Real Stories, Real Power: 4Patriots Generator Owners Share Their Experiences
There’s one thing you can depend on almost as much as you can count on storms knocking out your power.
And that’s the fact that companies will only say positive things about their products. Makes perfect sense. Nobody who bad-mouths their products is going to make sales.
So, I take everything companies say about their products with a grain of salt. Maybe several grains. What I really long to hear is what their customers say about their products.
I would imagine you’re the same way. Now, not all of the more than 150,996 Americans who purchased a solar-powered generator from 4Patriots took time to tell us how it protected them and their families. But many did. And today I want to share some of their stories with you.
‘I’ll Never Be Without This Lifesaving Tool’
Here’s what Joe B. says about how his 4Patriots generator saved the day.
“My Patriot Power Generator arrived four days before Ian “the beast” hurricane hit my town. It was a lifesaver.
“After losing all power, we would have been in absolute darkness with no way to communicate to the outside world. If we needed aid or rescue, it would have been impossible with dead phone batteries.
“The Patriot Power Generator was everything you said it was and more. I say this with tears in my eyes: I’ll never be without at least one. Great product, people! You should be proud!” – Joe B.
‘I Kept My Family From Shivering’
Angel H. was exactly the hero her family needed.
“Just went through the winter storm. I absolutely love my 1800 generator. It is a life saver! We had three days of no power with below freezing temperatures. We have a 3-year old and a 75-year old to take care of — their lives depend on my ability to provide.
“I hooked up TV and DVD players, and had small 250-watt heaters. I put the solar panels in the windows all day while our generator was in use. Even though there was no direct sunlight, the panels helped keep the generator charged.
“After three days, we still had a small charge on our generator while keeping my family entertained and warm enough not to shiver. Side note, I used the StarFire camp stove (you burn twigs) in a separate room with an open window to cook our 4Patriots survival meals. Yeehaw!!!
“Warm, entertained, and fed! Thank you, 4Patriots.” – Angel H
More Generator Customers Weigh In
Before I share a third written testimonial with you, feel free to check out this video. It will enable you to see the faces and hear the voices of happy generator customers.
But please come back when you’re done watching and listening. I have a personal message for you as well.
‘Best Decision I’ve Ever Made’
Donald L. is confident he made the right call.
“I decided to buy the PPG 2000x with the solar panel and this thing is fantastic. Now, trudging out to the back building to get my big gas generator in a storm and dragging it down to the house is not my idea of fun.
“I put this unit on a small cart in the attached garage and just pull it in when needed. I keep it all charged up along with the expansion pack.
“And I put a hanger just outside the back door for the solar panel. So during longer power outages I can run the cord into the house and charge it where it sits when in use. My first time using it, it worked as advertised.
“Not only is the generator a great product, the 4Patriots customer service folks are fantastic, easy to work with, answer all your questions and make interactions very pleasant. It’s a company I will order from again in the future. Thanks, 4Patriots, and nice job on this product.”
Your New Generator Comes With Peace of Mind
By purchasing a 4Patriots solar-powered generator, you did the right thing. You’ve ensured that you and your family will have power when you most need it. And you’ve gained the type of peace of mind you can’t put a price tag on.
Like Joe, you’ll have a way to produce electricity when the next big storm results in a power outage in your neighborhood.
Like Angel, you could be the hero everyone in your household looks up to because you thought ahead and prepared for an uncertain future.
And like Donald, you don’t have to depend on a loud, smelly, and potentially dangerous gas generator you keep in a shed. You can grab your quiet, fume-free generator from whichever room you keep it in whenever you need it.
I’m proud of you for making a decision you’ll never regret. Others may be powerless in an emergency. But not you. Not with a solar-powered generator from 4Patriots.
Preparedness Notes for Friday — March 8, 2024
On March 8th, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 with 239 people lost contact and disappeared, prompting the most expensive search effort in history and one of the most enduring aviation mysteries. March 8th is the birthday of famed revolver shooter, big game hunter, and gun writer Elmer Keith, who co-designed the S&W .44 Magnum and […]
Making Wine At Home – Part 1, by H.F.K.
People have been making wine for almost as long as there have been people. In the Bible, we’re told that Noah, after disembarking from the ark, “was the first to plant a vineyard.” (Genesis 9:21) This article will give you some how-tos, whats, and whsy on making wine at home, as well as a brief […]
Fresh Fruit & Veggie Season Approaching – How to Make Them Last
There are some areas of the country where the weather is known for changing rapidly. You’ll hear people say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.”
