EMERGENCY Heat & Light Prepping After Facing Winter Storm Outages Alone

[@eunicehenderson9095]

Melt the Crisco and pour it in the jars. Get "hot hand, foot and body warmers" air activated and last up to 10 hours. Heated jackets, stay in a tent in the house (or homemade blanket fort) small spaces are warmer due to body heat. Use a diesel heater, buddy heater, kerosene heater. Plan to take care of water lines - either store some water (fill bathtub, get as many containers filled with water then turn the water off to the house and drain the lines. Always keep a couple of weeks of food (non perishable) on hand along with pet food. Solar lights, battery powered lanterns, batteries.

[@ShawniaMarie]

How do you drain a water line?

[@donaldmorrison955]

​@ShawniaMarie I grew up with a well for water. We would shut off the water, then open up the closet faucet to the well and let it run until the was tank empty. You can do the same, you just have the water lines to empty.

[@katiedid1851]

​@@ShawniaMarie Get a neighbor or friend to show you the shut-off valve. It may require a tire iron if it is covered.

[@ShawniaMarie]

@@donaldmorrison955 thank you for answering my question

[@ShawniaMarie]

@@katiedid1851 ok, will do! Thank you for answering me back💜

[@kimparks1787]

Living in Illinois we kept large sheets of plastic to go over doorways to halls and our kitchen to make our living space smaller and was easier to heat. Also, hand and foot warmers. They can make a big difference when it’s cold and your house isn’t as warm as it usually is. If my feet are cold…I am miserable!

[@valdastinson8455]

Me too 🥶

[@donnaeckler4190]

The foot warmers really work, I worked outside in -20 and I was warm while everyone else was complaining of the cold

[@pauletteconstantino9131]

You can make cat warm houses by using old coolers and insulated them. Make holes for entrance. Don’t use hay. Use straw instead. Good luck

[@danam.8709]

Bravo.

[@constancecampbell4610]

If you put a lid on the pot of liquid or whatever, it will heat more quickly. Thanks so much. 👍

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

Have a pop up tent and plastic sheeting to close off a room when you have an open and airy house.

[@killroy7114]

Very impressive, young lady. You obviously know your stuff. Very impressive, indeed. Now I’ve gotta find myself some terracotta pots! lol!

[@itsnotthesamething]

Your Crisco heaters will work great in a small, confined area. Make sure to keep a window cracked for ventilation. Carbon Monoxide kills.

[@omasadventures8236]

Safety Reminder: (from personal experience!) Any time that you have a candle burning make sure that it is sitting in a container that would hold all the liquid "fuel" in the case that the jar/bottle broke. Great Ideas! Keep 'Em Coming!!

[@amyrobles4780]

I wish I seen this back in early may when I was without heat for 5 days! I would have one in the bathroom and one in my bedroom and never leave my room unless it's for a bathroom break. 😂

[@valdastinson8455]

Same here

[@JeepDogs]

Have food and water stocked , extra blankets, wool socks, gloves sweaters . Prepare in case the power goes out , store propane and grill for cooking. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector with batteries, and head lamps so that you can still use your hands.

[@NRGhealer]

I leave the shortening in the original container and insert multiple birthday candles in it. :)

[@KERose307]

I would get rid of the trees around the house, so the trees don’t fall on the house and they are a fire hazard if there is a forest fire.

[@pegelliott6341]

Trees can also block winds

[@Garfin12]

Pfft

[@hollandspinehaven2634]

sorry to tell you those candles will never heat enough to keep you warm.. in your area you need a proper heater.. Ideas would be kerosene or propane.. as far as cooking you already have a great one burner camp stove, just stock the fuel for them

[@paulhoneyman6923]

Prayers that this year is not as bad as last year and you're all safe on Wild Mountain

[@CindyCaVANas]

I would keep a camping stove on hand, and other camping gear like MrBuddy. Thanks for sharing.

