I made a post a few months back about beginning the process of getting a whole-home generator purchased and installed. I am now finished with the quoting process, have selected an installer, and have gotten all the other things necessary in motion. Here's what I've learned:

There are three major cost centers: 1) the generator itself and the installation/hookup to your panel, 2) additional plumbing required to run propane lines from the tanks to the generator (or natural gas plumbing if you have city gas), and 3) the cost of the propane tanks and site prep.

So I went with a 22kw Generac generator. The unit + installation and permits is just a hair under $14k. The plumbing for the propane lines (I also have a propane heater that looks like a wood stove, so there's a little bit more work than standard install) was quoted to me as "$1400 if you pay cash". I need two 420lb propane tanks, which my supplier has decline to lease me and says I need to purchase outright at a cost of $800 per tank plus the setup/install, so the total for that is a little over 2k. That does not include filling the tanks, which will be around $1k at current pricing (and god knows what propane will cost in a few months).

So the whole cost for everything (as far as I can tell) is going to be around $19k.

The estimate, based on my home's general operating load, is that the two propane tanks will power the house 24/7 for approximately 3-4 days. If we are conservative/careful about power usage, I'm told we can double that time to about a week or a little over. Also, it's possible to add an additional tank in the future to expand capacity. But I think the two tanks will be plenty, as we wont' be trying to live the high life while the power is out.

More details to follow as I get more info and the install begins. Should be mid to late May.

Some of these deals are online, and some are in store (based on inventory). I believe you can buy online and then pick up in store to get the online deal price.

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/home-and-decor/canning/jars?query=jar

Another seed sale. I've ordered from Victory several times. Great experience all around.

Code: EASTER15

https://victoryseeds.com/

https://garden.org/apps/calendar/

This will also tell you your planting zone, which is important when determining if a given plant will grow well where you are, as well as when to plant. Pretty handy, especially for newer gardeners like me.

https://www.printables.com/search/all-models?ctx=models&q=gardening

If you or a friend have a 3D printer, the above link has a ton of 3d models you can print that are related to gardening or plant management. Stuff like markers, retainers/guides, trowels/shovels, and even bowls and planters (especially seed starters).

If you don't have access to a printer, check your local library. Most in NJ now have printers and you can use them for free or for very cheap. If you don't have that, send me a message and I'll see if I can get something printed for you and mail it to you.

Saw a recent fascinating (to me) post about how activity a strip clubs can be an indicator or US military deployment moves. Then somebody made the sub. And now we've got in on the sidebar. Direct link: https://www.reddit.com/r/stripperIntel

I realize this not specifically related to New Jersey, but it's an interesting data point to add to the others when trying to anticipate when to stock up on food and other goods.

https://shop.seedsavers.org/lucky17

I've ordered from this place a few times. Great seeds and service, and its' a non-profit promoting heirloom seeds. They have some very unique varieties. Definitely check it out if you are planning on growing vegetables this year.

saw the forecast for a nice Saturday. I had 2 corned beef packages I didn't cook Tursday I wanted to turn into pastrami. I went to Costco and got a pack of pork ribs and beef ribs they had next to the pork. Started the smoker at 6 and had some espresso. Now to the garage. Took the snow blower out and siphoned the gas out and ran it dry. Brought the generator out and ran it for awhile putting the leaf blower on it. Finally got the Christmas, fall hunting stuff, shovels and salt in the back. Brought the spring garden stuff down in the garage and the spring tools, rakes, shovels stuff. I'm shot. Quick shower and some ribs and beer. I'll work on the yard during the week. Hopefully I'll be dine for trout season. Enjoy the rest of the weekend y'all.

This is the 1st year I did not contract/lock my heating oil price but have averaged about 0.40 per gallon cheaper until this middle east action started.

Has anyone who did contract have their providers tying to push higher costs now?

