We talk about survival and prepardness what about the home?

[Great-Kazoo]

Cell phones do not work in our area, land line yes, butt-set in a small grab bag with a few other "rare use" essentials if necessary. Flash lights in multiple areas of the home as well as candles, and lanterns. (Might seem odd to some, but remember "mountain" area and suddenly the decor becomes 'functional'.)

Oddly enough 911 does work almost anywhere.
Our daughter and then S-I-L broke down in the desert between mojave and whatever on the 99 going north 2-3am.
End result after dealing with cell co due to issues with emergency response and their lack of reply. I had contacted CHP once our daughter was able to get cell service. CHP said a 911 call works any where AND while only a vehicle issue, they considered any issue in the desert an emergency.
This may only work in CA, however until this thread i have not contacted verizon to see what they say regarding 911. Because well i forgot
I know any cell phone no matter how old and not activated, if there is power, dialing 911 will get you connected to an emergency responder or dispatch person.

[Badger]

I've heard 911 calls are supposed to work no matter what, haven't tried it personally though.

On a slightly related note to that, if we did have to dial 911 for anything it would typically be around 30 or more minutes before we'd see any emergency response of any kind simply due to our location. The pros/cons of living there I suppose.

One area that I never feel one can have "too much" training in however is of course medical. While I have a fair amount of knowledge, there's always room for improvement in the household. Ironically the wife's job of working with animals has also taught us several emergency tips for human kind too. Take knowledge from where ever it may come really.



Badger

[Great-Kazoo]

I've heard 911 calls are supposed to work no matter what, haven't tried it personally though.

On a slightly related note to that, if we did have to dial 911 for anything it would typically be around 30 or more minutes before we'd see any emergency response of any kind simply due to our location. The pros/cons of living there I suppose.

One area that I never feel one can have "too much" training in however is of course medical. While I have a fair amount of knowledge, there's always room for improvement in the household. Ironically the wife's job of working with animals has also taught us several emergency tips for human kind too. Take knowledge from where ever it may come really.



Badger

+1 on any medical. Today's small cut could be tomorrows major infection, if not properly treated.
IF a situation came up, the medical community would be swamped. Basic suturing, immobilizing a broken bone, dealing with someone in shock etc is something we can all learn.

[Irving]

Recently had to reimburse a $1,000 winch-out by a guy that couldn't get cell service in the middle of nowhere near Hanksville, UT. He got stuck on a washed out county road and couldn't get cell service. He was able to briefly get through to 911 and they GPS located him and called a local tow service to go get him.

Jim, great timing on this thread. Just moved to a new place and have yet to do due diligence on security. We NEED to do so in this neighborhood, as there are break-ins and gang issues (from what the neighbors tel me).

My first issue is that I need to finish changing the locks on the doors. My back door already has a hole for the old lock, but it is too small for the new lock. Anyone know any tricks I can use to get this done since there is no where for the pilot bit on my hole-saw to go? I'd greatly appreciate some advise.

[Omicron]

My first issue is that I need to finish changing the locks on the doors. My back door already has a hole for the old lock, but it is too small for the new lock. Anyone know any tricks I can use to get this done since there is no where for the pilot bit on my hole-saw to go? I'd greatly appreciate some advise.

Yup, just need a C-clamp and a couple of pieces of scrap plywood or OSB, etc. Here ya go:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/skil...193167,00.html

[BigBear]

Apartment complex. Secure personally, but I'm so screwed in other terms...

[Great-Kazoo]

Apartment complex. Secure personally, but I'm so screwed in other terms...

In these situations, it's what you make of it. I'm sure mgmt would start freaking if you were to add better security measures to the complex where you reside.

[BigBear]

In these situations, it's what you make of it. I'm sure mgmt would start freaking if you were to add better security measures to the complex where you reside.

Shhh.... I have indoors, lol.

[Wulf202]

change your locks. keeps maintenance out. those fuckers are theives.

I've been firing them for years.

[Irving]

Thank you, I need to work on that now.