Cooking and Heating

1. Stansport® Portable Outdoor Butane Heater Mr. Heater® Portable Buddy™ Indoor Safe Propane Heater Cooking and Heating Portable Heaters & Cookers Portable Camping Stoves & Ovens Sun Oven Solar Cooker Sun Oven Solar Cooker Sun Oven Solar Cooker Portable Propane Radiant Heater Canned Fuel & Candle Cookers Camping Fire Pits & Portable Cooking Grills

2. Camping Stoves • Some of life's most memorable moments are shared as friends and families eat great-tasting meals around a warm campfire. For years, Preparedness.com has been selling the Camp Chef stove line as well as the Coleman Company and Stansport indoor and outdoor stoves and cooking accessories. The outdoor camping stoves and cookware products have enhanced the quality of life for families everywhere. Choosing a Camping Stove Selecting a camping stove is easy once you know the choices and have decided what type of camping trips your family will be taking. Stoves can have one, two or three burners. They will use propane, butane, white gas ("Coleman fuel"), unleaded gasoline, or kerosene. Here is the info you need in order to pick a stove for your trips.Size It will be easier for your first few trips if the stove has at least two burners. This will allow you to use nearly all the same food as at home. With two burners, you can have a typical two-pot meal, like pasta on one burner and sauce on the other. You can even add a third pot by heating up one dish and setting it aside while you heat the others.Brands like Coleman and Stansport typically offer a couple versions of each two-burner stove, with the difference being the space for the pots. The "standard" sizes are adequate for most small families, and with a little creativity and planning, can function well for up to ten persons. This size can be a good choice for larger families if there will be a campfire which could be used to heat some dishes. Otherwise, you might want to try the extra large size stove, as it will accommodate larger pots and may even put out more heat.

3. White Gas/Fuel • White Gas ("Coleman") FuelYou will encounter all the fuels named above such as propane, butane, white gas ("Coleman fuel"), unleaded gasoline, or kerosene. However, I recommend only two real choices - propane or white gas ("Coleman Fuel").The white gas stoves will product the most heat of any camping stoves. It burns cleanly without any odor or effect on food taste. If you spill the fuel it will evaporate very quickly and will not leave an odor. This is very important - sooner or later some fuel will spill on your hand or clothes, maybe even on your table. No problem though.Many of the white gas stoves now come in a "dual fuel" version. This will allow you to use unleaded auto gas. Many campers use the auto gas and are satisfied with it. However, if you spill it or get it on your hands, you will have a hard time getting rid of the odor (check your hands the next time you fill up at the self service gas station).I recommend using only the white gas in the dual fuel stoves, unless you run out and can't buy any - then use a little unleaded gas. This is the advantage to the dual fuel stoves.The main advantage of the unleaded fuel over white gas is cost. Auto gas is about $3.50 to $5.00 per gallon, while white gas is about $4.50. I feel the extra cost for the few gallons of white gas used each year is worth paying so you get the cleanliness of this fuel.

4. Liquid Fuel or Propane Canister? • Stoves are essentially divided into two kinds - liquid fuel and canister. Liquid fuel stoves range in size from the three-burner giant Coleman you grandfather used with his cast iron skillet to make pancakes (those were the days, no?) to lightweight backpacking stoves that weigh next to nothing. Prpane canister stoves would be the same, if you consider a 15-pound propane tank a canister.

