Articles by NJMike

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Guns • Re: Need advice on storing ammo

September 19, 2017 NJMike 0

A lot of ammunition sits in small cardboard boxes on shelves for a long time before being sold. Just saying.

Beyond that, if you have a humid environment, your ideas sound good to me. I’m sure you’ll get plenty of other input on this topic. I’d say you can also use a Food Saver to bag small boxes to prevent potential for humidity issues. This is a homemade version of the battle packs (don’t know if that’s the technical term) of 7.62 I’ve seen at shows.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Sep 19, 2017 12:33 pm

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Medical Experts • Re: POTASSIUM IODIDE TABLETS

September 18, 2017 NJMike 0

My tablets are the IOSAT as well.

Since you mentioned tablets issued to residents, something else I can add anecdotally. I know of at least one NJ shore town near a reactor where the schools have the Potassium Iodide. At the start of the school year, the parents have to fill out a permission slip for the school to dispense this to the students.

Tablets are not provided to the parents or issued to residents otherwise. It is an assumption that the school actually has the tablets stored. It’s also possible that they are getting permission in advance of a lock down scenario and would instead get supplied by first responders.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Sep 18, 2017 2:31 pm

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Medical Experts • Re: POTASSIUM IODIDE TABLETS

September 18, 2017 NJMike 0

My tablets are the IOSAT as well.

Since you mentioned tablets issued to residents, something else I can add anecdotally. I know of at least one NJ shore town near a reactor where the schools have the Potassium Iodide. At the start of the school year, the parents have to fill out a permission slip for the school to dispense this to the students.

Tablets are not provided to the parents or issued to residents otherwise. It is an assumption that the school actually has the tablets stored. It’s also possible that they are getting permission in advance of a lock down scenario and would instead get supplied by first responders.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Sep 18, 2017 2:31 pm

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Medical Experts • Re: POTASSIUM IODIDE TABLETS

September 18, 2017 NJMike 0

My tablets are the IOSAT as well.

Since you mentioned tablets issued to residents, something else I can add anecdotally. I know of at least one NJ shore town near a reactor where the schools have the Potassium Iodide. At the start of the school year, the parents have to fill out a permission slip for the school to dispense this to the students.

Tablets are not provided to the parents or issued to residents otherwise. It is an assumption that the school actually has the tablets stored. It’s also possible that they are getting permission in advance of a lock down scenario and would instead get supplied by first responders.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Sep 18, 2017 2:31 pm

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: 2017 SEPTEMBER – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month

September 18, 2017 NJMike 0

Just got back from the Mother Earth News Fair last night. It was my first time attending and I had a great time the entire weekend. Attended talks, met up with some like-minded folks, learned a bit, and picked up a few things.

The classes were a mix of very informative and stuff I already knew. I took workshops or seminars on herbal salves, kombucha, kimchi, and other fermentation, inspecting for varroa mites in bee colonies, history of axes, sharpening, DIY storage batteries, and animal processing. I also walked the many booths, looked and listened in for ideas on many other topics.

I didn’t do a whole lot of shopping. I picked up two books on fermentation, a maple wood mason jar tamper, wire strippers, Bad Dog Tools HDII and drill bits, lye for soap making, a sprouting jar lid, some seeds, some ME themed T-shirts and a few blocks of farm cheese to enjoy back home. I also returned with a mason jar each of kombucha and kimchi from the workshops and a free knife from the sharpening demo.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Sep 18, 2017 12:31 pm

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Medical Experts • Re: POTASSIUM IODIDE TABLETS

September 15, 2017 NJMike 0

My non-expert opinion on when to begin popping KI and there’s no announcement specific to KI:

1. If you live within 50 miles of a nuclear facility incident and they tell you to evacuate and you can’t.

2. Grid down, within 50 miles or downwind of nuclear plant, after X days.

For both scenarios a Geiger counter, dosimeter, or exposure rad stickers might be something you want to explore; with any radiation uptick a trigger to begin the KI.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Fri Sep 15, 2017 5:45 am

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Pennsylvania Discussion, News and Weather • Re: Workshop in Seven Springs on Sept. 15-17

September 15, 2017 NJMike 0
Photon Guy wrote:
I thought you were going to the prepper camp in NC that happens on the same days. I remember reading a thread about that camp awhile back. I was trying to decide to go there or to the workshop in Seven Springs but now that the NC event is sold out Im going to Seven Springs. If you’re going to Seven Springs it would be great to see you there.