Something similar can be said for fruit and vegetables. When fresh, they look, feel, smell, and taste great. But if you wait too long before eating them, it’s a different story.
Fresh fruit and vegetable season is rapidly approaching in many parts of the country. Folks are looking forward to enjoying them. Knowing how good they are for us adds another positive dimension to eating them.
But with the high prices for produce these days, it’s more important than ever not to waste it. It also helps to learn how to make them last as long as possible.
Today I want to provide you with tips on preserving your fruit and veggies. That way they’ll stay good until you’re ready to eat them.
Let lettuce leaves go AWOL
If you buy bagged salad at the grocery store, you know how great it looks when you place it in your refrigerator. But after it’s opened and you use some of it, watch out. The lettuce will start wilting quickly.
A good way to avoid this is by removing the lettuce leaves from the rest of the salad items. Wash them off and place them in an airtight, zippered bag.
If instead you purchase a head of lettuce, remove the individual leaves. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours.
Rinse them off and put them in an airtight, zippered bag. Then place the bag into the fridge. Your lettuce leaves will stay crisp and fresh much longer this way.
Onions, asparagus & herbs
Onions are another item that can go bad. Sometimes even before you use them. To avoid this, chop them up when you get home from the store. Put them in a resealable bag and place them in the freezer.
Remove the bag and grab what you need next time you’re preparing a salad. Then return the bag to the freezer.
One of the reasons other vegetables such as asparagus start wilting too soon is because they lack hydration. To offset this, store them upright in a glass with about an inch of water in it. Or, wrap a damp paper towel around the base of the asparagus.
You can do the same thing with herbs. Including parsley, basil, coriander, dill, mint, and others. If you want to be frugal, store leftover herbs in an ice tray in your freezer and pour water over them. Other herbs such as rosemary and thyme can go in an airtight bag in the fridge.
Fruitful strategies
You might want items such as tomatoes, apples, pears, melons, avocados, and mangoes to ripen. Mainly because you want to use them in the next day or so. Leave them in a bowl on a countertop where you’ll see them and not forget about them.
But items such as grapes, berries, and citrus should be refrigerated. That’s so they don’t deteriorate too quickly.
If you cut fruit and only use some of it for a meal, protect the remainder from softening too quickly with an airtight seal.
Then place that bag or container in the fridge. This will help your fruit last much longer.
Bacteria-fighting vinegar
Here’s one thing to keep in mind when ensuring that fruits and vegetables last longer. Don’t store them together in the same bag or container.
Some fruit produces ethylene gas. It can make vegetables (and other fruit, for that matter) ripen too quickly.
When you get berries and other fruits back to your home from the store – or from picking them outdoors – wash them in a 3-to-1 or 4-to-1 ratio of water to vinegar. The vinegar will help kill any bacteria found on fruits.
Let them dry on parchment paper, then store them in a container with the paper. But leave the lid slightly open to give moisture a chance to escape.
A few more tricks
- For fruit that has not ripened yet – such as apples and peaches – put them in a paper bag and place it on a windowsill.
- You don’t need to wait until you’re ready to eat your fruits and vegetables to wash them off. Do it as soon as you return from the store or your garden. That way they’ll be ready to eat as soon as you want them.
- Most fruits and veggies will last longer in a fridge than in a bowl on a table or countertop. Including apples, berries, grapes and apricots. As well as pears, peaches, nectarines, and cherries. Plus celery, carrots, and avocados. Place them in a mason jar with water.
- But some fruits will do better at room temperature. Such as bananas, oranges, and grapefruit. As well as cantaloupe, watermelon, lemons, and limes.
- If you wait a little too long to eat fruit and you’re still not ready to eat it, chop it up, place it in airtight bags, and toss it in the freezer. You’ll want to use it later for smoothies.
Utilizing these tips and tricks to making fruits and vegetables last longer will reduce food waste and help you save money by preserving precious resources.
CNBC: “Inflation Won’t Go Away.” Neither Will High Food Prices
What’s the deal with all these conflicting reports? Why does one news outlet report that inflation is going down and another says it’s increasing? Somehow, both are true…
Inflation is currently down from the extremely high levels it reached during the first half of 2022. And even from the highs it reached last summer.
But the consumer price index (CPI) jumped more than expected in January. By 0.3%. This was a blow to the current administration. They’ve been touting an improvement in an area of concern to the vast majority of Americans. Especially during a presidential election year.
And even when inflation figures were dropping, prices for food and new homes were continuing to rise. That’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
‘Right Direction’ Doesn’t Pay the Bills
A recent CNBC headline said it best: “Inflation Won’t Go Away.”