5. Following is a summary: • Propane burns cleanly and produces a hot, steady flame. It works well in very cold temperatures and at high altitudes. However, the gas canisters for propane have thick metal walls, making them unsuitable for applications where weight is important (e.g. mountain or long distance backpacking).Butane and Isobutane burn well and work at high altitudes. However, they are not very hot and do not work well at low temperatures (under 40º F. or 4º C.) as the gas doesn't vaporize well. However, the gas canister is lighter than for Propane.Propane & Butane blends combine the benefits of Propane (work well at cold temperatures) and Butane (relatively light canister). The higher the percentage of Propane, the better the performance under cold conditions.Before purchasing a given type of gas, ensure that your gas stove accepts that type of gas. Also check that the connection on the gas bottle fits your stove (there are many different types of gas connections, which vary by country, manufacturer of gas canister and even type of gas).With some gas stoves the gas canister connects directly to the stove whereas with others the gas canister connects via tubes or gas lines. The former tends to be a lighter and simpler package overall. If the gas canister connects directly to the stove, the stove may have been designed with a specific type of canister (and maybe even a specific manufacturer of canister) in mind; check compatibility before you buy. Liquid Fuel Camping Stoves: Choosing a type of fuel With liquid fuel stoves, in addition to the intended type of liquid fuel (e.g. white gas or Coleman fuel) the stoves often will burn a variety of different liquid fuels (e.g. diesel, kerosene, petrol, gasoline, etc.). While these alternative fuels are generally inferior to the standard liquid fuels (and in some cases will clog the stove), they are readily available almost anywhere. Consequently, if travelling in undeveloped countries or remote regions where standard camping stove fuels are unavailable, the ability to use these backup fuels may be important to you. Here is a short summary of liquid fuels: White Gas or Coleman fuel. Burns cleanly and provides a strong heat (allowing fast cooking). It performs well in most weather conditions. If spilled it evaporates quickly and without leaving an odour (an important point as it is almost certain that you will spill some at some time). Widely available in North America but may be difficult to find in many countries. Coleman fuel is a proprietary version of white gas which has been (or so it is claimed) specifically for Coleman stoves. Alcohol. Burns cleanly and is a relatively safe fuel. If spilled it evaporates quickly and without leaving an odour (an important point as it is almost certain that you will spill some at some time). However, if burns cooler than other fuels (cooking takes longer) and less efficiently (poor heat to weight ratio). It is also relatively expensive. With clear alcohol it can be difficult to see the flame, which can be a safety issue. Kerosene. Widely available in almost all countries and inexpensive. However, it is a dirty fuel and can gum up fuel lines, requiring more cleaning and maintenance of your stove. The fumes smell and are toxic. However, somewhat safer than gasoline (see immediately below). Unleaded gasoline (Widely available and relatively inexpensive, but burns very dirty. It also tends to gum up fuel lines. If it spills it can ignite easily and under certain conditions can explode. The fumes smell and are toxic. Consequently, an undesirable fuel which should only be used if no suitable fuels are available.

6. Here is a short summary of liquid fuels: • White Gas or Coleman fuel. Burns cleanly and provides a strong heat (allowing fast cooking). It performs well in most weather conditions. If spilled it evaporates quickly and without leaving an odour (an important point as it is almost certain that you will spill some at some time). Widely available in North America but may be difficult to find in many countries. Coleman fuel is a proprietary version of white gas which has been (or so it is claimed) specifically for Coleman stoves. Alcohol. Burns cleanly and is a relatively safe fuel. If spilled it evaporates quickly and without leaving an odour (an important point as it is almost certain that you will spill some at some time). However, if burns cooler than other fuels (cooking takes longer) and less efficiently (poor heat to weight ratio). It is also relatively expensive. With clear alcohol it can be difficult to see the flame, which can be a safety issue. Kerosene. Widely available in almost all countries and inexpensive. However, it is a dirty fuel and can gum up fuel lines, requiring more cleaning and maintenance of your stove. The fumes smell and are toxic. However, somewhat safer than gasoline (see immediately below). Unleaded gasoline (Widely available and relatively inexpensive, but burns very dirty. It also tends to gum up fuel lines. If it spills it can ignite easily and under certain conditions can explode. The fumes smell and are toxic. Consequently, an undesirable fuel which should only be used if no suitable fuels are available.

7. Canned Fuel & Candle Cookers • All of these emergency heat and cooking kits are an incredibly simple source of heat and cooking and light. light the wick or fuel gel and your ready to go! Ideal emergency preparedness, camping, boating item. Canned fuels are very versatile and are great to use in a variety of applications to cook and warm including emergency kits, trekking, boating, picnics, hunting, backpacking, heating your tent, RV, camper and more.To extinguish to flame, simply replace the lid on the can or with the "Snap-on-Stove" damper. Relight the fuel at any time for continued burning.All of our canned fuels are a clean burning, self contained source of dependable heat and are safe for indoor use. All may be used for a variety of applications.Each can of canned cooking and heating fuel provides many hours of light-heat-cooking. Each kit comes with a can of fuel and attachable reusable cooktop. Replacement cans of fuel sold below.

8. Campfire Grill

9. Stansport® Portable Outdoor Butane Heater • Certified For Indoor & Outdoor Use!A must have disaster preparedness item!Uses easy to find and install Disposable Propane Cylinders!CLICK ON PICTURE TO VIEW PORTABLE BUDDY™ IN ACTUAL USE!The latest evolution in a small heater is here! Portable Buddy™ from Enerco/Mr. Heater now takes portable heat to another level - 9000 BTU/HR with the capacity to heat up to 200 square feet of space for up to 110 hours (on low position)using a 20 lb propane cylinder. Will provide heat up to 6 hours using an easy to install disposable cylinder. Great little heater for camping, fishing, hunting and emergency preparedness.Dual-position heat settings of 4,000, 9,000 BTU/HR control comfort level. Built-in oxygen shutoff sensor and tip-over switch ensures indoor safe operation (adequate ventilation must be provided; see operating instructions).Certified by CSA International (American Gas Association), Mr. Heater's portable Buddy Indoor Safe Heater features a low oxygen safety shutoff pilot to provide safe, reliable propane heat indoors.

