Preparing For A Grid-Down Disaster: Metals Needed For Going Back To Basics

Posted on: 8 July 2015

There are almost 4 million doomsday preppers across the United States with a combined spending power in the billions. These people probably help to make up the 19 percent of Americans who could count themselves as being very prepared for a disaster. Even if you are not going to be as extreme as some of these who are preparing for any disastrous eventuality, it is actually recommended that Americans should be prepared for disasters especially in light of the their current frequency across the country. In fact, there have been an estimated 8 natural disasters associated with climate and weather which occurred in 2014, with approximately 53 lives lost and about $1 billion in losses. 

Following the initial survival of the disaster, there are all kinds of other activities that may be needed to continue staying alive and well. Metal in all different forms can play an integral role in this. So whether you are prepping for the end of the world or just the next snowstorm and emergency electrical block-out that might last for days, here are a few ways that custom metal implements can come in handy

Rustic meals and heat

The summer months are the only times when there is almost guaranteed to be natural warmth in the nights that may not require an outside source of heat. At most other points in the year, staying warm will be of concern whether or not you are indoors. The source of heat that you prepare can also be the source for preparing meals. There are portable items such as kerosene or propane heaters that will address the heating problem in a pinch. These can be had at most hardware or camping stores and can cost up to $100. However, you would need an alternate source for preparing meals.

To address that concern, you could have a customized wood-burning metal furnace installed in your home or have an insert put into an existing one that is EPA approved. This might cost upwards of about $3000 depending on where you live. Other suggestions include making a metal swing from which pots can be made to hang for cooking.

Protection concerns

During or following a disaster, keeping your family safe can become a major concern. Even though evidence suggests that during a disaster crime rates tend to drop rather than increase, it pays to still be prepared. While the motivation that is cited for burglary during this time is said to be "need rather than greed," you might want to protect the resources that you have for yourself and your family. Getting a metal door with bolts on the inside along with a metal door bar can help to protect what's yours especially in the light of decreased electronic security due to power failure.  

Since windows can also serve to be a point of entry as well, getting solid window bolts to keep your reinforced windows in place may be just the action to take. You can also arrange for customized metal bars on the windows to keep looters out. This would have to customized to allow for exits though so that it does not serve to trap you and your family inside.

For more information about metal products that you can use for prepping, contact a professional like Custom Stamping & Mfg Co.

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