I still have your # and will text you when it’s a more reasonable hour.

The confusion on where I was going- I was inquiring about the NC event on that topic. Then found out it was opposite this, unfortunately. I was already set on the fair since I’d been wanting to get out here for about 4 years now. I’ll try for NC next year if they’re not opposite each other.

@Rickdun, if you’re also interested in putting faces to names, you can PM here and we can exchange info or agree to meet somewhere at the fair. I’m attending all 3 days.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Fri Sep 15, 2017 5:31 am

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Natural Disasters • Re: Atlantic (Hurricane Irma)

September 9, 2017 NJMike 0

It’s classic normalcy bias. Some people just can’t wrap their heads around disaster or think the stuff they see on the news applies to them.

Some family of the GF live near Tampa and were planning to weather things out in their concrete block garage. Geez. What dummies. The roof will be blown off and the storm surge could easily be over the garage.

I was originally supposed to be flying into Orlando tomorrow for work. Glad that had got cancelled by Wednesday.

I have family on the East Coast and coworkers in the Miami area. Haven’t been in contact but hope they’re alright and doing the right thing.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Sep 09, 2017 5:44 pm

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Natural Disasters • Re: Atlantic (Hurricane Irma)

September 9, 2017 NJMike 0

It’s classic normalcy bias. Some people just can’t wrap their heads around disaster or think the stuff they see on the news applies to them.

Some family of the GF live near Tampa and were planning to weather things out in their concrete block garage. Geez. What dummies. The roof will be blown off and the storm surge could easily be over the garage.

I was originally supposed to be flying into Orlando tomorrow for work. Glad that had got cancelled by Wednesday.

I have family on the East Coast and coworkers in the Miami area. Haven’t been in contact but hope they’re alright and doing the right thing.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Sep 09, 2017 5:44 pm

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First Aid & Medicine • Re: Completely Un-Scientific Study…

September 8, 2017 NJMike 0

In NJ and I’ve been fine. Didn’t take my BP, but had a Normal pulse (had a pulse oximeter on earlier while checking out my medical preps), plus no symptoms of nausea or headaches.

GF has been ok too. However her dogs have been a bit off, but in opposite ways. Also, several people she knows down the NJ shore area who are already prone to headaches/migraine have been laid up last day or two. Anecdotal data at best.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Fri Sep 08, 2017 1:22 pm

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First Aid & Medicine • Re: Completely Un-Scientific Study…

September 8, 2017 NJMike 0

In NJ and I’ve been fine. Didn’t take my BP, but had a Normal pulse (had a pulse oximeter on earlier while checking out my medical preps), plus no symptoms of nausea or headaches.

GF has been ok too. However her dogs have been a bit off, but in opposite ways. Also, several people she knows down the NJ shore area who are already prone to headaches/migraine have been laid up last day or two. Anecdotal data at best.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Fri Sep 08, 2017 1:22 pm

:wave:

General Preparedness Discussion • Re: 2017 SEPTEMBER – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month

September 7, 2017 NJMike 0

@Illini Warrior-

In NJ a firearm ID card is typically issued by the municipality or by the State Police in more rural areas with no town police, and per State Police rules.

If you move you have to get a new card issued. In my case even though I had an old card they still require 2 references to mail in a questionnaire and I have to schedule at an independent facility new fingerprints. After that it might be another 4 weeks.

You need a firearm ID card to buy ammunition and long arms.

To buy a handgun you need to buy a purchase permit per gun in advance and the permit expires if you don’t finish your purchase.

^that, taxes, traffic, and too many other laws and regs is why I’m eventually fleeing NJ to PA or somewhere else.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Thu Sep 07, 2017 3:06 pm

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: 2017 SEPTEMBER – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month

September 7, 2017 NJMike 0

I was off this week and wanted to get a bit more done, but had family in the hospital which came first.