[@peacelove7706]

Just put a wire cooling rack over the muffin tin candles….that way it keeps the airflow and you can use any size tea kettle or pot….I’ve used that several times, works great. Also a rocket stove built and covered with tarps in the yard so you can easily cook on that. Plenty of videos on rocket stoves too. I also grew up with crisco candles….but we melted the crisco first, and just used candle wicks, no taper candle needed. You cut the wick with a few extra inches, tie it around a pencil ( or we use chop sticks ) And then drop the wick into the crisco, resting the stick across the top till the crisco is cooled. Once solid/cool, remove stick, cut wick to desired length.

[@susansmith5044]

ITS ABOUT TIME. GET It’s only wise to have at least a month’s supply of food, water, cash, medicine and essential items on hand for yourself, your family and to share with others in case of emergency.

[@joannnearthecoast5896]

Jaylena, sterno cans that go under a chaffing dish are great for cooking small things like eggs and boiling hot water to drink and wash up with. I als have a few solar lights, a solar lightbulb and a chargeable flashlight

[@joannnearthecoast5896]

Hope this helps , also those warm packs for finger and toes is also a good thing

[@AlwaysGrandmaKelley]

Jaylena! I'm so excited to be waiting to receive my copy of your amazing book! I ordered it on Monday evening so it will be here soon. It makes me kinda star struck. I've been so proud of you for so many years, I can now say "I KNEW HER WHEN!! "

[@KatrinaRoseT]

Home tip: Don’t drill on top of a glass topped stove or other fragile surface just in case you don’t stop the downward direction of the drill in time. 😉💛 Love this idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@MelissaMalzahn]

A camp stove that uses a small propane can, like you used in your van would be good to have. They make propane heaters too. Its always good to be prepared. ❤❤

[@MsLori1973]

Not good to have in any house or garage. Too many ppl died from carbon monoxide poisoning. No offence. Ppl have used bbq in garages n died. Its better to have what she's mentioning or a tiny woodstove or what she owns. We used the crisco when we were kids or we used a heater electric n stayed in one room hung blankets etc.

[@MsLori1973]

I ahd one do it too in a bad winter. He cried n cried he acted mainly and crazy but he had hypothermia is what was going on. I let him in n he had but at least he was warm n had food n water. I laid a blanket foen behind my drier cuz thats where he went. I was actually moving out at the time. So I let my landlord know n left my cats litter box behind just incase they took him months vet he was really sick with hypothermia it was so cold out n so much snow. Please help them even if it seems scary. He snore scared of you n they onky come aprunf when its the last choice of they are strays or soemones lost pet in a storm.

[@MsLori1973]

Use your garage if u have to

[@amandabartell1502]

I have a camping stove to use in an emergency. They're safe to use in vans and a house is much bigger so no problem, if anyone is worried they can just open a window.

[@WellnessWizdom]

​@MsLori1973 Propane heaters are literally designed to be used inside. They are no more dangerous than wood stoves And those Crisco candles aren't doing anything as far as heat goes. If she relies on them she's going to freeze. If she relies on those tea lights to cook she's going to starve lol. If these are truly her emergency plans she's a moron.

[@pennycadenaz5030]

A gas generator would help for inside refrigerator and stove, when the electric is off.

[@Garfin12]

If it's wintertime just set a cooler outside 😎

[@pennycadenaz5030]

@Garfin12 they have big refrigerator and freezer

[@darlene7152]

You might want to get a buddy heater it uses the small propane bottles, they also make a larger one. You can use these inside as long as you crack a window.

[@alfredmisterka5880]

That is very good stay safe and warm God bless you and your family amen

[@williamirelan9332]

Save the money for the flower pots they don't increase the heat the candles make. The heat will distribute via convection anyway. The candles also produce co and co2 so make sure you have adequate ventilation. Crisco melts at a low temperature. By heating the crisco can in warm water you can pour it in the jars and save work and get all of it out of the can.

[@leann4925]

I like the idea of heating up the water. I keep tea bags and instant coffee around. Yes here in Texas the February ice storm was a game changer for a lot of folks. I ate a lot of can veggies and soup along with tea and coffee. Jaylena your timing on this is awesome since we are heading into winter. Hugs to Ember and Love y'all.

[@CalvinMorris-cf8jk]

the heaters kick butt, thanks for sharing.👍

[@joaddington9890]

Nice to know, bless you all!

