only do you want a cooker rated for indoor use, but you need to make sure it’s a good stove. Finding a certified indoor butane cooker from a reputable company is essential.

When you’re ready to find the best emergency butane stove, make sure it’s CSA certified like the Iwatani of America ZA-3HP Portable Butane Stove. Moreover, the ZA-3HP has additional safety features. It uses every drop of butane in the can to avoid leaving flammable canisters to throw away. To learn more on Amazon, click here. 

Is Butane Safer Than Propane Indoors?

Both propane and butane gas is safe to use indoors with the right equipment. Since they are both alkanes, they burn cleanly. Realistically, as long as you use the right cooker, have proper ventilation, and perform regular safety checks to make sure all your parts are in working order, they both work exceptionally well.

Propane is denser due to the chemical composition. Moreover, propane is also more widely available. Typically, companies include an additive to propane that makes it easier to smell. Alternately, butane is harder to store in extreme temperatures, but also less expensive.

Speaking of storage, you’ll need a supply of butane canisters for your indoor emergency stove. I recommend the LavoHome Butane Fuel Canisters from Amazon. You get twelve cans, which is enough fuel to cook for nearly two weeks, even at maximum burn. If you choose meals that cook quickly, they’ll last much longer. Check LavoHome’s reviews right here. 

Butane Vs. Wood

There are so many choices for indoor emergency cooking. How do you know you have the right option? Well, it’s always a matter of personal preference. It wasn’t so long ago that every home had a wood-burning stove or fireplace for cooking.

Luckily, you have more options than our recent ancestors. While a wood stove is outstanding, butane is more compact and takes less storage space. I’d recommend sticking to butane since it’s a space saver, and you don’t need to chop down trees or worry about wet wood.

Pick a high-quality portable stove like the Camplux Dual Fuel Camping Stove. The carrying case makes it perfect for any emergency. If you have to relocate, a portable butane cooker like this packs away easily to travel with you. Plus, it weighs just five-point-three pounds. Check Amazon’s availability for a Camplux by clicking here. 

Storing Butane for Emergencies

Storing butane for indoor use is easy. Make sure you place the canisters somewhere well away from sunlight and heat sources. You’ll want to make certain there’s enough ventilation. Although butane canisters are safe, you want airflow in case of accidents, so the fumes don’t collect.

Additionally, you need to store your butane canisters away from food and drinks. Burnt butane is excellent for cooking. However, in case of leaks, you don’t want to eat or drink gas. Keeping your emergency supplies safe is simple.

Final Thoughts

Butane burning stoves are outstanding for emergencies. They’re safe, clean, and highly effective. Vitally, you can store and move them very easily. In a real crisis, that’s precisely what you want from your emergency preparedness supplies.

Since butane is cost-effective and less dense than propane, it’s my top pick for no-power cooking. Learning when and why to use a butane stove only takes a few moments. It’s well worth the time since butane cooking is fast.

Make sure you have a way to feed yourself and your loved ones in an emergency. Store your butane and stove properly and use them only when it’s necessary.

 

When you decide to buy a generator, you’re going to have more questions than answers. There are too many things that you need to know and not that many people willing to answer. For instance, many people want to know what does surge watts mean on a generator or what are continuous watts. These are crucial things that you must educate yourself to make sure that you get the right generator for your specific needs.

So, what do surge watts mean on a generator? Surge watts provide extra surge power to start electric motors. These types of motors like the air conditioner require this surge of power to get started. So, depending on how many electric motors you have, the type of generator you need will change.

Now, it’s important to know this so you can choose the right one since the generator’s classification refers to surge watts or continuous watts. That’s why it’s important to know how much power you’re going to need.

Still, you can get it wrong because the number of the generator may refer to the continuous watts and not the surge watts. That’s why it’s important to read everything carefully to now get this wrong.

So, if you want to know the difference between continuous watts and surge watts, how to calculate how much power you need, and more just read the article below. Make sure that you get the math right and choose the right type of generator that will fill your exact needs.

Continuous Watts VS. Surge Watts

Let’s get started by understanding the difference between the two power capabilities that a generator has and that you need to know. Continuous watts is the most watts that a generator can continuously produce. This is what they’re designed to deliver to you on a regular basis. This is the power that will feed most of the electronic things that you have.

Now, the surge watts are extra surge power that certain electric motors need in order to run. These types of motors need an extra push of power to get them started. Things like air conditioners or an electric saw need those things. That’s why the generator needs to provide surge watts, and that’s why you need to know about them.