10. Mr. Heater® Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Model MH12TS • Mr. Heater's original portable Radiant propane heater, the single burner with sparklite electronic push button start, is an 8,000 to 14,000 BTU radiant propane heater. This unit mounts to your standard 5 to 20-pound propane barbecue tank. This heater has a high, medium, and low regulator. It also features a safety shutoff and thermocouple. The single propane heater will operate for approximately 30 hours on high, 45 hours on low, on a 20-pound cylinder. This heater is great for the outdoor enthusiast. Designed for outdoor use only.

11. EcoFuel XB™ Canned Cooking & Heating Fuel • Eco-Fuel is safe for indoor use!Camping & Hiking, Boating & Emergencies. Non-explosive, Non-hazardous!ECO-FUEL XB™ IS THE ONLY CANNED FUEL THAT CAN BRING WATER TO A BOIL!ENCAPCELLON TECHNOLOGY™Patented "Encapcellon Technology" creates a unique combustion at the top of the canned fuel and eliminates spills. Eco-Fel XB canned fuel Keeps food hotter longer with no danger of alcohol gel fires, and more heat than wicks. Safer, easier to use, cost effective.This fuel is clean burning. Free from toxic fumes and 100% biodegradable. Each can features a dual temperature lid that allows you to control the heat for 5 hours of cooking at 400 degrees or 10 hours of warming at 200 degrees.EcoFuel XB (Extended Burn) is the safest and best performing canned heat for cooking or warming with no offensive odors!

12. Stansport® Portable Outdoor Butane Heater • The Stansport® portable outdoor butane heater gives you ultra-quiet, reliable operation in a compact design. It offers matchless (does not require power to light) lighting with an electronic ignition (built-in). Camp heater gives warmth up to 6,000 BTU. Great personal heater for the outdoors. A must have when ice fishing, hunting, camping, tailgate parties, patio, etc.We do not ship butane gas canisters. 8 oz. butane canisters cost a couple of bucks each and can be purchased at many hardware and camping stores.

13. Cooking inside the tent—NOT!! • . Many people advise that this should never be done, due to safety risks and also due to the possibility of damage to the tent or contents. However, if you decide to ignore this advice, ensure that the stove flame and any other stove surfaces are well away from any items that can melt or burn (such as your tent walls, roof, sleeping bags, etc.). Also, ensure that there is some ventilation, to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

14. Propane Fuel • The second fuel option is propane. Propane does not give out as much heat as the white gas stoves, but it has some very significant advantages for family camping.First, propane stoves are much easier to use. The propane comes in bottles that are screwed into the stove, not poured into a small tank's filler spout. It will not spill. All you need to do to start the stove is turn on the gas, and light the burner - just like home. There are even propane stoves with built in electronic starters - just like home. This feature makes the transition from cooking at home to cooking at camp easier for most people.Second, propane stoves are available for use with small fuel bottles, or even large RV type bottles. If you start camping a lot, you will find that the small bottles may be very, very, convenient, but very, very expensive. However, if you buy a stove that has a hose to screw into a larger fuel tank, you can get a better price at the RV refill center. You will also save a lot of bottle changes that can happen right in the middle of cooking your meals.The propane tanks come in 5, 10 and 20 pound sizes. A typical patio gas barbeque grill has a 20 pound tank. The BBQ tank could be hooked up to a stove for the camping trip. Another option with the propane tank approach is to get the optional attachment that will supply propane to a lantern from the same tank. Now you will have a light in your "kitchen."This may be more than you really want for starting out. But if you start with the disposable-bottle type propane stove, you can grow to the tank version later.

