Originally Posted By: adam2
Very recently I was asked to examine, and where relevant test COMMUNITY preps in a village hall. Results were mixed.

Folding beds 42=== FAIL several failed to hold the weight of a 110 kilo volunteer, who was selected for being of greater than average weight but not hugely excessive. I recommended replacing half the stock, and marking the old ones "ONLY FOR CHILD"

Blankets 120 =====Looked in fair condition but smelled bad. Recommended laundering entire stock, and line drying outdoors.

Bath/shower towels 25==========FAIL no longer existing ! Funny thing to steal as more valuable items remained untouched. Replacements ordered.

Folding chairs and tables, no detailed examination as these are in regular use without complaint.

Mountain House doomfood 200 portions. All good, visual examination only, 15 years until expiry.

Other food stocks, checked for expiry dates and condition, all good.

Flashlights, lanterns, home made battery powered area lights 8 ====Functional test, all worked perfectly.

Alkaline D cells 150=============Visual examination and check expiry dates. One pack of 50 about to expire, others 3 years until expiry, two leaking cells discarded. Suggested purchase of another pack of 50.

Battery transistor radio receivers, functional test, worked fine.

Fixed emergency lighting installation 6=============FAIL, fitted new batteries and left working.

All portable line voltage electrical appliances tested in line with accepted practice. All but one passed, defective item replaced.





Updates.
Folding beds, 30 new ones purchased and tested by a suitably heavy person. Best of the old ones kept and marked "only for child"

Blankets, all machine washed and line dried. Cool wash for wool ones and hot for the cotton ones. A few replacements purchased as two came apart when washed. Kept the damaged ones for pet bedding.

Bath/shower towels, 36 replacements purchased, ex hotel rental ones, cheap.

Alkaline D cells, 50 purchased.

Also tested the fire alarm with mains power turned off. Complete failure. Fitted new batteries to control panel and left working.
The alarm is tested weekly, but no one thought to test it on battery power only.

I also suggested purchase of a small rowing boat as the most likely emergency is flooding. Preferably not inflatable.