New to the forum, just starting prepping

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and we have just started our prepping.  Hopefully I have at least til fall to get ready.  Everyone here seems to be very very informed.  Thought this would be a perfect place to post any questions as they come up.

I'm in Canada and in an area that has very very cold winters.  So far my biggest worry has been if the electricity goes out.  We are in a small town so not sure if that is good or bad.  I think I have the heat problem covered with getting a generator.  But its going to be a few months before we can afford it.  I'm also a little worried about where the generator will be.  I know it has to be outside.  We have a car port we can put it in but its open.  Someone could go in and steal it.  We have access to a shed next door because we are in a side by side with my aunt and uncle next door but we would have to run a long extension cord.

Also I have read here alot of people  saying that if there is a pandemic they will be staying in there houses.  That is what we are planning as well.  Stocking food, water, supplies, etc.  I do have a 5 year old and a dog.  So if they any reason that we couldn't go into the backyard.  Or even front as long as we have no contact with other people.  Is there any info on how long the virus can live on surfaces or how close proximity you have to worry about.  ie if we walk the dog down the street.  But stay away from anyone else.  Cross the street if someone else is coming, etc.

Also wondering what people with children have planned.  At what point will you remove your child from school?  First case of pandemic flu in your city?  Or your country? 


Thanks in advance
Lorna

Hotair wrote: Welcome Lorna! I understand the virus can exist for quite a while on surfaces/water, etc. It depends on the environmental temp. As far as when to pull children from school, I know(thanks to the info on this board) that I would pull my children from school long before they close them. In Calif., Every child that shows up for the first 10 minutes of school means that district gets money per head. Again, for financial reasons, they won't close the schools until everyone is sick and they have no other options. Once again, it is all about money. I took my kids into school late one day and said they had an appointment. Can you believe they asked me what type of appointment?. It is almost like the school Nazi's.

Oh wow not quite like that here.  I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens.  ie how quickly it hits Canada and the area where we are.

Welcome Lorna.

I live in the northeast USA and am also worried about winter. Many of my thoughts came from this website, so you will see them as you explore it.

These are not discussing what heating methods as everyone is in a different situation.

Planning for winter this way - there are two of us.

I will make sure I have enough old blankets, sleeping bags, etc to shut us in the living room (including bed)and cover the windows so don't have to heat whole house (if not wise choice at the time).

I plan on buying wool blankets at Salvation Army, etc because I don't care what they look like. Sewing pieces together, I plan to make a mattress pad for under the sheet, and blanket for the top. I am alergic, but only if it is touching me; this should help get us through the night.

I saw a suggestion here for people with kids; to put a small pup tent in the LR (I think they had a particular one in mind, the type that pop up)and put the kids in it to play. Their body heat will help to keep them comfortable.

Good Luck. I have found everyone here friendly and helpful with their ideas and advice.

    

Also, buy at the Goodwill,Salvation Army,etc. for the kids as they outgrow fast and you can use them as rags.
We are wanting warmth and convenience, not name tags. Layer the clothes at night, unlayer them during the day.
Buy them one or two sizes over. Just remember...its a game and you win!!!

Welcome Lorna, we are in northeast Ohio and it gets really cold but I'm sure you got us beat being up in Canada:O) Do you have a fireplace or woodstove too? I'm sure if you do you've already thought about stocking enough wood for the whole winter and have it in a place not easy to see by others going by. If you don't have a woodstove could you get one? I would think that might be more important than a generator since it will be cold there most of the time where food can be kept safe somewhere cool/cold?
You are going to LOVE this forum. I have learned so much myself and it keeps me motivated in keep prepping "just in case" and for any event that comes our way. Welcome:o)