[@Lala-up3ib]

Too bad no more wood stove for back up heat. Glad you're prepping

[@murielAE]

Thanks for the blanket tip. I had a bunch of regular electric blankets but never compared power use!

[@zippy2641]

A butane stove and a dozen 8 oz canisters of butane fuel costs about $50. That would give you about 36 hours cooking time. (actual immediate cooking). That could last 2 to 3 weeks easily. Save the candles for light or something.

[@clayshiawillis4725]

Also put a lid on the small pan to experdite heating. Thank you for your great tips!

[@jeanettec6212]

Hi Jaylena. I like the bangs. I bought a bunch of tea candles before milton hurricane just in case. But I had a coleman stive and a case of propane and some huge containers with the connections to fill up the small ones. Or to go straight to it. You can also use a cookie sheet with the rack and put the tea candles under the rack. Also keep the tea candle containers and stock up on 90% rubbing alcohol and just fill them up and light the alcohol and it can be used. I have a small little smores fire pit that looks like a fire pit and it makes smores. It is so cute and it runs on the rubbing alcohol. If you look up live simple live free channel, bill makes a awesome fire pit that just takes a few small twigs and keeps lit and hot. Its s old video and I believe he had over a million watches on how he built it. He made it cheap and with bricks. Its not too many bricks and his way was really cool because it cant blow out but really delivers some heat. He made some soup on it from thrive products and I think it was a pretty nice size pan and water came to a boil quick. You can close off one room to stay in by hanging blankets as a wall from other rooms and just have a potty. If you have military blankets they are super warm made with wool. Then put a sheet over them to hold in the heat. Have cans of soup, peanut butter and jelly, bread, tuna, and also boxes of mac and cheese. To switch it up add a can of tuna to cooked mac and cheese and a can of peas. Have pasta cooked and add a can of chicken and cheese or spaghetti sauce. Have pre cooked sausage or hamburger patties made to reheat. For emergencies. Bag and freeze. Your water can boil faster with a lid. I definitely would get the coleman stove though and buy a carbon monoxide for the room you stay in that is blocked off. Have canned goods in a laundry basket and bring to room you have closed off for less opening the blocked off area. Keep bottles of vinegar spray mixed with water and paper towels to wipe dishes or pans and try to have paper plates. This all can be stored for easy access and out of the way. I hope this helps. You can put a blanket over a door then shut to keep it more insulated and a towel at bottom rolled up.

[@zamyzonzalez2250]

I was going to suggest the cookie cooling rack too. If it's above the candle pan, you can put the larger pots on it and not smother the flames. Keeping a lid on the pots will heat the contents faster too. If you warm the kettle, put a cozy on it after removing from the flames so water stays warm longer, for washing little hands and face.

[@Nana-st9ds]

I notice that you had your glass jars on I think a glass stove top, I have always heard never put glass candle on a glass service do to it can cause one of them to burst. Please be safe and God Bless you and your family.

[@williamrusk1675]

I've seen a different method with only candles but I like this method better. This method will last longer. Thanks for sharing

[@71717]

You need to go to the camping aisle at Walmart or any department and you'll find everything you need in a, you just need camping supplies like you're going, that's all you need, don't go buy, you wasting your money, those jars that you stuck the candle in when they get real hot they're going to bust open, you have to get the mason jars they have to say mason jars or they won't work🫤

[@annettenepple449]

Look for a fondue pot ,to warm food in. Check your thrift stores and rummage sales ect.

[@bebopandbecca3096]

Mr. Buddy propane heaters are designed for use indoors. The candle flowerpot arrangement never worked for me. However, Crisco candles are a great source of light. The tea light muffin tin stove does work but takes forever (put a lid on your pot). You're better off with a butane camp stove and a big stash of butane cannisters. Don't rely on those quaint little hacks to get you through in an emergency. They are a desperate, disappointing last resort.

[@SeeAustraliaWithMe]

Great video - thanks for sharing this. One thing about boiling water - putting a lid over the pot will always help water boil faster as the heat gets trapped in and doesn't escape into the air. Good luck with your winter - from Gold Coast of Australia.

