The scariest thing about EMP is using works of fiction as authoritative sources of information. Surely there is a better way.

Believe me, I'm not and I hope no one is using works of fiction as authoritative sources.

I'm just looking for ways to motivate my DW to step it up a notch, in terms of taking real preparedness more seriously, and if a work of fiction can help motivate her, more than my nagging, then that is fine with me.

buckeye

You're probably not far off Susan. I spent time on the weekend in an area that was on it's fourth day without power and people were going a little wrangy. No lights, no heat, no flushing toilets, no elevators, no traffic lights, no tv, take-out food and ice from a nearby town, having to charge iphones in the car...

It was fascinating to listen to. Made me wonder what would happen if it was on a larger scale, was longer lasting and or if it involved more damage or injuries.

Strange was Those large 5 gallon jugs of water available to purchase at any stores? Toilets can be flushed by filling the back tank with atleast 3 gallons of water.

We had a few navigational challenges that threw our timing off, Frisket, so I didn't get a chance to check out the stores. I was just listening to the stories. There was no big disaster, just a wind and rain storm that knocked power out and caused some flooding and other damage.

There are lots of work-arounds but it's sometimes hard to hear them when you're complaining about not being prepar... wait, I mean, taken care of.

Most toilets will flush pretty well of you pour a couple of gallons in the bowl quickly. There is a bit of technique to it. With the right touch and toilet a single gallon will flush it. It helps if you pour from a bucket as it makes rapid pouring easier.

One gallon of water poured out of a bucket quickly will flush virtually any toilet. One gallon of water poured out of the small neck of a jug won't do anything except waste water.

And I hope no one is using drinking water to flush toilets...


Buckeye, start with Alas, Babylon, where the people actually do things. The main character in Earth Abides is basically just a philosopher, useless even in the short run.

Sue