I did take the time in the waiting room to read up on roasting coffee. It was a more mainstream book than some of my other titles. ;)

I did some more inventory and consolidation of supplies with my incremental purchases. That involved getting batteries in the battery tote, medical supplies checked for exp. dates and sorted into the appropriate totes.

Ordered a few books from Chelsea Publishing which is/was having a sale. Those were on butchering and forest permaculture.

Today I’m going for a new firearm ID card since I’ve moved…and I’m still in the Peoples Republic of NJ

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Thu Sep 07, 2017 8:08 am

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: 2017 SEPTEMBER – What Did You Do To Prep This Week/Month

September 7, 2017 NJMike 0

I was off this week and wanted to get a bit more done, but had family in the hospital which came first.

I did take the time in the waiting room to read up on roasting coffee. It was a more mainstream book than some of my other titles. ;)

I did some more inventory and consolidation of supplies with my incremental purchases. That involved getting batteries in the battery tote, medical supplies checked for exp. dates and sorted into the appropriate totes.

Ordered a few books from Chelsea Publishing which is/was having a sale. Those were on butchering and forest permaculture.

Today I’m going for a new firearm ID card since I’ve moved…and I’m still in the Peoples Republic of NJ

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Thu Sep 07, 2017 8:08 am

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Washington Discussion, News and Weather • Re: What is the first thing a beginning needs to do ?

August 28, 2017 NJMike 0

I see this topic has new life.

unventedanger wrote:
There all good answers, but I think understanding what your prepping for should top the list. At least for me.

I totally agree with this.

If someone is not preparing for the most likely plausible scenario(s) for their environment, they may be wasting energy and resources on other aspects of prepping.

There was another topic here on scenarios, and I recall mentioning some rather mundane situations- fire, illness, divorce, job loss, etc. One thought on that would be that if one prepares for the most obvious things first, it sets them down the path and mindset to expand into other areas without ignoring those more likely life events.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Aug 28, 2017 2:42 pm

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Washington Discussion, News and Weather • Re: What is the first thing a beginning needs to do ?

August 28, 2017 NJMike 0

I see this topic has new life.

unventedanger wrote:
There all good answers, but I think understanding what your prepping for should top the list. At least for me.

I totally agree with this.

If someone is not preparing for the most likely plausible scenario(s) for their environment, they may be wasting energy and resources on other aspects of prepping.

There was another topic here on scenarios, and I recall mentioning some rather mundane situations- fire, illness, divorce, job loss, etc. One thought on that would be that if one prepares for the most obvious things first, it sets them down the path and mindset to expand into other areas without ignoring those more likely life events.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Aug 28, 2017 2:42 pm

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Drying, Dehydrating, & Smoking • Re: Help with long term food storage.

August 28, 2017 NJMike 0

Eggs…

If you have chickens, you have a sustainable source. I did up, up until recently.

Eggs from your own last longer when they are not washed. For a short while they don’t require refrigeration if kept in a cool dark spot, but hard to say how long that is. I used the old floating method to gauge, but you can easily tell when they go really bad.

There are freeze dried and dehydrated eggs and egg crystal options in pouches and cans. I have several options, but they’re for a rainy day. I might get around to trying them out in the near future. Expiration dates vary (3-10 years, iirc), and are not as long as some other LT food.

One egg substitute for baking is apple sauce. If you look up Vegan alternatives to eggs you’ll find some others with longer shelf lives. One source:
https://plenteousveg.com/vegan-egg-substitutes-baking/

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Aug 28, 2017 2:26 pm

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Drying, Dehydrating, & Smoking • Re: Help with long term food storage.

August 28, 2017 NJMike 0

Eggs…

If you have chickens, you have a sustainable source. I did up, up until recently.

Eggs from your own last longer when they are not washed. For a short while they don’t require refrigeration if kept in a cool dark spot, but hard to say how long that is. I used the old floating method to gauge, but you can easily tell when they go really bad.

