Lessons Learned from Hurricane Helene

Рет қаралды 22,758

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 94

@albing1397 Ай бұрын

I set a monthly reminder (on Alexa) to run my portable generators for 15 minutes, plus do oil checks. It's amazing how easy it is to start the generator if you run it monthly.

@ferebeefamily Ай бұрын

Great content. Thank you both for making this video. The Mrs perspective is crucial to a successful household during an emergency. I will get my wife to watch this video and I am sure it will help her realize “It will never happen” can happen.

@Lowspeedoperator Ай бұрын

I'm here near Aiken,SC , I had what I would call the almost bare basics for this storm: 1.) 20 gallons of 2 year old stabilized non-ethanol gas, 2.) Cat RP 5500 generator that kept our fridge/freezer, extra freezer, window AC unit and other small appliances going and ran about non stop from Friday 7am to Tuesday 6pm when the electricity was restored. 3.) Had about 40 gallons of water (5 gallon jugs and 1 gallon jugs), 4.) Had about 40 - 2 year old peak refuel meals which we made a dent in the first few days. 5.) Jackery 500 power bank, and a couple portable solar power blocks 6.) Assorted Flashlights etc. 7.) I had about $1,000 in cash - small bills. I say that to say I found it amazing the amount of friends and people I saw at Starbucks lined up about 9am Saturday morning that couldn't make a cup of coffee Saturday morning, made me feel better about my preps, and did make me spend a little to add to my preps focussed on food and alternative fuel energy sources (mixed fuel generators and power banks). One more thing I'll say is that at age 64 I started working out at a gym 2 years ago doing the cardio and strength fitness classes at least 3 days a week, dropped 30lbs never felt better or stronger, really helped farmers carrying those 5 gallon jugs of water to fill the comode tanks 😅 , thanks for the vid!

@steffiejoe Ай бұрын

I know you describe your preparation as bare basic’s but the fact that you lost 30 pounds and started strength training makes it top tier! I see videos of people who can barely breathe, stomach’s hanging over their belts focusing on the wrong things. You are a rock star at being prep🎸🎸. I hope others take note about the importance of being physically active and fit.

@Lowspeedoperator Ай бұрын

@@steffiejoe facts! ❤️

@geod3589 26 күн бұрын

I always tell people to get caught by surprise to not forget about the car's gas tank. Siphon it out and keep genny running. Very smart to stabilize the gas you stored. You might want to buy those water bladders that fit in your bathtub, fill up before storm and you'll have 60-100 gallons. Otherwise wipe down inside of tub with plain bleach and fill'er up!

@bbhome1717 Ай бұрын

Had loss of trees here with one falling on our canoe and 11 1/2 days without power. Redundancy of generators helped us. Had gas and solar. We were blessed. East of you all.

@ericdavidson5011 Ай бұрын

I don't mean to be that guy, however, I am in the home standby generator business and bluntly put yours is installed incorrectly. The main thing is the exhaust is pointed directly at the house and the distance from the house should be a minimum of 18". The gas piping looks to be 1/2" with what I suspect as not being a full port gas valve and depending on the length of run and whether N.G or L.P is being used it may be too small when running at higher loads. Please look at or look up the installation procedures for your unit you deserve better that installation. I just don't want anyone to get hurt.

@goofynoodle4775 Ай бұрын

Be that guy. Do not apologize for truth.

@SkinnyMedic Ай бұрын

I went out and measured and it is exactly 18inches away from the house and the pipe is 1".

@SkinnyMedic Ай бұрын

It must have been the angle of the camera.

@ericdavidson5011 Ай бұрын

@SkinnyMedic Okay, that is good, I am glad!

@sailingwiththegods538 Ай бұрын

It does need to be turned 90 degrees to change the airflow direction, then the side can be 18" from the wall. Then it needs an unobstructed 30" on the intake side and 60" on the exhaust side. I would put it at least 15' from a house if space allowed.