Lisa Sturtevant is the chief economist at Bright MLS. They are a multiple listing service based in Maryland. She said, “Inflation is generally moving in the right direction.
“But it’s important to remember that a lower inflation rate does not mean that prices of most things are falling.
“Rather, it simply means that prices are rising more slowly. Consumers are still feeling the pinch of higher prices for the things they buy most often.”
Will Interest Rate Cuts Be Delayed?
Those who anticipated a better financial report for January are concerned the federal government will not lower interest rates as soon as expected.
The Fed will base its decision on the data that comes in. Not on the expectations of lowering inflation.
Some were expecting the first interest rate cut to come as soon as May. This recent financial report may delay that action.
Costs for some items fell in January, while others rose. For example, eggs prices were up by 3.4%, while ham prices declined by 3.1%. Used vehicles and clothes prices dropped. But electricity and airline fares rose.
Supermarket Prices Up 25% From 4 Years Ago
No matter which party is in control, they will try to make things sound better than they really are. They want to get re-elected. But you have to look at the fine print.
The reality is, prices for most food items are still heading upward. And that includes meat.
I mentioned a moment ago that the CPI rose by 0.3% in January. Food was a major contributor to that increase. It rose by 0.4%.
Now, 0.4% may not seem like a big deal. But if you look at where grocery store prices were four years ago, it gets very real. Supermarket prices are now 25% higher than they were in January of 2020. And inflation has increased by 19% over that same time period.
Frustrated Consumers Point to Food Prices
Yahoo Finance conducted a poll late last year. They asked people where they felt most impacted by inflation.
Two-thirds of those responding cited food prices as the biggest culprit. That compares to only 10% who listed gas prices and higher rents as the largest factors.
Greg Wilensky is the head of U.S. fixed income at Janus Henderson Investors, based in the U.K. He said the recent rise in inflation in the U.S. was “boosted by a notable uptick in food inflation.”
He added that, “We have not seen a food inflation print this high since the beginning of last year.”
Drought & Greed Impact Meat Costs
Why is inflation not settling down after all this time? As with most economic questions, there are no easy answers. There are too many factors involved.
But when it comes to meat, one thing stands out above the others. There are record-low numbers of cattle in the U.S. right now. Mainly due to drought. It has reduced pasture for raising cows over the past year or so.
Of course, that means there is less beef and steak available. Demand is exceeding supply – by quite a bit. And that always translates into higher prices.
Policy experts and President Joe Biden also blame corporations for unnecessarily raising prices. These companies have been accused of price gouging and “greedflation.”
5 Food Categories Hit Especially Hard
One think tank has identified five specific food categories in which prices have risen most dramatically.
The categories are beef and veal; poultry; non-frozen, non-carbonated juices and drinks; fresh fruits and vegetables; and snacks.
Notice they listed beef, veal, and poultry first. Beef and veal prices rose 7.7% in just the past month. You’ve probably noticed this at your grocery store. Avoiding the grocery store just makes things worse. Fast-food prices are climbing significantly as well.
And as always happens, folks in lower income brackets are hit hardest by rising food prices. They have to spend a greater percentage of their limited incomes just to acquire enough food to survive.
Lock in a Low Price
What’s the answer for folks whose budgets are being hit hard by stubborn inflation “that won’t go away?”
Watch carefully for deals, use coupons, and don’t purchase more food than you and your family will use.
Even if inflation cools later this year as some economists predict, food prices will probably remain high.
So, lock in good prices now by purchasing meat and other foods with a long shelf life. It will be there for you the next time inflation rears its ugly head.
The Ins and Outs of Solar Power… and How It Benefits You
We hear a lot about solar power these days. The Earth’s natural resources only go so far to help us produce energy. But we have a free and powerful energy source in the sky. So why not take advantage of it?
We all know that solar power involves the sun’s rays to deliver heat. And many of us know that photovoltaic (PV) cells convert that heat into energy.
We understand that energy produced by the sun can be used to power a variety of electronic devices. But for many of us, our basic knowledge of the topic ends there.
Of course, there’s a lot more to it. Today I want to dig deeper into solar power. Focusing mainly on what it is and how it works. As well as how we can use this free energy to cut back on our reliance on expensive forms of energy.
It’s a power plant in the sky
When many of us hear the phrase “solar power,” we first think of solar panels. We see them on top of houses and businesses. As well as in large fields dedicated to this purpose.
Using solar panels to create electricity in our homes is a great way to become more self-sufficient. And to save money and preserve the environment.