There are freeze dried and dehydrated eggs and egg crystal options in pouches and cans. I have several options, but they’re for a rainy day. I might get around to trying them out in the near future. Expiration dates vary (3-10 years, iirc), and are not as long as some other LT food.

One egg substitute for baking is apple sauce. If you look up Vegan alternatives to eggs you’ll find some others with longer shelf lives. One source:
https://plenteousveg.com/vegan-egg-substitutes-baking/

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Aug 28, 2017 2:26 pm

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Washington Discussion, News and Weather • Re: Augason Farms products (mistakes)

August 28, 2017 NJMike 0

Yes, I wouldn’t start off with the celery in my long term food storage, if that was the point. However, I personally wouldn’t consider it a waste to buy the celery or green peppers when further along. As Genevieve mentions there are applicable uses for these. I keep such items on hand for stock or soup to add some ingredient complexity to a meal. I also prefer my gardening space be used for items other than celery, so I’m good with keeping something like that in #10 cans. It’s just a small part of my other food storage.

Completely agree with the rest of the OP. It’s certainly a good idea to stock more difficult to grow or obtain items.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:56 am

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Washington Discussion, News and Weather • Re: Augason Farms products (mistakes)

August 28, 2017 NJMike 0

Yes, I wouldn’t start off with the celery in my long term food storage, if that was the point. However, I personally wouldn’t consider it a waste to buy the celery or green peppers when further along. As Genevieve mentions there are applicable uses for these. I keep such items on hand for stock or soup to add some ingredient complexity to a meal. I also prefer my gardening space be used for items other than celery, so I’m good with keeping something like that in #10 cans. It’s just a small part of my other food storage.

Completely agree with the rest of the OP. It’s certainly a good idea to stock more difficult to grow or obtain items.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:56 am

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Washington Discussion, News and Weather • Re: Augason Farms products (mistakes)

August 28, 2017 NJMike 0

Yes, I wouldn’t start off with the celery in my long term food storage, if that was the point. However, I personally wouldn’t consider it a waste to buy the celery or green peppers when further along. As Genevieve mentions there are applicable uses for these. I keep such items on hand for stock or soup to add some ingredient complexity to a meal. I also prefer my gardening space be used for items other than celery, so I’m good with keeping something like that in #10 cans. It’s just a small part of my other food storage.

Completely agree with the rest of the OP. It’s certainly a good idea to stock more difficult to grow or obtain items.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:56 am

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: August 2017 – What Did YOU Do To Prep this Week/Month?

August 22, 2017 NJMike 0

Been picking the peppers and tomatoes. It’s been a very good yield in the container garden, and perhaps even better than when I had plants in the ground. Hmm…going to chalk that up to fresh “organic” soil and more frequent watering. :lol:

Picked up a few items for the mountain bike like a small pump/repair kit and rear tire rack.

Found a 2nd hand lockable truck box at a low price of $75. I thought that was a good deal and I can now place more items in the truck without them getting in the way.

In the medical arena, I’ve added more supplies and began learning about starting an IV.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Aug 22, 2017 6:39 pm

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: August 2017 – What Did YOU Do To Prep this Week/Month?

August 22, 2017 NJMike 0

Been picking the peppers and tomatoes. It’s been a very good yield in the container garden, and perhaps even better than when I had plants in the ground. Hmm…going to chalk that up to fresh “organic” soil and more frequent watering. :lol:

Picked up a few items for the mountain bike like a small pump/repair kit and rear tire rack.

Found a 2nd hand lockable truck box at a low price of $75. I thought that was a good deal and I can now place more items in the truck without them getting in the way.

In the medical arena, I’ve added more supplies and began learning about starting an IV.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Aug 22, 2017 6:39 pm

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: August 2017 – What Did YOU Do To Prep this Week/Month?

August 22, 2017 NJMike 0

Been picking the peppers and tomatoes. It’s been a very good yield in the container garden, and perhaps even better than when I had plants in the ground. Hmm…going to chalk that up to fresh “organic” soil and more frequent watering. :lol:

Picked up a few items for the mountain bike like a small pump/repair kit and rear tire rack.

Found a 2nd hand lockable truck box at a low price of $75. I thought that was a good deal and I can now place more items in the truck without them getting in the way.