The next step that you need to do is to check the surge watts capacity of the generator that you’re considering getting and figuring out how much you need it. The figuring-out part only involves looking for how much power your devices need.

So, once you know how to choose a generator that can power your devices, you’re good to go. The WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Portable Generator is an excellent compact generator that you can take anywhere without losing potency. Check it out on Amazon here.

Watts Equals Power

It’s important to keep in mind that watts equal power. This means that the more watts a generator has, the more devices it can power. This is obviously important because it changes whether or not you need to have more than one generator during a power outage.

Remember to always check the maximum capacity of continuous watts your generator has and doing the math with all your devices, so you don’t cause the generator to shut down or overheat.

Now, make sure that you get a generator that has the watts that you’re going to need to run your house or RV during a power outage.

So, if you have a big house, make sure to pick the generator that has the highest number when it comes to watts. This will ensure that you have more power to keep things running, even if it’s only the basic stuff. Also, make sure that you verify the surge power for the devices that need that extra surge to run.

Consider The Largest Motor You Plan To Run

The easiest way to figure how much surge power you need, it’s to consider the largest motor you plan to run on the generator. Usually, you need three times or more surge watts than your motor needs. This makes sure that you can not only run the specific motor but also all the other devices that you want to run at the same time.

Now, if you don’t know how much power you need, all you have to do is to check the tags that are placed behind or on the side of your electronic devices. You can also check the manufacturer’s website to make sure that you’re choosing the right generator for what you need.

So, once you do have that all you need to do is to pick the generator that works best for what you want. The first thing is to check its capacity. Then, consider what you need it for. For example, give preference for compact generators that give you mobility. The Jackery Portable Power Station is an excellent generator for all purposes. Take a look at this great item on Amazon here.

Do The Math Before Choosing The Generator

You must get the math right to make sure that you don’t overwhelm the generator and overheat it. If you ever do this, the generator will shut down as a precaution but it can still get damaged due to it. So, the best that you can do is to calculate how much power you’re going to need and buy the generator accordingly.

You need to add all your devices together and add three times the watts that your largest motor needs to run. That is the safe number that you need your generator to handle. With that number, you can know exactly how much power your generator must be able to provide to run things smoothly without further problems.

So, make sure that you have a generator that can safely run the amount you need. Also, it never surpasses the generator’s capacity even by 5 watts. It isn’t safe. Choose a generator that has more power than you think you’re going to need. The DuroMax XP4850EH is one of the most powerful compact generators that you’ll ever find. Get yours on Amazon here.

Consider Having More Than One Generator

The average American household needs a lot of electrical power to run normally. You have computers, television, fridge, freezer, stove, shower, and a lot of other things that run on electricity. The point is that you’ll rarely get to keep everything running as it usually does unless you have more than one generator.

That’s why the best thing that you can do is to have more than one generator. You can have one for the essential things and another for the less essential things. This way, you don’t risk using all your electrical power on things that aren’t a priority. You still get to keep your lifestyle for as long as possible without compromising the essential things.

So, make sure to consider having more than one generator. It’s effective and safer to do things this way. If you can’t have two generators of the same capacity, get a less powerful one for the unessential stuff. The Pulsar 1,200W PG1202S Generator is excellent for a small household or to be a secondary generator. Click to view the best pricing on Amazon here.

What Can A Portable Generator Run

The great thing about technological advances is that you don’t need to buy a generator your size to get the power you need. There are a lot of great options for compact generators. They have the same power as big ones, but they’re portable. This is great in case you need to move somewhere else and need to take the generator with you.

Now, if you get the right capacity, you can run all the basic things on a portable generator. We’re talking about your fridge, your TV, and a lot of other things that you normally use.

So, it’s more a question of what size you think is more practical to you than whether it has the power to run certain things. If you do need a portable generator, consider what you’re going to run on it and what is the size of your trunk. The DuroStar DS4000S is the best choice when you want a balance between size and power. Grab yours on Amazon here.

Never Surpass The Generator’s Capacity

The final tip, never surpasses the generator’s capacity. If you do, you’re going to ruin the generator making it a useless piece of metal. Ideally, if you’re limited by the power of the generator, the only thing you can do is to turn something off before connecting something else.

Now, you do this by adding how much power you’re running through the generator. Once you have this number, make sure that you never go beyond what the manufacturer says the generator can take.

So, make sure that you never surpass the generator’s capacity. If you do, the generator will shut down and it may be permanently damaged.

Final Thoughts

So, that what surge watts mean. They’re the extra surge that a generator can provide to specific motors that need that in order to run like air conditioners, for example. Remember to do the math of how much power you need before getting a new generator.