The best thing about it is that the source of this energy is free. Our sun has been called a power plant in the sky.
Old Sol has enough energy to power all our needs. It won’t run out. Well, at least not for another 5 billion years or so. And it doesn’t give off carbon dioxide emissions.
PV cells jump-start electrons
The key is figuring out how to harness that energy. And turn it into the electrical power we need to run our world.
Rays coming from the sun take about eight minutes to arrive here from that ball of fire some 93 million miles away. They provide heat we can feel on our skin on a sunny day. But we need certain materials to convert that energy into electricity.
Enter solar panels, which are made up of PV cells. These cells are typically made from silicon, which is a semiconductor. The bonds of a crystal – located between silicon atoms – consist of electrons shared between all the crystal’s atoms.
When the sun’s rays start becoming absorbed, electrons in the bonds get “excited” to a higher energy level. Now set into motion, they move around more freely than when they were bound. And that’s what produces a flow of electric current.
Solar panels have multiple parts
After absorbing the sun’s energy, PV cells convert it to DC electricity. The solar inverter then converts DC electricity to AC electricity. That’s what’s used by most home appliances.
The electricity flowing through a home powers electronic devices. Excess electricity produced by solar panels is fed to the electric grid.
Regardless of whether it’s large or small, the typical solar panel contains a layer of silicon cells and a metal frame. Plus a glass casing offering durability and protection for the silicon PV cells. As well as wiring to allow current to flow from the cells.
There’s also a layer of insulation to keep the temperature in check. And a back sheet that protects against heat dissipation and humidity inside the panel. Plus a reflective coating that increases sunlight absorption.
The costs keep dropping
Silicon is not a metal. But it does have conductive properties allowing it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. Silicon solar cells are usually manufactured in one of two cell formations. They are monocrystalline or polycrystalline.
The difference is that monocrystalline cells consist of a single silicon crystal. Polycrystalline cells are made up of fragments or shards of silicon.
The mono format gives electrons more room to move around. This results in a higher efficiency of solar technology.
For a number of years, scientists’ enthusiasm about solar energy was tempered by high costs. But those costs have come down significantly over the past 15 years or so.
Solar photovoltaic module prices have dropped by 89 percent since 2010. They may drop by another 34 percent by 2030. And by 2050, they should drop by about 63 percent.
Powering a generator
The large solar panels we see on rooftops are only part of the equation. Smaller solar panels – which can be used individually or by daisy-chaining them – can also be used to power specific electronic items. Including generators.
Smaller solar panels generate less electricity. But they are sufficient for a number of tasks. Assuming they receive the sunlight they need. And that the cells within them are efficient.
For example, if a 100-watt solar panel receives unobstructed sunshine during afternoon hours for just one hour, it should generate 100 watt-hours of electricity.
That same panel will produce less electricity in the morning and early evenings when the sun is lower in the sky.
However, you can maximize the electricity it will produce during those times by angling it toward the sun. And by making sure there is no shade on the panel. Shade on one cell can negatively affect the efficiency of other cells.
Smaller solar-powered devices have much smaller solar panels. But they do the same kind of work that keeps them powered up.
Little maintenance, long lifespan
Let me conclude with a couple of notes about the care and feeding of solar panels.
One of the many great things about solar panels is they require very little maintenance. If you can do a very light cleaning two to four times per year, they should last between 25 and 30 years.
But be very careful when you clean them. Use a soft-bristled cleaning brush and a non-abrasive cleaning agent.
You can use cold water to rinse. The best time to clean them is early in the morning before they get hot. That’s because cold water and hot panels don’t play well together.
Utilizing solar power will save you money, make you more self-reliant, and help protect the environment. And that’s a winning trifecta.
Could You Survive an EMP?
Electricity is one of the greatest inventions in mankind’s history.
It allowed humans, after countless centuries, to finally gain some control over their environment.
We could now see better in the dark. Heat and cool our homes. Establish infrastructure for power, water, and gas utilities.
But there’s a downside to this achievement. We’ve become dependent on electricity. If it’s eliminated for a long period of time, nature will once again control humans.
9 Out of 10 Won’t Make It
There are many events that could knock out the electrical grid. Including extreme weather and equipment malfunctions.
But none is more frightening than an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). An EMP has the potential to render us powerless for weeks, months, or years.
Whether caused by coronal mass ejections (solar flares) or a terrorist attack, experts say a vast majority of us would not survive if the resulting blackout lasted a year or more.