In the medical arena, I’ve added more supplies and began learning about starting an IV.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Aug 22, 2017 6:39 pm

No Picture

General Preparedness Discussion • Re: August 2017 – What Did YOU Do To Prep this Week/Month?

August 22, 2017 NJMike 0

Been picking the peppers and tomatoes. It’s been a very good yield in the container garden, and perhaps even better than when I had plants in the ground. Hmm…going to chalk that up to fresh “organic” soil and more frequent watering. :lol:

Picked up a few items for the mountain bike like a small pump/repair kit and rear tire rack.

Found a 2nd hand lockable truck box at a low price of $75. I thought that was a good deal and I can now place more items in the truck without them getting in the way.

In the medical arena, I’ve added more supplies and began learning about starting an IV.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Tue Aug 22, 2017 6:39 pm

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: August 2017 – What Did YOU Do To Prep this Week/Month?

August 12, 2017 NJMike 0

The house is listed and hoping that sells soon. <fingers crossed>

Did just some small stuff this weekend at my interim place.

Repaired my old bike with new tubes and tires. It’s ready to ride now if I need it.

Took advantage of a battery sale to buy more AAA and AA (thanks Ready Mom for the heads up!).

Pulled some 5 gallon food buckets (mostly rice) out of storage to add to what’s on hand. I’ve got plenty of food, but for others I want more on hand.

Went through my storage bins to get some of my incremental purchases put in their proper place. The bins are separated by category (first aid, PPE, camping, fuel, etc.). I identified a few CBRN protective items I could use a few more of. Going to go price shopping for deals.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Aug 12, 2017 6:02 pm

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General Preparedness Discussion • Re: August 2017 – What Did YOU Do To Prep this Week/Month?

August 12, 2017 NJMike 0

The house is listed and hoping that sells soon. <fingers crossed>

Did just some small stuff this weekend at my interim place.

Repaired my old bike with new tubes and tires. It’s ready to ride now if I need it.

Took advantage of a battery sale to buy more AAA and AA (thanks Ready Mom for the heads up!).

Pulled some 5 gallon food buckets (mostly rice) out of storage to add to what’s on hand. I’ve got plenty of food, but for others I want more on hand.

Went through my storage bins to get some of my incremental purchases put in their proper place. The bins are separated by category (first aid, PPE, camping, fuel, etc.). I identified a few CBRN protective items I could use a few more of. Going to go price shopping for deals.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Aug 12, 2017 6:02 pm

No Picture

General Preparedness Discussion • Re: August 2017 – What Did YOU Do To Prep this Week/Month?

August 12, 2017 NJMike 0

The house is listed and hoping that sells soon. <fingers crossed>

Did just some small stuff this weekend at my interim place.

Repaired my old bike with new tubes and tires. It’s ready to ride now if I need it.

Took advantage of a battery sale to buy more AAA and AA (thanks Ready Mom for the heads up!).

Pulled some 5 gallon food buckets (mostly rice) out of storage to add to what’s on hand. I’ve got plenty of food, but for others I want more on hand.

Went through my storage bins to get some of my incremental purchases put in their proper place. The bins are separated by category (first aid, PPE, camping, fuel, etc.). I identified a few CBRN protective items I could use a few more of. Going to go price shopping for deals.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Aug 12, 2017 6:02 pm

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Terrorism & other Man made disasters • Re: NK- Tuning In, and Situational Awareness

August 10, 2017 NJMike 0

Thanks for the replies.

ReadyMom wrote:
My phone is set to send me alerts from our South Central Penna Emergency Task Force, so hoping that an alert would come from them.

Yes, I forgot to mention that. I’m signed up for Nixle alerts locally.
http://www.nixle.com/

Also, I’ve been subscribed to DoD news briefings since 2009, but recently changed emails. Here’s the link to setup an account to receive announcements and you can sign up through this portal for news from many other governmental agencies (FEMA and others)
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts … =true#tab1

I get those on my phone, so it’s as real time as radio for some items. It’s also more detail than the evening news.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Aug 09, 2017 10:26 pm