[@martyohlfest8699]

Lots of great suggestions in the comments. I would add that if you're going to use the muffin tins, get your handy dandy drill out and drill some holes in the muffin cup parts, so the air flow is still good with a pot covering them. And definitely put a lid on to hear the water/food faster. Prayers that you don't have a bad storm like last year!

[@kimparks1787]

Also, you can use your grill to cook on. We put it by our back door and cooked. Use older pots to cook with because the bottom will turn black. You could also set up a table outside your back door and use a camping stove. Just make sure you have extra propane on hand!

[@hamimahatan6307]

Brilliant, Jaylena…. Appreciate your sharing❤❤❤

[@hoppas77]

Awesome, thank you for these ideas! Please tell us more. I live in Florida and we lose power because of storms so I love off-grid ideas.

[@jeanettec6212]

I live in fl also. I gave a list in a comment you may want to look at. For hurricanes we have a rolling cooler full of batteries, a emerg radio/ weather , coleman stove propane connectors, life jackets for each person and dog, whistles, you can also do a code for family members. Flash lights and head flash light that has strobe for emerg. We also got the kids toys out that light up. Everything helps. We had the spray bottles that have fans on them to keep cool. Carbon monoxide detector. We keep 90% rubbing alcohol on hand with tin cans like a tuna can etc and it lights up. Or use used tea candle - dont toss those out. Like I said check for food ideas in her comment section I left and precook foods and keep in cooler outside!

[@rajanikumari3672]

Add more terracotta pots and a battery powered fan that runs at a very low speed to move the heat. Small room or tent inside house, and don't expect a giant heat gain.

[@amberm3193]

I hope you get this message. I’ve looked into that method as well and come to find out it is very dangerous. Please feel free to research it yourself.

[@rebeccazuckman9059]

I do believe a full can of crisco or imitation will last 72 hours

[@annwithaplan9766]

I use Crisco (or no name brand) to make my candles, too. I use an old, small non-stick pot (only for this project) to melt the shortening and then I can pour it into the jars. I also have used an electric blanket and it ran all night on one of my smaller solar generators. Now I use an electric mattress pad. They don't suck up much energy, either.

[@rebeccazuckman9059]

This is awesome to put out to your viewers. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 especially in Oregon!!!

[@DanielLaPointe8864]

Hey, good ideas. Be prepared now! For those with a bus/camper/van, keep it stocked during all seasons, ready for bugout or shelter-in-place. I keep my teardrop camper stocked summer & winter. With shelf-stable food, fuel for cooking, and backpacking water filters. And you can also setup a tent in your living room to keep warm.

[@memememineme]

Put a lid on the boiling water pot to speed up boiling. Thanks for the tip!

[@Shell-s4d]

Thank you❤ I live in the Midwest and also keep hand and toe warmers stocked up 👍 I didnt know about Crisco candles 🤗 or electric blankets for a power station! Excellent! Wishing you and your family a safe Winter❤

[@andreagibson7355]

Use a hair dryer to remove the stickers. Also, use a baking rack or pieces of broken tile between the muffin pan and the larger pot to let air in for the candles.

[@71717]

Those are not mason jars and they will explode, get the jars and they will say mason jars on them those are the ones you want, got the ones you have cuz they will break with heat❤

[@mommajessiesboutique]

I recommend hot plate and fondue pot. You can plug them into one of your power stations. I hope you guys don't have any bad storms.

[@71717]

Do it so much easier go to a camping store where they sell camping equipment there you go, get you a couple of sleeping bags they will keep you warm and they got all the cook stuff that should be able to cook with

[@rebeccazuckman9059]

You are soooo sweet for a cat warmer

[@thelazyj8658]

I’m gonna do this, and I really like how you thought of everything to make this safe! Thanks, Girl!