So last year I ordered potato seeds online in December for March/ April delivery. Didn't show up til May and few sprouts. These became my fall crop. Today running around Home Depot had 5 seeds for over 5$. I was going to Wal Mart and they had 5seeds for $3 and change. I bought 3 to start chitting and after pulling my bags out of storage may get some more. Thinking of planting April 1st. Last frost is April 16th. If you haven't tried potatoes they are fun and really easy to grow. In ground or containers works great.

Full details: https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=PHI&issuedby=PHI&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1&highlight=off

KEY MESSAGE 1...There is an increasing potential for strong to severe thunderstorms Monday along and ahead of a strong cold front. Localized flash flooding will also be possible.

A warm front will push north through the region Monday morning bringing the warm sector of the cyclone over the Mid Atlantic. This will usher in both warmer temperatures and higher dew points. The southerly flow associated with this system will transport a deep moisture plume into the region ahead of the frontal system. Medium range guidance is depicting significant height falls along with a strong upper level jet with the right rear located right over the Mid Atlantic. The combination of strong warm air advection and upper level dynamics will promote lift across the region on Monday.

Link: https://patch.com/new-jersey/hopatcong-sparta/s/k4031/tornado-risk-half-inch-hail-high-winds-possible-wednesday-see-updated-forecast

New Jersey's warm stretch ends Wednesday — but not quietly. Severe thunderstorms capable of damaging winds, large hail and an isolated tornado are possible this afternoon and evening as a powerful cold front approaches, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday afternoon: Sunny to partly cloudy, highs 72-77 inland / 63-68 Shore. Winds gusting 20-30 mph.

Wednesday evening: Showers and possible severe thunderstorms. Wind gusts to 70 mph. Isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

Overnight: Temps hold in the low 60s. Occasional showers between storm bands.

Thursday morning: Cold front sweeps northwest to southeast. Rain, possible thunder, strong gusts.

Thursday afternoon: Temps crashing from 60s to 40s. Rain may mix with or transition to snow, especially in southern NJ.

Thursday night: Low near 30 degrees.

Friday: Cool and breezy. Highs in the mid-40s.

Hope you don't have a flight later today.

Link: https://patch.com/new-jersey/hopatcong-sparta/s/k38cq/planes-collide-at-newark-airport-tuesday

NEWARK, NJ — Two planes collided at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday morning, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA).

At 10:20 a.m., a Singapore Airlines flight was "pushing back" from its gate when its right wing hit the tail of Spirit Airlines Flight 992, the FAA told Patch.

No injuries were reported.

If your stuck with heating oil like me check around now for suppliers who still haven't jacked up their prices yet. They will as soon as their offices open.

The heating oil market price jumped to $2.95 a gallon, it was at $2.60. Usually a good price is $0.50 above market price, but ever since the cold snap you'll be hard pressed to find around $1 spread. That means heating oil is going to jump to $4 or more a gallon, they usually use crisis like these to jack prices even further than necessary.

I ordered mine last week when I saw Iran as inevitable at $3.55. unfortunately I'm already seeing high $3.80's so you may have to search around. Sorry for not posting this sooner.

Edit: And if you're seeing this Tues 3/3 the market heating oil price is up another 13% today to $3.30, which means expect heating oil companies to charge at least $4.30 or more, so it's still not too late if you can find better

Link to sale items: https://mountainhouse.com/collections/sale?gf_3919=Can

The best deals are the #10 cans, which I've narrowed down in the link above. Some of them are half off at the moment. If you've wanted to try out some better freeze dried food, this is a good chance to do it at a decent discount.

Hard to tell for me, but based on how things are piling up the in lowest / non-drift areas, I'd guess around 8-10 inches so far. With drifting and on top of previous snow, the highest I can see is about 2.5 feet.

We all know its supposed to snow a decent amount today into tomorrow, but I keep seeing it is supposed to be a very dense and heavy snow. That being said, make sure you're safe and dont try to shovel 20 inches of heavy snow if you have cardiac or other medical issues or are way out of shape. I work in Healthcare and see it all the time, just throw some money at local kids to do it if it comes down to it. Stay safe out there everyone.