15. Coleman® ProCat™ PerfectTemp™ Portable Indoor Safe Room/Tent Heater with InstaStart™ • Safe Forced air heat in a portable heater! Designed for indoor use!Great for warming up tents and other smaller spaces.the ProCat™ PerfectTemp™ is a fantastic piece of gear that's very handy for any chilly outdoor excursion. So if you like to stay warm, but don't feel like burning up your favorite gear, then check out the Coleman® ProCat™ PerfectTemp™.Coleman® now has the answer for cold outdoor enthusiasts -- the ProCat™ PerfectTemp™ Heater. The ProCat™ PerfectTemp™ is a portable platinum catalytic heater that has been approved for use inside tents, campers, ice-fishing shacks, garages or even a duck blind. Essential for heating small rooms during power outages and a great piece of equipment for emergency preparedness.The reason the ProCat™ PerfectTemp™ is different from most heaters is that it's completely flameless, so you don't have to worry about melting your expensive tent. But, even though it's approved for inside use, you still need to allow the ProCat™ PerfectTemp™ ventilation by unzipping your tent's window a little, or cracking the window of your camper.The ProCat™ PerfectTemp™ is housed in a sturdy heavy-duty plastic shell and is 15 inches tall by 11 inches wide. The 8-inch heater head puts out 3,000 BTUs, which is more than enough for a tent or small room.Designed for indoor useHeater operates with or without batteriesSilent, flameless heat sourceUse the fan for better heat circulation (2 D Batteries not included) Battery-operated fan provides increased heat circulation up to 20 hours (2 D Batteries not included)Electronic InstaStart®ignition for easy, matchless lighting3,000 BTU of safe indoor heatingCatalytic heater with platinum technology provides flameless safe warmthPressure-regulated propane fuel systemOperates up to 7 hours on 16.4 oz. propane cylinders found at most all hardware and sporting good storesCatalytic flameless warmth, 3,000 BTU , electronic ignition, operates up to eight hours on a 16.4 oz. cylinder (not included), wt 7 lbs

16. Portable Heaters • Mr. Heater® Big Buddy™ Portable Indoor Safe Propane Heater

17. Solar Cooking/Heating • Solar cooking requires only your oven and a sunny day. Brightness of the day, and not outside air temperature is the most important factor. Solar cooking entails a few basic principles; reflection, concentration, the green house effect and absorption. Solar ovens have properly arranged reflective inner walls to direct and concentrate the sun's energy on the dark pot or dark bottom tray.Solar cooking requires some oven adjustments to suit your situation and needs. For instance; early in the morning or late in the day the angled sun's rays aren't as strong, but you can still cook in the sun. You simply aim the oven at the sun. Even cloudy days permit some low temperature cooking . Your food will continue to cook as long as you have 20 minutes of sun an hour. Shelter from the wind, as strong winds cool the oven. So locate the most sunny and wind sheltered spot, and preheat your oven by simply setting it up prior to cooking. This could take up to 45 min. You can even take advantage of the sun's movement to aim your cooker to defrost in the morning, cook in the day, and keep warm until dinner in the afternoon. All that with the sun's movement and no oven adjustment. If you want consistent heat, you will

18. Dirty Water • Dirty water may be caused by sediments and algae but often it's heavily contaminated with micro-organisms and sometimes even chemicals. Due to the many particles left in the water, when treating questionable water, chemical treatment will not always be effective. A mechanical filtration device may be necessary.Remember, the primary microorganisms of concern in most wilderness recreation areas are tough, hardy cystic parasites that resist heat and cold... even freezing...drought, chlorine, iodine and just about everything else. And while bacteria are relatively fragile and have very short life cycles, often less than a day, cysts can exist for months. All microorganisms of chief concern are invisibly small and they cannot be seen, smelled, or detected in any quick and easy manner. Accordingly, you should assume that all wilderness supplies are polluted.Assume All water you come in to contact with in the outdoors (and most Countries) is unsafe to drink until properly filtered or purified "no matter how clean it looks" In this section you will find the best products available today to handle your water filtering / purifying / treatment and testing needs.

19. Water Treatment Tablets & Purification Kits • YOU MUST NOT DRINK QUESTIONABLE WATER FROM ANY SOURCE!Assume All water you come in to contact with in the outdoors (and most Countries) is unsafe to drink until properly filtered or purified "no matter how clean it looks".With the increased use of the wilderness there has also been an increase in the amount of bacteriological contamination of backcountry water supplies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that 90 percent of the world’s water is contaminated in some way. There are a variety of microscopic organisms that can contaminate water supplies and cause potentially serious, even fatal, illnesses among wilderness travelers. The major danger in the backcountry from these infections is fluid loss due to diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to hypovolemic shock and possibly death. In order to drink the water, you should be prepared to treat it.