@bp-ob8ic 27 күн бұрын

We have a small dual-fuel generator. I only run propane in it, so I don't need to drain the carb. We were able to get about 36 hours out of a 20# tank running the fridge, freezer, tv/sat dish (football weekend saved) and a couple of lamps. The local hardware store can refill the tanks, even when the power is out. Rechargeable batteries and flashlights were invaluable. With the generator we could keep everything charged. After the power came back on, the grocery store could not take credit cards. Their processing center is in Asheville, and was under water. Adding more cash to my prep list.

@wa4jd Ай бұрын

As Floridians, in June we pour any current gas from the five gallon cans into the cars and refill them with fresh ethanol-free gas. We also eat a lot of tuna salad as we work through older shelf stable goods and re-stock. The those goods get used a little in the spring, but we start hurricane season freshly restocked with five-gallon gas cans & water bottles and shelf stable foods for us and the dogs.

@sinclairpages Ай бұрын

Take note that in very high winds storms, the solar panels can ripped off the roof. I added a cable strap system to mine for added retention. The panel brackets are aluminum so the steal cables running across them adds to retention. I went further to have spare cables, panels, combiners, inverters and batteries stored. I can set up an emergency solar system for my neighbors if needed. DIFFERENTLY get Star-link. They now an emergency / extra small system for mobile use. I have a cell phone repeater system that we use.

@bobmcelroy7289 Ай бұрын

I used to live in Clyde, I buy from Grumpy every time I go visit. The house I lived in is gone, not gutted, gone. That is a great store! Water filtration like used in backpacking works well. Used down here in Tampa Bay area, for Milton.

@allseriousness Ай бұрын

Thing is though… the difference in price between a pre-set whole house generator installed on a pad (like a generac) and one your roll up and plug into a rv style “shore power” plug that an electrician wired up is like 3k vs 13k. I opted for a gas powered roll up generator that we run into the house with a 30 amp cable. I believe it’s important to be economical with your preps and stretch your dollar. We run everything including fridge well pump, A/C. We don’t run the dryer and we have to run shifts for our water heater and A/C. But besides that it works flawlessly and we are never left wanting for power.

@Pops1959 Ай бұрын

I have Starlink. We never lost internet throughout the storm. I do have a battery backup to it just in case. Starlink has been awesome, a really good decision for us.

@kylelaw7210 Ай бұрын

When hurricane Sandy hit New York they had to shut off the gas because so many gas lines were damaged by the storm. In the Texas snow storm blackout, the gas lines froze. It’s definitely good to have a back up plan.

@starperformer7154 Ай бұрын

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Skinny Medic! Great information! Glad that you are doing this great work!

@Resist.Tyranny Ай бұрын

For the price of a whole house generator you can get solar that will run most everything and you do not have to worry about running out of fuel. Around here a whole house generator is $10-15k. The last solar panel sale flyer I got I could buy 17,000 watts of panels for under $5k. That leaves plenty for wires, inverter(s), and even a little for batteries, and you have more power than a whole house generator for less money.

@arlissyoung8899 29 күн бұрын

The only problem with Solar is a storm can wipe the whole system very quickly and then it depends on sun light / shine for power. I lost some when the storm came through where I am in Florida and we only got a little of the storm. If you live where there is or can be hail storm they will get beat out quickly. Just something to keep in mind as I have been playing with Solar for a few years.

@Resist.Tyranny 29 күн бұрын

@@arlissyoung8899 These are good points. Just like people have a backup generator, I have backup panels and inverter. They should be protected from EMP, as should your whole electrical system. There are ultrafast response devices for that. The batteries help with short periods of no sun. But not having any sun at all is not probable even in a nuclear winter situation. There is still enough sunlight to generate power, maybe just not full power. Also if you know extremely high winds are coming measures can be taken for protecting the panels.

@kevinblair191 27 күн бұрын

Thank you for this video. Very helpful. We were without power several days but thankfully no major damage in Upstate SC. Battery powered camp fan, battery powered lanterns and propane camp stove was our go to equipment during the power outage. Didn't have a generator but do now!!! Lesson learned. Sorry to hear Old Grouch surplus got flooded. We loved that store and this gun store across the street. Hope to continue to build our preps. Good informational video guys. Keep them coming!

