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So how does one store food long-term in a stable temperature with no electricity? I also live somewhere with big temperature swings.
I keep our food storage out in a pole barn, which I also use as a garage and shop.
In summer, it doesn't get very hot in there, maybe 70 to 75F. In winter, it would get really cold in there, but I semi-heat it to about 50 to 55F, with a propane heater. I do that because we have a couple of 2,000 gallon water tanks on one end, and I don't want those to freeze when we get to -20 for a few weeks at a time. It's also better for the cars and mini tractor if the engine blocks don't get that cold.
So, I'm looking at about a 20F difference year round, which is perfectly fine. If you are in NH, I'll bet you have a garage, basement or elsewhere that you could do the same with.
I do have a garage that is a bit of a walk away from the house, but it is a large garage. Badly insulated but mostly because it was empty for a couple of years and critters have really messed up the insulation which was exposed. It used to be heated and has some kind of old and decrepit heating system but I highly doubt it works anymore. I'd be nervous having a propane heater running unsupervised out there.
I do have a 3/4 height basement - not quite a "real" basement and not quite a crawl space. It has stone walls and a dirt floor. Access is by a trap door in the floor with a ladder going down. I had been thinking this might make a good root cellar but it's too much of a hassle to get up and down for regularly used items. I don't know how cold it gets down there or how hot. I keep meaning to get a remote thermometer but keep forgetting to do so. I did put heat tapes on the water lines down there. I'd mostly be concerned about attracting critters down there by doing so.
Thanks for explaining your setup, Nor'eastah. It's given me some options to think about!
My problem where I am is not storing the food I have a lot of 30 years storage, [and I do happen to be a Mormon]
Problem is both having enough or a supply of water. and also a good cooking source. I do have propane camping stove larger two burner style. and I have a rocket stove, but unless I want to go outside to cook with them it would be dangerous to use in the house.
I live on a lot only slightly bigger than the house, so not a lot of room and others are very close by. I expect in an emergency situation they would be coming after us for food especially if I am cooking it outdoors. and what water I have stored would last about two days.
Our furnace is broken at the moment and will take about a week to fix, but even fixed, not sure it would run without electricity and natural gas.
Also I have no money to buy more water storage units.
retired, and disabled on fixed income SS.
I expect in an emergency situation they would be coming after us for food especially if I am cooking it outdoors.
I do have an inexpensive solution to your cooking problem. It's called a butane stove. You can get them on Amazon for $20 to 25. (Sorry cannot link, as I am on a tablet). It's a compact, light weight single burner stove with adjustable flame, and is absolutely safe to use indoors. It takes canned butane, and will cook for about 14 hours on one can. We have a couple of them, and we often use them when we need an extra burner for holiday meals.
My problem where I am is not storing the food I have a lot of 30 years storage, [and I do happen to be a Mormon]
Problem is both having enough or a supply of water. and also a good cooking source. I do have propane camping stove larger two burner style. and I have a rocket stove, but unless I want to go outside to cook with them it would be dangerous to use in the house.
I live on a lot only slightly bigger than the house, so not a lot of room and others are very close by. I expect in an emergency situation they would be coming after us for food especially if I am cooking it outdoors. and what water I have stored would last about two days.
Our furnace is broken at the moment and will take about a week to fix, but even fixed, not sure it would run without electricity and natural gas.
Also I have no money to buy more water storage units.
retired, and disabled on fixed income SS.
Sterno is used as a fuel in restaurant buffets and other indoor settings. They make a small stove for camp and emergency use. Sterno is just jellied alcohol. There are other brands of fuel which are identical but far lower in cost. I have the stove and have tested it; it works fine indoors.
My problem where I am is not storing the food I have a lot of 30 years storage, [and I do happen to be a Mormon]
Problem is both having enough or a supply of water. and also a good cooking source. I do have propane camping stove larger two burner style. and I have a rocket stove, but unless I want to go outside to cook with them it would be dangerous to use in the house.
I live on a lot only slightly bigger than the house, so not a lot of room and others are very close by. I expect in an emergency situation they would be coming after us for food especially if I am cooking it outdoors. and what water I have stored would last about two days.
Our furnace is broken at the moment and will take about a week to fix, but even fixed, not sure it would run without electricity and natural gas.
Also I have no money to buy more water storage units.
retired, and disabled on fixed income SS.
It's time to change your buying habits.
Quote:
Originally Posted by arwenmark
I am an Acorn person myself, get mine through Amazon Prime but pay another $4.99 a month for it. Love the British and Canadian shows on there.
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