20. Water Disinfectant • Polar Pure will destroy water borne pathogens, including giardia cysts and other micro-organism that pass through some filters. Ideal for camping back packing, boating, emergency kits and other survival uses. A single bottle can treat up to 2000 quarts of water. It is cost effective—less than 1¢ per quart. Easy to follow instruction are printed on the bottle. Also attached to the bottle is a special thermometer to tell you exactly the correct dose.Bottle contains concentrated iodine crystals that are not affected by age, air, or temperature. Water is safe to drink 20 minutes after treatment.POLAR PURE Water Disinfectant uses pure crystallized iodine in a unique delivery system to destroy water-borne pathogens including giardia cysts and micro-organisms that pass through filters.When used as directed, approximately 300 ppm (parts per million) saturated iodine solution is maintained in the POLAR PURE bottle. This saturated solution is then used to disinfect your water at an optimal concentration of 4-5 ppm iodine which will destroy Giardia cysts in 20-30 minutes in a closed quart / liter bottle of 68° F, 20° C water (colder water will take longer).Saturation concentration varies with solution temperature. A Liquid Crystal Dosage Chart on the POLAR PURE bottle shows how many capfuls of saturated solution to add to one liter or quart of water to achieve a 4 ppm solution in your water bottle.You may also like • Chlor-Floc® Water Treatment Purification Tablets • Price: $12.90Katadyn Micropur MP1 Emergency Drinking Water Treatment Tablets • Price: $14.90McNett Aquamira® Water Treatment Drops • Price: $13.99Aquamira® FRONTIER™ Personal Survival Water Filter Straw • Price: $14.90Stansport� Heavy-Duty Toilet Bags for Portable Toilets • Price: $4.19

21. Why do we need a drinking water system? • More people are using drinking water systems while camping, backpacking and traveling. Why?Safety. Unfortunately, most lakes, rivers and streams are full of microorganisms that can make you sick. Drinking water systems can eliminate these contaminants and make the water safer to drink. Protect yourself, because you never know what's in the water.Freedom. Be self-sufficient with a drinking water system. As long as there is a water source, you can have safe drinking water. And, lightweight drinking water systems won't weigh you down like carrying extra water.

22. What's really in the water? • Microorganisms are the primary threat in untreated water sources. They may be in any lake, river or stream, even if the water looks clean. Microorganisms generally come from animal waste and may be spread by rain and run-off. • Beware of these 3 types of microorganisms: Protozoa, Viruses, Bacteria

23. Protozoa (2 microns and larger) • Protozoa are the largest microorganisms (eg. Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Therefore, they are the easiest to filter out of the water. However, their protective shell makes them resistant to iodine and chlorine treatment alone. One common protozoa, Giardia, causes "Beaver's Fever." • "In one study from over 10,000 samples from streams all across America, Alaska to Arizona, and they didn't find one without Giardia.“ (Chuck Hibler, Colorado State University. Backpacker Magazine, December 1996).

24. Bacteria (.2 microns and larager) Bacteria range in size from 0.2 to 10 microns. Large bacteria may be removed by most microfilters, but smaller bacteria can only be eliminated by a very small micron size microfilter or a purifier. Bacteria are responsible for diseases such as Cholera and Typhoid Fever.Common bacteria areE. coli and Salmonella

25. Viruses (.004 microns and larger) • Viruses are the smallest microorganisms and cannot be reliably removed by filtration. It was traditionally thought that viruses aren't a concern in North America, but that opinion has changed. Wilderness studies suggest that 60% of all back county illnesses are actually caused by bacteria and viruses. Viruses can cause serious health problems, such as Hepatitis, Polio and Norwalk Virus. Viruses can be eliminated from water with purification, chemical disinfection, or boiling.Examples of viruses: Hepatitis A, Polio, Norwalk Virus

26. What is the best way to make water safe to drink? Purifying:Combines chemical disinfection with filtration to eliminate all three types of microorganisms.Boiling:Bring the water to a full boil to kill microorganisms. requires energy source and takes time.Iodine Tablets:Add 1 or 2 tablets per quart and wait 20 minutes to kill the microorganisms. Takes time and adds foul taste. limited effectiveness against Giardia and not effective against Cryptosporidium.

27. Filtering • Filtering:Microfilters may remove protozoa and most bacteria. Doesn't remove viruses. May require frequent cleaning due to clogging.How do I choose a drinking water system?Use the Drinking Water Safety Guide to help you choose the best products for your needs. It organizes drinking water systems according to the #1 concern: safe water.Drinking Water Safety Guide Water System Microorganisms Eliminated Microbiological Micro RatingPROTECTION LEVEL No. 1 PURIFIER Eliminates Viruses, Bacteria and Giardia .004PROTECTION LEVEL No. 2 MICROFILTER Eliminates Giardia and Most Bacteria 0.2 to 1.0PROTECTION LEVEL No. 3 FILTER Eliminates Giardia 1.0 to 4.0Purifiers: #1 highest safety rating Eliminates Viruses, Bacteria and Giardia, no matter what micron sizeMicrofilters: #2 safety rating Eliminates Giardia and Most Bacteria, depending on their micron size.Filters #3 safety rating Only eliminates Giardia and microorganisms larger than 1 micron.