@Mr_Squiggle Ай бұрын

19:40 Instant noodles as well with water to boil. They store well and you can use them. Rice or pasta 🍝 etc. Lots of long life food storage ideas on some Prepper channels.

@mkunzman1361 Ай бұрын

Our first whole house generator did not have a sealed battery. You have to add water or the battery explodes and potentially ruins the generator. Also check the manual an air cooled generator needs to cool down at regular intervals. For us two hours cooling for every twelve hours of service.

@B1gZ23 Ай бұрын

In the past 6 months I've bought medical gear from these guys. NC resident. I am now considering buying even more med kits, ifaks, booboo kits, etc. from them. Awesome service.

@jameshughesdon5370 Ай бұрын

Guys. Tesla Powerwall and solar. cost us 10k but we've had non stop power and no worries about what we where running :) Also no sound, no worries about gas. And, it works with ecoflow gas generators :)

@tooshieg2059 Ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing. Sounds like you guys were set up good. I'd like to see more about those 2x4 security items for the doors when you get them installed. I have similar doors.

@r_b5951 Ай бұрын

Looking at the reflection in your windows & doors behind you. What a great view! Well done.

@thomast8539 Ай бұрын

I realize that low income folks have to pick their battles, but middle income and upper income folks that were not adequately prepared for any kind of a disaster really have no excuse. I mean the basics, like having enough food, water, meds, batteries and so on, stocked up for a bare minimum of 72 hours of trouble. Yes, of course we should help all that need help, but there are still some people that need to be doing more to help themselves prior to a calamity. Those same income groups still have families without an adequate amount of life insurance for example, you know? All I mean is that if you can get ready (time and money are available), then do it.

@goingagainstthegrain Ай бұрын

It was good times filling that gas generator all hours of the day or night. In storage, I had 5 - 5 gallon metal gas containers. Plastic breathes, so we gave away our other containers to those who didn't have anything. Yeah, I'm definitely placing an order for Starlink. I cannot operate my business because Spectrum isn't working. Milton is gone and still no internet. If you had AT&T in this part of Florida, you were better off. It's still not up and running. They wanted to play, "Let's make a deal, " over the phone. I hung up. Engineer775 is an upstanding man. We are cleaning up for Milton. Our prayers go out to all those families/ individuals who were hit by Hurricane Helene. 🙏

@rlwoods61 27 күн бұрын

As another commenter said, run you backup, backup generator once a month or quarter. Your whole house generator runs (or at least mine does) once a week for 5 minutes. I would also suggest that you load your open frame generator to make sure the electrical side works. Our neighbor's open frame generator failed. It turned out to be a carburetor issue but that was going to take time to fix. We took our open frame generator up to their house for them to us! Those same neighbors have already invested in Star Link because of the hurricane. Keep up the great vids!

@OPiguy35 Ай бұрын

Soft start kits to lower peak demand on AC units are a great help to those on generators, especially if you’re not on whole home

@marko11kram Ай бұрын

Thankfully your family are all well. God Bless

@danlambert9406 Ай бұрын

Thank yall for the advice 🙏 and Semper Fi 🫡🪖🇺🇸

@ericwitt4586 13 күн бұрын

Hey guys I was a firefighter and emt for seven years here in GA a paid firefighter im still a first responder at work over 200 plus employees there and it’s at a saw mill yes very dangerous occupation lol but im a prepper too I own an off grid cabin up near Tennessee as a first time watcher of your video I like what you’re doing y’all , Thanks Eric 😎

@Fido-vm9zi Ай бұрын

Excellent information! Thanks!

@jschlaud6 Ай бұрын

Dont you ever feel guilty for protecting and providing for your family. If tou have the means, get it. If tou have the means, help your neighbors. Yall are doing both. God bless 🙏.

@smky143 Ай бұрын

You either win or learn, glad you guys are good.