Frank J. Gaffney Jr. is a former deputy assistant to the U.S. secretary of defense. He said, “Nine out of 10 of us wouldn’t make it if an attack on the grid resulted in the power going out and staying out for a year.”
Is Another Carrington Event Coming?
Former CIA Director R. James Woolsey Jr. agrees. He said, “A very low yield nuclear detonation from a very simple small missile… launched up 20 miles above the earth can be absolutely devastating to transformers and the rest of the electrical infrastructure.”
The most well-known “sun storm” in North American history occurred in 1859, becoming known as the Carrington Event.
A super solar flare shot directly toward the Earth. It resulted in a mammoth cloud of charged particles and detached magnetic loops. They crashed into Earth’s magnetic field. And caused skies to turn red, green, and purple.
The solar storm disrupted communications and shocked technicians. And it could happen again. As it nearly did in 2012. Space weather analyst John Kappenman says, we’re “playing a game of Russian roulette with the sun.”
Enemies Know Where to Strike First
Another very real scenario involves a deliberate EMP attack by one of America’s enemies.
The bad guys are not interested in turning off our lights for a few hours. They want to plunge us back into Little House on the Prairie days.
Do they have the know-how and resources to pull off such a horrific assault? Yes. A bomb capable of producing a powerful EMP could be developed using inexpensive supplies and basic engineering knowledge.
Former Texas state senator Bob Hall said this. “We actually know that the Russians, the Chinese, the Iranians have in their war plans the first strike plan to take out our electrical power system with an EMP attack.”
The Consequences Are Devastating
An EMP’s damage would be catastrophic. Life as we know it would be over. Immediate failures would be evident everywhere.
From essential infrastructure such as power, water, and gas utilities. Plus banking systems and ATMs. And transportation of food, water, and other goods.
Military defenses would also be affected. It would take years to repair the damage. The Department of Homeland Security admits it’s not prepared to deal with such an attack.
None of us is capable of stopping solar flares or terrorist attacks. But we could focus on what to do before, during, and after a blackout caused by an EMP.
What to Do Before an EMP Strike
- Assemble a supply of emergency food and water for your family. And secure a solar-powered generator.
- Build an emergency kit or bug-out bag. Consider having an additional emergency kit at your place of business.
- Make a family communications plan. Conduct a dry run every few months.
- Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer. Leave an inch of space because water expands while freezing.
- Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. And your car could be the only heating or air conditioning you’ll have for a while.
- Get a supply of cash. Some stores may not be able to process credit and debit card purchases. Cash machines may not work.
What to Do During a Blackout Caused by an EMP
- Use flashlights for emergency lighting. Using candles during a power outage is a fire risk.
- If you use a generator, keep lights on sparingly. You could become a target if your home is lighted at night.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed so food stays as cold as possible.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances and electronics when power goes out. They could be damaged if power returns with a surge.
- If it’s hot outside, go to your home’s lowest level. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water. Keep curtains closed.
- If it’s cold outside, wear clothing layers. Open curtains during the day.
What to Do After a Blackout From an EMP
- Any food exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two-plus hours should be discarded. Same for food with an unusual odor, color, or texture.
- Even food that looks and smells OK may contain bacteria that causes food-borne illnesses. When in doubt, toss it out.
- Don’t turn all appliances on at once. Get heat or air conditioning on first. Wait 10-15 minutes before turning on other appliances.
- If water from faucets has not been running but now is working again, don’t drink it right away. Let it run. Learn if nearby water sources have been compromised.
The only way to protect yourself from a long-term blackout caused by an EMP is preparation. The time to do that is now.
Preparedness Notes for Thursday — March 7, 2024
On March 7, 1778, Captain James Cook first sighted the Oregon coast at Yaquina Bay. March 7, 1707 was the birthday of Stephen Hopkins, (Governor of Rhode Island) one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. And March 7, 1944 was the birthday of Townes Van Zandt, a gifted Texan singer/songwriter. (He died in […]
Separett Waterless Composting Toilet, by OhioGalt
Not the most comfortable topic to discuss but closing up the cabin last week I realized that our toilet has been problem-free for many years and worthy of a brief review to share with the readers of SurvivalBlog. I did not receive any compensation for this review, and we purchased this unit four years ago […]
Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — March 6, 2024
On March 6, 1475 Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti—who exerted an unparalleled influence on Western sculpture, painting, and architecture and whose works rank among the most famous in existence—was born in the Republic of Florence. Today is the birthday of Georg Johann Luger (March 6, 1849 – December 22, 1923). He was the Austrian designer […]