28. Let There Be Light! • Flashlight accessories, Led Flashlight Accessories • Fuel Powered Lanterns & Lamps • Battery Powered Lanterns, Battery Powered Camping Lanterns, Camping Lanterns • Emergency Candles / Candle Sticks / Candle Lamps

29. Flashlight accessories, Led Flashlight Accessories • Fuel Powered Lanterns & Lamps • Battery Powered Lanterns, Battery Powered Camping Lanterns, Camping Lanterns • Emergency Candles / Candle Sticks / Candle Lamps • Solar Flashlights and Dynamo Self Powered Lights • LED Lights / Pocket / Headlamps • Power Failure / Rechargeable Lights • Chemical Snap Light Sticks, Glow in the Dark Party Lights, Lighting Supplies • Batteries / Bulbs / Tubes • Duracell® D-cell / C-cell / AA-cell / AAA-cell

30. Let There Be Light! • Everything about Flashlights.WHAT? Kind of Flashlight Do I NeedThere are 3 basic types of flashlights: incandescent, fluorescent, and LED. Each has strengths and weaknesses. but you must clearly decide what function you expect a flashlight to do before buying a battery flashlight, then match the function with type of flashlight. Each light serves a specific purpose and one should buy a light that fits the situation.

31. LIGHT—Incandescent, Fluorescent, LED • INCANDESCENT FLASHLIGHTS AND LANTERNSThis is the basic, old-fashioned flashlight with incandescent bulb that you probably already have in your car or garage. It comes in several different types, going from least to most bright: general, krypton, halogen, xenon. Industrial quality flashlights to general purpose flashlights can be found in many online camping and hardware stores. As brightness in the light bulb and actual flashlight goes up, so does the price. It might cost you a few dollars more to buy a high quality flashlight, but the better quality and the brighter the flashlight will last longer and provide a higher quality experience. The Coleman Company manufactures many reliable flashlights, they even make a waterproof flashlight and lantern combination. Coleman flashlights are proven by many years of trial in the outdoors. A Coleman waterproof flashlight can save the day if ever a flashlight ends up in the water while fishing or boating. Coleman flashlights are made in various colors like red, green silver, blue and so on. The ever popular Coleman lantern can still be found in many U.S. homes and garages. These Coleman lanterns are very reliable and can last for decades with proper use and care. Remember to buy the coleman brand of battery powered and fuel powered lanternsFLUORESCENT FLASHLIGHT AND LANTERNSa good quality fluorescent lantern or flashlight such as manufactured by eveready, energizer, rayovac, Dorcy, Coleman, Garrity are an excellent choice. A fluorescent lantern or flashlight will produce a wide area of light as needed for camping,, emergency preparedness, household general use, etc. Again when you want to buy the best fluorescent lantern look for the Coleman or energizer brand. A good fluorescent lantern is a must have when power fails in your home and are a great addition to every camping trip. Ambient light for the campsite for relaxing after dinner and using the restroom in a blackout. lightweight and packability are important for backpacking. These lights are the choice.LED FLASHLIGHT AND SPOTLIGHTS.These are the latest trend. An LED flashlight or lantern gives light that can actually be brighter than a conventional flashlight. and the battery life is many times longer, plus the bulbs never burn out or need replacing. LED bulbs can be rough handled without breaking unlike incandescent bulbs. Many companies like The Coleman Company, Dorcy International, Maglite, Garrity and Essential Gear make Great LED flashlights that can be used in industrial, camping, automotive and household use.

32. POWER FAILURE AND RECHARGEABLE LIGHTS • Make your home or business a safer place during blackouts with the an Automatic Power-Failure Light. Just plug it into an AC outlet and it automatically turns on when the power goes out. Once electricity is restored, most units shut off and resume recharging. These type of lights can also be used as a portable lighting source, indoors or outdoors, thanks to a rechargeable battery system and built in carry handle. These bright fluorescent, or LED power failure lights offer many hours of operating time. A rechargeable power failure light has been specifically designed with safety in mind. When the power fails, the light immediately turns on, discharging a brilliant incandescent, Krypton or LED beam of light. As a portable flashlight, just unplug it and take it with you in case of an emergency. A must have item in any household or office. All power failure emergency lights automatically turn on when power fails to help guide you to safety. Ordinary nightlights provide comfort in the dark, but they don't have much use when the power goes out. The LED Power-Failure Light is much more than a nightlight: Many of these rechargeable power failure lights contains an LED nightlight with a built-in photo sensor that turns the light on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. It also contains built-in rechargeable batteries that turn the ultra-bright light on automatically if the power goes out, and you can even remove the LED Power-Failure Light from the outlet to use its bright LED flashlight feature. Since many of these power-failure lights uses LEDs, you'll never need to replace the bulbs.