@carrieschnug9830 Ай бұрын

Live rural north Idaho. Starlink is Awsome! Had over a year. And it just works! Always! Fast and amazing! Had a different big ugly dish before. Did not work good at all! Starlink worth every penny of the $120!!! Been very reliable…. Everyone here that uses it has been happy

@jaymacpherson8167 23 күн бұрын

An innovative story during intense snow in Oak Ridge, Oregon a few years ago involved the utilities (water and sewer). Power was lost for five days. The diesel at the utilities ran for just over two days or so. They realized on day 2 that they needed diesel, but the one gas station in town had no power so they couldn’t pump fuel. An Amtrak train had been unable to get out of town due to the speed and depth of the snow on day one. So the utility folks siphoned diesel out of the train and put it in their emergency generators.

@buzzsah Ай бұрын

A gen is a great thing to have. We still have the older gas gen, so getting to the station and fill up 40 gals of gas. It is a whole house gen, and burns about .5 to .75 gals per hour. W are going Natl gas next year, we had a free meter upgrade which was nice. I will still use the gas gen for the garage / shop and the Yamaha 2800i will be the to-go gen.

@patrickcrean6040 18 күн бұрын

Mrs Skinny Medic has a beautiful smile.

@foad-esad Ай бұрын

I have an EcoFlow Delta Pro with additional battery, a 200 watt solar panel, and a smaller EcoFlow for small things like phones, portable lights/fans etc w/ 100 watt solar panels. Fortunately, I haven’t had to use it yet.

@notshared2543 Ай бұрын

Oo y'all should have a NC KZbinr thing. 775, MrGnG, is there a coms guy? And include the wives. Enjoy hearing their perspectives.

@boomerwaffen Ай бұрын

Two is one and one is none...applies to all essential needs

@manonkay Ай бұрын

A good thing to do is fill up your car every Friday if you can. I follow a gal called FlyLady. Fridays are clean out your purse and car day and fill up up your car or top it off if needed. Just came across your video. Thank you for sharing. God bless you both. Just another little thing. Might seem silly. You might want to have a regular old time watch. =0) In case you cant charge ones that need to be. Just in case for some reason the generator doesn't work, or got flooded out. The people who got stranded without phones ect. who depend on them for time and date. Just a thought. =0) Oh also have cash on hand.

@earthboundmartian612 Ай бұрын

Benadryl and sleep aid are often times the same ingredients so that helps when you run out of one.

@hallard069 Ай бұрын

One thing I’ve not heard talked about. How are the tires holding up in the disaster areas? I’d assume the first several days there were a lot of flat tires from the debris.

@stevemartinez4180 Ай бұрын

Learn what you can from grumpy people,, but remember,, they were probably grumpy when they woke up in the morning,,, good job, both of you,,

@jokeal3613 Ай бұрын

Starlink- Wranglerstar has the Starlink mini. He put out a video today that he is flying to Tennessee to help out and shows he is taking Starlink with him.

@KaylynnStrain Ай бұрын

hope you feel better soon

@lawrencemitchell5983 18 күн бұрын

Oh my gosh y'all. We too invested in a whole house generator and joked that once we did that, the power never went out. But Helene 🌀😬, our house took significant damage (in GA) our Generator narrowly missed getting destroyed..but we had power.

@kylefrandsen2665 Ай бұрын

One thing to mention is insulin refrigeration.

@opsman270 Ай бұрын

my insurance company covered cost of propane to run our generator

@Mr_Squiggle Ай бұрын

Might be confused, but if you have mobile data to your mobile phone 🤳 and reception of course , you can tether your mobile phone to your computer by a usb cable and share the internet from your phone. Provided your data speed is fast enough.

@stevensmith5232 27 күн бұрын

Great vid! Thanks for sharing your experiences!

@alexherrera3918 Ай бұрын

Great video. How long water can be stored? tks

@rhayes458 Ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing. How much consideration or risk is there in relying only on natural gas for powering your generator? Is that too risky?

@seanmullaney5445 Ай бұрын

Glad you’re ok. Give my best to everyone at jiu jitsu

@SkinnyMedic Ай бұрын

Hopefully you come back soon!