[@danam.8709]

My answer to hot water is 2x daily I build a brick DIY rocket stove and boil big pots of water on it. I put the water into insulated carafes [1. In the bathroom, 2 by the kitchen sink and 1 at the coffee station. Also thermos cereal,....] Then I place the hot bricks into "shoe" bags bring them in put them in the beds for warm coziness. Sometimes I wrap some in an afghan under my feet while I meal plan, repair clothes, crochet or read or . . . Also by bringing the hot boiling water inside, much of my $$$ expensive fuels are preserved . Using less fuel to boil water for: hot drinks (kept hot over your candles), pasta, soup, stew, percolate coffee, ... I also have a very nice rocket stove but as you can see my Brick (not Cinder Block) stove was created for a reason. Cheap fuel, dual purpose. ❤ I'm really confused. Why are you trying to replace so many things with more electric items ?? You have many good advice offerings for Non-electric options. Buy a couple of propane tanks and fill them, not cheap, but it offers an amazing range of options that will last days, weeks, months ! Darling, it just looks like you are thinking too short term.

[@lstroud454]

i Agreeee !!! think more Long Term ..... Butttt, you have Great Ideas and Tips !! 👍👏🙏

[@kellygulnick3960]

I live in Maine and I feel you on the rough winters. Glad you're preparing. Us too. PS. Love the bangs!! You look beautiful. If the bangs are old news sorry I've been offline for a bit .

[@danieljamesbinderystu2968]

Melt the tea light candles into the cupcake tin, creating one big biscuit candle in each compartment. Save the wicks from the tea lights, or buy just waxed wicks. While the wax is melted, put 6 or 7 wicks in each compartment in the cupcake tin. It boils the water in a few minutes. Also, stock up on cheap camping sternos. They are gel and have a li f to reuse if you need to extinguish it. They can boil water like the stove top, and they can be used in those homemade heaters. They can heat an entire large room. You can buy a box of 50 sternos for really cheap on Amazon, outdoors type stores, and even party stores cause people use them to keep food heated at parties/events. I always keep 200 sternos for a shtf situation and are the most versatile heat soure. They are far better and much stronger than candles. Just some tips for ya, have a good one

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

My first bad ice storm I was newly widowed at 25 2 littles and a baby I just was like, rly? I’m not already living in hell, You have to add this too? We were in western NY. No way could we stay in our house w/o power & water.

[@sharon7181]

You can also use your outside grill to make bigger meals . Cast iron pots work better to use on the grill .

[@rajanikumari3672]

They make kerosene heaters for inside. Not sure what kerosene costs are up there. Could also use an all in one diesel heater. Close off a section of the house that has window access so you can vent the exhaust or put the unit outside & run the heating duct in the window.

[@lancesudberry209]

U can further turn heat up on clay pots by setting bolts with washers and nuts to hole drilled the more washer,nuts u add the longer hotter that candle heater will last or be

[@AShroudOfTruth]

Place a lid on the pot next time and it won't take so long.

[@judith4158]

It's a good time to remind others the need to be prepared, for any situation that might arise. You don't panic if you'd asked yourself, What If? beforehand. Nursing taught me one thing; you don't wait until something happens before you learn what to do in that event. It applies to any emergency; I've been recently reviewing my earthquake preparedness as I'm in CA. I've lived a long life and been in situations, lived in the Midwest in winter with a well gone dry, without power. If the van had been home, you all would have been fine in it. Sure, that you know your neighbors better now. I'm surprised they didn't check on you and Ember.

[@patsmith8540]

Good advice Jaylena, thank you.

[@makaylaforbes6719]

You could use metal coffee cans too if you put some nail holes in the cans for air flow too, and then you don't have to spend $10 or $20 to place heaters around your room

[@karenturner7983]

Thanks for sharing.

[@terribelle3]

😮 Holi 🐄 that looks like something out of a bad scary movie!!!! ❤❤❤

[@beaversstumpgrinding3352]

You can use 3-4 candles in each jar for more heat.

[@its-me12165]

Great video! I'm going to Walmart tomorrow and I'm looking for the 12-volt blankets!!❤❤ Thanks Jaylena

[@CarrieJo5916]

Your friend made a great video on the crisco candles. We didn't need another. 😂

[@pippylou2225]

I don’t know who her friend is so I’m glad she posted this.

[@normakeeley5084]

Put a lid on the pot. It will heat up better.