33. Heat, Light and Cooking In An Emergency • To conserve your cooking fuel storage needs always do your emergency cooking in the most efficient manner possible. Don’t boil more water than you need, extinguish the fire as soon as you finished, plan your meals ahead of time to consolidate as much cooking as possible, during the winter cook on top of your heating unit while heating your home, and cook in a pressure cooker or other fuel efficient container as much as possible. Keep enough fuel to provide outdoor cooking for at least 7-10 days.

34. Pressure Cooker Cooking • It is even possible to cook without using fuel at all. For example, to cook dry beans you can place them inside a pressure cooker with the proper amount of water and other ingredients needed and place it on your heat source until it comes up to pressure. Then turn off the heat, remove the pressure cooker and place inside a large box filled with newspapers, blankets, or other insulating materials. Leave it for two and a half hours and then open it, your meal will be done, having cooked for two and a half hours with no heat. If you don’t have a large box in which to place the pressure cooker, simply wrap it in several blankets and place it in the corner.

35. Matches • Store matches in a waterproof airtight tin with each piece of equipment that must be lit with a flame.

36. Sterno • Sterno Fuel a jellied petroleum product, is an excellent source of fuel for inclusion in your back pack as part of your 72 hour kit. Sterno is very light weight and easily ignited with a match or a spark from flint and steel but is not explosive. It is also safe for use indoors.

37. Sterno Stove • A Sterno Stove can be purchased at any sporting goods store and will retail between $3 and $8, depending upon the model you choose. They fold up into a very small, compact unit ideal for carrying in a pack. The fuel is readily available at all sporting goods stores and many drug stores. One can of Sterno fuel, about the diameter of a can of tuna fish and twice as high, will allow you to cook six meals if used frugally. Chafing dishes and fondue pots can also be used with Sterno.

38. Sterno Concerns • Sterno is not without some problems. It will evaporate very easily, even when the lid is securely fastened. If you use Sterno in your 72 hour kit you should check it every six to eight months to insure that it has not evaporated beyond the point of usage. Because of this problem it is not a good fuel for long-term storage. It is a very expensive fuel to use compared to others fuel available, but is extremely convenient and portable.

39. Coleman fuel (white gas) • When used with a Coleman stove this another excellent and convenient fuel for cooking. It is not as portable nor as lightweight as Sterno, but produces a much greater BTU value. Like Sterno, Coleman fuel has a tendency to evaporate even when the container is tightly sealed so it is not a good fuel for long-term storage. Unlike Sterno, however, it is highly volatile; it will explode under the right conditions and should therefore never be stored in the home. Because of its highly flammable nature great care should always be exercised when lighting stoves and lanterns that use Coleman fuel. Many serious burns have been caused by carelessness with this product. Always store Coleman fuel in the garage or shed, out of doors.

40. Charcoal • Charcoal is the least expensive fuel per BTU that the average family can store. Remember that it must always be used out of doors because of the vast amounts of poisonous carbon monoxide it produces. Charcoal will store for extended period of time if it is stored in air tight containers. It readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding air so do not store it in the paper bags it comes in for more than a few months or it may be difficult to light. Transfer it to airtight metal or plastic containers and it will keep almost forever.

41. Charcoal • Fifty or sixty dollars worth of charcoal will provide all the cooking fuel a family will need for an entire year if used sparingly. The best time to buy briquettes inexpensively is at the end of the summer. Broken or torn bags of briquettes are usually sold at a big discount. You will also want to store a small amount of charcoal lighter fluid (or kerosene).Newspapers will also provide an excellent ignition source for charcoal when used in a funnel type of lighting device.

42. Lighting Charcoal with Newspaper • To light charcoal using newspapers use two or three sheets, crumpled up, and a #10 tin can. Cut both ends out of the can. Punch holes every two inches around the lower edge of the can with a punch-type can opener (for opening juice cans). Set the can down so the punches holes are on the bottom. Place the crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the can and place the charcoal briquettes on top of the newspaper. Lift the can slightly and light the newspaper. Prop a small rock under the bottom edge of the can to create a a good draft. The briquettes will be ready to use in about 20-30 minutes. When the coals are ready remove the chimney and place them in your cooker. Never place burning charcoal directly on concrete or cement because the heat will crack it. A wheelbarrow or old metal garbage can lid makes an excellent container for this type of fire.

43. Charcoal==40 degrees of heat/briquette • One of the nice things about charcoal is that you can regulate the heat you will receive from them. Each briquette will produce about 40 degrees of heat. If you are baking bread, for example, and need 400 degrees of heat for your oven, simply use ten briquettes.