@seanmullaney5445 Ай бұрын

@@SkinnyMedic our plans got upended, but we’ll be back in the fall most likely

@blueskies1237 17 күн бұрын

Anybody else just watching the reflection in the windows behind them and not looking at the foreground

@WorldsOkayestBusDriver Ай бұрын

Just found your channel and store. I have been desperately trying to source meds to restock my first aid kits. But, even the kit I bought at REI the meds expired two months later. Your Boo-Boo Kit | Mini First Aid Kit looks great. Do they have an expiration date?

@ArneAsada69 Ай бұрын

Starlink has a costly monthly subscription. Unless you have no other Internet option, I wouldn’t use it.

@carrieschnug9830 Ай бұрын

I have it. Other options don’t work well here. N Idaho. We love it. Fast internet speeds. Very minimal if any buffering…. It’s worth the cost! Had cable internet before and had much more trouble. This just works! Snow rain etc. melts snow and always work g. Thus far… had over a year. Even helps make phone calls! Could not make calls when we moved here for a year! Couldn’t hear anyone. But this had made it perfect. Just sayin… been working g wonderful

@JamesBond-zd5jx 20 күн бұрын

Starting from zero: buy a small dual fuel generator which can be paralleled and plan to use propane. Your engine will last longer and propane stores forever. Secondly, figure out either how to set up some lithium iron phosphate batteries with an inverter and solar charger (or buy a power station with 2 kw hour minimum). It’s more cost effective to build your own but whatever you can do is better than nothing. Then get some solar panels. 400 watt minimum but more like 1200 watts. Use your generator to charge your batteries/power station when solar isn’t enough. Every quarter or so invest in adding to or upgrading your system. Buy a tank of propane, or another battery, or more solar panels. Upgrade your inverter. Set the goal at 10kw of battery storage and 3000 watts of solar, 100 pounds of propane. Then reassess. It’s okay to start small and take baby steps. But get to walking.

@justbeachy4818 Ай бұрын

Your friend needs to purchase a battery powered gas pump. Around $50 on Amazon, and a couple of C/D? batteries. Long stick goes into gas can, and there is a hose with an actual gas-pump style apparatus on the end. Less strain on back, arms, and shoulders, and fewer gas spills. Lesson learned - if the gas pumps verrry slowly, elevate the gas container. The pump is working against gravity, and elevating the container helps. Just don’t forget to remove the batteries from the pump after the emergency has passed.

@edwardzarnowski5558 Ай бұрын

Going to get a Little Buddy heater for a backup

@W4GHW 22 күн бұрын

Can you add an LP tank to run your generator? Most that run on NG can easily be changed to run on LP.

@WojciechP915 Ай бұрын

Your lucky the natural gas kept flowing. Down in texas, they lost natural gas supply during the winter storm a few years ago.

@BourbonBubblegum Ай бұрын

@skinnymedic please share the information for the bars you ordered for reinforcement during storms. The lost order your wife spoke about. Thanks in advance.

@3209-f4h 18 күн бұрын

Ur home should be >80’ above the valley floor !

@geod3589 26 күн бұрын

I've become big fan of solar. I use it daily.

@rung1915 Ай бұрын

My edc is Faith in Jesus Christ and Prayer, that is my weaponry and i stay strapped No weapon formed against me shall prosper

@ancientmodern1275 Ай бұрын

Seriously? Cowgirl UP. (The lady angry at her husband). Get a funnel, put on your big girl pants, and pour the can into the funnel. Use shop towels to instantly dry any spills. I’m a short female and I pull my 200 lb generator around no problem. You can do more than you think you can do, lady! Let’s gooooo 👏 👏 👏 love from Texas

@johncronin2999 Ай бұрын

Whats the name of your podcast please?

@anthonymarino4260 Ай бұрын

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. GOD IS IN CONTROL

@KaylynnStrain Ай бұрын

may e a small wind turbine for your backup power

@fyremanjef 24 күн бұрын

The first time to put gas in a generator is not when it counts. Maybe if she practiced she would have realized several smaller gas cans would be better than a big 5 gallon one. An make sure funnels work and if you. Have one of those federally approved gas container nozzles, shit can them.