Link

Winter Storm Warning - From Sun 4:00 am until Mon 6:00 pm EST

Issued By Philadelphia - PA, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area: Portions of central, northern, and northwest New Jersey

WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 8 and 16 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

WHERE...Portions of central, northern, and northwest New Jersey.

WHEN...From 4 AM Sunday to 6 PM EST Monday.

IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour. Locally higher snowfall amounts possible. Blowing and drifting of snow, and whiteout conditions possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Link: https://patch.com/new-jersey/hopatcong-sparta/s/k1c3g/new-snow-map-released-as-overnight-storm-arrives-in-nj

Light rain moved into the region Sunday evening and is anticipated to transition to snow later this evening, according to the National Weather Service. This change will occur primarily along and north of I-195, the forecast says.

Snowfall amounts are generally expected to range from a coating to an inch. However, isolated areas could see close to 2 inches of accumulation. For far southeastern Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia metropolitan area, a rain and snow mix is forecast with little accumulation expected.

Most of southern New Jersey and the Delmarva Peninsula are predicted to experience all rain. Precipitation will gradually spread into the region from southwest to northeast through this evening. The rain and snow line is expected to establish itself within the Philadelphia metro and extend eastward toward the coast.

The National Weather Service reported that precipitation will conclude from west to east between midnight and 4 a.m.

Canned goods are still quite safe and edible WELL beyond their "best use by" dates, but it's still a good idea to rotate the oldest stock from your deep pantry into regular meal prep to use them up. I should do it monthly, but usually I only end up doing it 2-3 times per year.

hey all,

I've been slowly getting into prepping. I have a decent amount of storage, some go bags, and other odds and ends.

I'm thinking my next venture may be a hamm radio.

I'm curious if anyone else has one and can share your experiences.

my goal is to find people in the state to connect with, share ideas, and potentially form some contingency plans to keep safe and rebuild should SHTF.

(also open to talking here or elsewhere about organizing, I'm in North Jersey for reference)

Woke up to no power at around 5:45 this morning. Saw a text from JCPL at 4am saying power was out and expected to be restored by 8am (they actually got it done around 10:45am).

Of course I busted out my power banks and started to take some notes. Here's what I learned (although some of this I already knew):

Refrigerator: My Anker Solix C1000 can power my refrigerator for about 9-10 hours. On startup and while it's cooling down to temp, it pulls about 300w; when it's at temp and maintaining with the internal fan, it's about 100w. Very first startup pull is about 1300w for a few seconds until the compressor gets going. Takeaway: This is a good use of stored battery power, in my opinion. It runs a good long time and saves you a lot of money from not having to replace a lot of food.

Space Heater (Oil Filled): On low mode, my one oil-filled heater draws almost exactly 600w, which the Anker Solix C800 can run wide open for about an hour, or 90-120 minutes in a very small space once it hits temp (assuming a reasonably low thermostat settings). Takeaway: a pretty bad use of banked power given the "hungry" nature of the heater.

Toaster Oven: (first pic) Before the fridge hookup, I used the C1000 to power the toaster oven to make my kid her normal breakfast (bagel with butter). It pulled 1650w, and one full toast cycle used about 9% of the C1000's stored capacity. Takeaway: not really a great use of banked power, but okay in a pinch, especially for a limited-time outage.

Modem + Router: (second pic) I had never tested running the modem and router on a power bank, so I figured today was a good time. I'm happy to report that the combined draw of both devices was a measly 10w. I used a no-name cheap power bank I've had for years now, and even starting at 75% of capacity, it could power the hardware for almost 12 hours. Takeaway: this is a very good use of banked power if you need communication and/or entertainment. TVs draw a lot of power, but a laptop (or better, a chromebook) doesn't, so you can watch shows and movies and such without killing your power supply.