[@karenhernke281]

I remember you guys going through that cold storm last year. Great ideas. I live in WI, and it gets pretty bad here. I remember one ice storm we were without power for so long I wore my snowmobile suit and stayed in bed. I would go out to me vechile and just run it to warm up here and there. Not fun at all. Have a great weekend. Much Love! Karen ❤

[@jon-yj5jg]

glad to see you again thanks for posting beautiful

[@sandracarter2905]

Great proactive planning!

[@j.a.y.7617]

Put a lid on the pot while trying to boil to help hold heat in & bring it to boil faster and using less of your resources.

[@Infinitepossibilitiesat56plus]

Maybe get some long storage foods that will be easy to cook like ramen soup or soup in cans , oats for oatmeal etc

[@4runnerisfunner]

Thank you for the information. 👍

[@kathyanderson1509]

Great ideas 💡 tks for sharing

[@Banagal]

Thanks for the how-to to prepare for cold temp and no power.

[@sandollarj504]

This was around the time I first started watching your channel last year. :)

[@grahamlifejourney]

That is really cool! Good to know & have on hand for back up. Thanks for sharing! 😊👍. ✌️♥️🇺🇸

[@msvg3]

Good job prepping and sharing the info. ✌️❤️🕯️

[@york-ann]

Thanks for the info. This is very useful.

[@emmahewett2994]

You could place also a cake rack over the muffin tin with the candles to sit a pan of water on so it’s nice and level and doesn’t push the candles

[@hollandspinehaven2634]

the other very important items will be easy to prepare foods. Stock at least 1 months worth so you never have to drive in dangerous weather.. make sure to only stock what you enjoy eating .. snacks helps

[@sheilacaine]

I like it. I’ve seen something like this before but I think I’ll give it a try. ❤

[@ginag1682]

Lowes & home depot have terra cota pots with different sizes. Thanks great info.

[@Lala-up3ib]

Put the tin upside down for cook top too

[@tracyk-79]

Another great source of cooking heat is something called Sterno. This is a canned heat source used by caterers and placed under pans of food to keep them hot in a serving line.

[@ladywolverine1828]

Great video! Sending love and light 🫶

[@MsLori1973]

I never thought about putting them in jars. I just left them in the container they came from. Plus the meatl tuns look super cute i think im gonna use them on ny balcony come spring again for light and heat not to mention for show.. really beautiful idea girl. ❤ i wonder if we can add scent fir bugs n colors lol 😅

[@roaminb3488]

Look up DIY rocket stoves. I have seen several made from everything from gallon, and regular vegetable cans to sender blocks. uses twigs or small kindling. Boils water quickly and uses very little amount of wood for cooking.

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

I would get a generator large enough to run the things you need and have a good supply of fuel available for it for situations when the power is off for an extended time because power stations can only last so long before the electricity comes back on. A good sized generator can be connected in to your home electrical to furnish power for lighting cooking, pumping water, refrigerator, electric blankets, and heating allowing life to go on normally as long as you have enough fuel for the generator. Have an electrician set this up or you can run the essentials on heavy extension cords. Having a well ventilated place with a roof to protect the generator when it is running is a good. Also recommend having a way to lock down the generator to prevent theft. Run it out of gas when you are finished using it to make sure it will start the next time you need it. Large storms can cause power outages for one week or more. The safety for the amount of time you would use a camp stove to cook meals varies with the size of the room you cook in. I know of people that have used kerosene heaters to heat their home but make sure they have auto shutdown in case of oxygen depletion. Any thing that burns uses oxygen so a camp stove uses oxygen the same way as a kerosene heater, or candle. The size of the flame, ventilation and the duration determines the oxygen depletion. The amount of heat a flame gives off and the amount of time is proportional to the amount of oxygen it uses.

[@mrtentaclez]

Sterno cans work well too.

[@tambo92]

A butane stove is very handy no power need except the butane can. # cans $12 at Walmart, Gordans

[@lindatemple5454]

That’s really great ideas Jaylena I might give it a try 🥰

[@darlenevjohnson5237]

Being prepared is smart. Stocking up om Freeze dried foods is smart also.

[@lilcricket4379]

& water!!