What to do in case of power outage - Page 3

bigsnakegirl785 · 11-22-15, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

Be mindful of the fuel your generator uses and keep in mind that gas stations can't pump fuel if they are down. Gasoline doesn't last well in storage and propane requires multiple small tanks or a big tank. For outages a few days that would probably work but prolonged ones you could end up running into issues. I don't know where you live in terms of your fuel options. Personally I have my own home so I'm saving for a natural gas powered one so it's unlimited but it's over $2g starting price. I'm planning for the worst because last year an ice storm knocked out power to some friends and family members for over a week.

I normally keep my car's gas tank completely full, once it gets to about 1/2 tank I re-fill it. So that gives me 18 gallons at a time, so hopefully that will have me covered for at least a few days if that's what I go with, and if any of the counties within 45 minutes in any direction around me still have power I can make trips out. Any sort of natural gas or kerosene is easy to come by here, it's just expensive of course.

I don't have the means to get something like that natural gas one you mentioned this year, but maybe next year. I just really need something enough to keep the snakes warm and power our phones, stuff like that.

trailblazer295 · 11-22-15, 05:55 PM

Wait was that a typo you go out and buy natural gas? I don't think that's possible. Propane converts to it's liquid state at -40f while natural gas is -200something. I've only ever heard of it done on trucks but even then it's not common due to the equipment required to keep it that cold. Propane is 250x the volume in vapour while natural gas is 600x the volume.

When I meant stored gas I meant jerry cans for a generator not in the car. Of course keeping your car fueled is a good idea.

I don't have them means right now either to buy one. It might be cheaper in the states then up here. Of course everything is more expensive. But long term it's a better investment just due to longevity. More so if you live in an area where power outages are common.

bigsnakegirl785 · 11-22-15, 09:17 PM

I'm not sure where I said I go out and buy natural gas, I did say natural gas is easy to come by because a lot of people have natural gas heaters around here. We had one at the apartment I used to live in, it was delivered I believe but not 100% because the apartment owners took care of it. Kerosene, gasoline, propane, I can get ahold of whatever type of fuel I need around here. The natural gas just came to mind first because I used to heat with it, if you can't power a regular small generator with natural gas then I can get ahold of whatever other types of fuels are generally used.

Ah, are you not able to transfer gasoline from your car to generator at home? If so, I would only really be buying fuel for the generator before an expected storm anyway, so the shelf life doesn't matter much as a long as it lasts at least a week.

I do also have a big propane tank to power our monitor heater outside, but I'm not sure if I'm able to incorporate that into a small generator?

PsychoSnake · 11-22-15, 09:26 PM

In my case there is a gas shortage because everyone is having the same ideas. There is also a propane shortage.

My salvation: my friend let me bring my snakes over to her house as she never lost power. They are being kept at 80 degrees although bagged in a large tub.

chairman · 11-23-15, 08:28 AM

Have you considered a solar system? There is a variety where the power is provided by a battery bank w/ AC converter. The solar panel(s) charge the batteries when you lose power but your electrical grid keeps it maintained when there's no sunlight. A small system won't run your whole house but can maintain a room.

I only suggest this because I was in a similar situation as yourself and ended up buying myself a gas generator to avoid it in the future. Said generator hasn't been run in 5 years...

PsychoSnake · 11-23-15, 06:09 PM

I unfortunately rent so any modifications to the duplex like that are out of the question. I am also under employed and need to get a second job to pay my future bills if my current job doesn't pick up more clients soon. I wish I owned my own home, but I can't afford anything but the crappiest fixer upper (unlivable).

My dad has a solar system on his house in California so I'm well versed with it. He's thinking of investing in a battery for it.

The good news is the snakes are warm now at my friend's house, which also enables me to take more work. I went ahead and ordered more snakes bags and heat packs.

The bad news is we're going to have a (possibly) major snow storm tonight/tomorrow and the ETA on getting my power restored is now Thursday. My power went out last Tuesday, on my birthday in fact! Happy birthday to me!

PsychoSnake · 11-24-15, 01:48 PM

Update on the power crisis:

I HAVE POWER!!!!!!!!!

My power was restored this morning on the first snow day of the season. My pipes did not freeze, my pilot light did not go out, my internet is back online, and everything appears to be in working order now. I have been without power for 7 days and it has been a nightmare.

The snakes are still bagged and hanging out in my friend's indoor pool room, which is 80 degrees and humid. I hand watered them last night with a syringe so they had the opportunity to hydrate. My yearling rosy boas were very thirsty!

They will be moving back home once I get the house aired out (strong smell of kerosene) and the snake room cleaned and organized. Right now my house is so crazy disorganized right now it looks like it has been robbed.

I'm so excited! I can resume normal life soon.

trailblazer295 · 11-24-15, 04:24 PM

Congrats on the good news.

I think this should be a wake up call to the rest of us with winter coming to formulate a power outage plan. Most people think "it won't happen to me".

bigsnakegirl785 · 11-24-15, 07:27 PM

Great news!!!

PsychoSnake · 11-24-15, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

Congrats on the good news.

I think this should be a wake up call to the rest of us with winter coming to formulate a power outage plan. Most people think "it won't happen to me".

It really came as a shock to the whole area. There were warnings of the oncoming wind storm but nobody took it seriously. The winds turned out to be hurricane strength. My state imported help from several other states and Canada too to work on it 24/7 and not everyone has power yet.

I'm exhausted from it all. I did order heat packs and more snake bags for next time.

My recommendation for a preparedness kit for anyone experiencing an extended power outage in the cold:

A) temp gun - this is your reptile's life line! Do not leave this out!!
B) snake bags for all sizes of snakes in your collection, and extras too
D) a case of 72 hour heat packs (I wish I had these)
C) a large tub with air holes to fit all your bagged snakes into that fits easily into your vehicle (if you have giants you need to figure out the transportation logistics ahead of time)
D) newspaper (to soak up messes in the bags)
E) a syringe for watering small snakes and a squeeze bottle for larger snakes when bagged -- don't assume your snakes aren't thirsty! Thirsty snakes will drink. Their thirst may surprise you. If they don't you still have the satisfaction knowing you at least offered it.
F) gloves and disinfecting wipes - just useful
G) an evacuation plan -- where? Who can help? Who will help? Bird people who hate snakes saved mine when reptile people turned me away. Don't assume you can tough all situations out. Nothing is full proof.

Everything else is up to you.