44. Charcoal with a Cardboard Oven • To conserve heat and thereby get the maximum heat value from your charcoal you must learn to funnel the heat where you want it rather than letting it dissipate into the air around you. One excellent way to do this is to cook inside a cardboard oven. Take a cardboard box, about the size of an orange crate, and cover it with aluminum foil inside and out. Be sure that the shiny side is visible so that maximum reflectivity is achieved. Turn the box on its side so that the opening is no longer on the top but is on the side. Place some small bricks or other noncombustible material inside upon which you can rest a cookie sheet about two or three inches above the bottom of the box. Place ten burning charcoal briquettes between the bricks (if you need 400 degrees), place the support for your cooking vessels, and then place your bread pans or whatever else you are using on top of the cookie sheet. Prop a foil-covered cardboard lid over the open side, leaving a large crack for air to get in (charcoal needs a lot of air to burn) and bake your bread, cake, cookies, etc. just like you would in your regular oven. Your results will amaze you.

45. Making Your Own Charcoal • To make your own charcoal, select twigs, limbs, and branches of fruit, nut and other hardwood trees; black walnuts and peach or apricot pits may also be used. Cut wood into desired size, place in a large can which has a few holes punched in it, put a lid on the can and place the can in a hot fire. When the flames from the holes in the can turn yellow-red, remove the can from the fire and allow it to cool. Store the briquettes in a moisture-proof container. Burn charcoal only in a well-ventilated area.

46. Water storage is important. Having an ample supply of safe, clean water is a top priority in an emergency. • A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store a total of at least one gallon per person, per day. You should store at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family. • If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

47. Amount of Water to Store • Whereas a quart of water or other fluid daily will sustain life, according to the Department of Defense and the Office of Civil Defense, it is recommended that a gallon of water per day per person be stored for food preparation and drinking. A gallon provides added comfort and accommodates increased fluid needs at higher altitudes or warm climates. An additional one-half to 1 gallon per day is recommended for bathing and hygiene, and to wash dishes. • How much water should I store? The rule of thumb is to store at least one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days (for earthquake preparedness). That’s 2 quarts for drinking and 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation. A family of four should store a minimum of 12 gallons of water. Personally, I recommend at least a 10 day supply of water and a 30 day supply if it all possible.

48. Use the following guidelines when storing water: • 1. Store drinking water in carefully cleaned, non-corrosive, tightly covered containers. • 2. Store containers in a cool dark place. DO NOT store in direct sunlight. Polyethylene plastics (prepackaged milk and water bottles) are somewhat permeable to hydrocarbon vapors. Keep away from stored gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or similar substances. • 3. Stored tap water should be rotated every 6 months. Prepackaged bottled water should be rotated once a year. Check the pull date on the container. Be sure it didn’t sit on the store’s shelf for a year before you purchased it. Self Serve Bottled Water should be rotated once a year, as long as the water treatment process includes ozonation. • 4. Rotate your stored water with the water you use on a regular basis. This practice helps insure you don’t have water stored longer than one year.

49. Containers That Can be Used for Water Storage • Food-grade plastic or glass containers are suitable for storing water. One-, three- and five-gallon water containers can be purchased from most outdoor or hardware stores. Any plastic or glass container that previously held food or beverages such as 2-liter soda bottles or water, juice, punch or milk jugs, also may be used. Stainless steel can be used to store water which has not been or will not be treated with chlorine; chlorine is corrosive to most metals. • 55 gal drums, designed specifiacally for water storage can be difficult to transport, if the need arises, but are of a tremendous value in an emergency .When looking for additional food grade containers, the bottom will be stamped with HDPE (High Density PolyEthylene) and coded with therecycle symbol and a “2″ inside. HDPE containers are FDA-approved for food. Containers without these designations aren’t OK because of possible chemical interactions between the water and the plastic. • Clean used containers and lids with hot soapy water. Once the containers have been thoroughly cleaned, rinse them with water and sanitize the containers and lids by rinsing them with a solution of 1 tablespoon chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Leave the containers wet for two minutes, then rinse them again with water. Remember to remove the paper or plastic lid liners before washing the lids. It is very difficult to effectively remove all residue from many containers, so carefully clean hard-to-reach places like the handles of milk jugs. To sanitize stainless steel containers, place the container in boiling water for 10 minutes. Never use containers that previously held chemicals.

50. Do I Need to Treat Water? • Once you properly clean containers, fill them with potable, or safe, drinking water. All public water supplies are already treated and should be free of harmful bacteria. However, as an additional precaution, it is recommended that you add 5-7 drops, about 1/8 teaspoon, of chlorine bleach per gallon of water stored. This precaution protects you against any lingering organisms in storage containers that may have been inadvertently missed during the cleaning process.