Be Prepared is the Scout Motto and I was a Cub-Scout leader for 20 years so learned that lesson well.
I’ve been “Being Prepared” forever and especially since moving here with electricity needed for everything, for the first time in many years.
I have an electric convector heater which has been needed a few times this autumn when the oil central heating has refused to work properly – which it did recently for the 3rd time this autumn – I have hot water but no heat which in theory shouldn’t happen. Heating engineer has been rung – the last two times the heating has started working again the next day but not this time. He’s hoping it’s something simple like the flow switch.
I recently replaced my picnic gas stove – less than £20. The old one had originally been used in the beach hut and was very rusty. Last time it was used when the electric was off, it didn’t work well at all as it would only work on very low flame. I have a pack of 3 new gas canisters too and that means I’m prepared for hot food, hot drinks and making a hot water bottle for any future power cuts.
I have lots of candles and this re-chargeable light below so I’m Prepared for lighting if the electric goes off as long as it’s not off too long. I’ve got a large torch and a small one – with batteries to fit.
Plenty of batteries always in the cupboard for the radio. I have a wind-up radio too but it’s very old and temperamental now.
I try to never let the car go below half full of diesel, that’s enough for over 200 miles if needed and keep my mobile phone charged since BT changed landlines to wifi hence needing electric.
By ordering my prescriptions from the health centre in good time – I don’t run out if they have a delay.
My kitchen cupboards always have a good supply of food – I don’t like running out of anything, even though I now live within walking distance of a village shop. I have a few tins of vegetables and fruit just in case I can’t get out for fresh and I’ve got bags of flour for making bread. Plenty of food in the freezer and I keep a large 5 litre bottle of water in there too. If the electric goes off it works like a giant ice pack and of course if ever there’s a burst water main and we lose supply then that will make several cups of coffee.
Being Prepared = Peace of Mind
