craschworks

Joel Skousen Home
The Secure Home
Special Reports

Recommended Equipment and Sources–Online Update

Updated July 20, 2000

Copyright notice.  This section of the book is to update the hard copy for those who have purchased The Secure Home.  Visitors to this site are free to view the material, but should not copy it unless they have purchased the book.  You're on your honor, as I have no way of enforcing this.  Hopefully, through this sample you will realize how valuable the 700 page book is.

I have not included many conventional products for building here, but rather have concentrated on those less conventional items that I have commented about during the text. I have used many of the products mentioned here. However, there are many items that I have not had personal experience with. I have attempted to judge these within the limitations of written claims, but you should use your own judgment as well in evaluating their suitability to your needs. I make no guarantees about the performance or reliability of these products or services. Surely, there are other similar products to the ones I have mentioned that may be available and yet unknown to me. Because they are not mentioned does not mean that they are not acceptable. If they follow the general criteria given, feel free to consider them. If I have time, I can try to check out a product of interest to you, if you will provide me some relevant sources or descriptive information. Any feedback you have, negative or positive, about any of these products will be appreciated.

This page also provides the source information for those who have the booklet 10 Packs for Survival. If you find errors here or see web addresses (URL) that do not function, please inform me by Email at [email protected]

PRODUCT SUPPLIERS
Here is a list of suppliers who carry a variety of items mentioned in this list. To save space, I will only mention their name as a source within the list, instead of giving out their address and telephone numbers each time they are mentioned. Check here for contact information if it isn't listed in the body of the list. In most cases I will try and give an Internet website URL (URL means an Internet address, usually preceded by a www). Going to a company website will allow you to view the product and read important information. This will save you much time and effort.

ABRAHAM SOLAR EQUIPMENT: This is my top recommended source for all your solar and alternate energy products. Mick has low prices and he knows all the equipment personally, including how to install it. Above everything, I can personally vouch for Mick Abraham's honesty and integrity. This is a source you can completely trust. Order line: 1-800-222-7242, Free consultation (970) 731-4675; address: 124 Creekside Place, Pagosa Springs, Co. 81147.

J & A SPECIALTY PRODUCTS: (801) 224-9139. My two sons Jerome and Andrew are buying some limited specialty items that are not being carried by other survival stores and which are hard for my readers to find, without having to deal with some awful multi-level sales system or buy in large wholesale quantities. They will be selling these items at a small profit margin mostly for your convenience. The items they will help you buy are denoted by term “J & A Specialty”.

EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS: Largest of the Utah-based full service preparedness products stores. Website URL: http://www.beprepared.com Tel: 1-800-999-1863 Address: 165 South Mountain Way Drive, Orem, UT 84058.

MAJOR SURPLUS AND SURVIVAL: Biggest of the California survival food and products stores. Website URL: www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com. Address: 435 W. Alondra Blvd.; Gardena, Ca 90248 Tel: 1-800-441-8855.

NITRO-PAK: Carries a full line of survival foods and products. Website URL: www.nitro-pak.com.

WALTON FEED: Largest of the survival food suppliers. Walton Feed, 135 North 10th, P.O. Box 307, Montpelier, ID 83254. Tel: 1- 800-269-8563.

LEHMAN'S CATALOG: The largest of the self-sufficient/back-to-the-land suppliers. URL: www.lehmans.com. Address: Lehman's Non-Electric Catalog Listing ID 575. Phone: 330-857-5757 Fax: 330 -857-5785 Email: [email protected] Mail: Lehman's, One Lehman Circle, P.O. Box 41, Kidron, OH 44636 USA.

ALTERNATE ENERGY ENGINEERING: California-based company. Website URL: www.asis.com/aee/

JADE MOUNTAIN showroom: 717 Poplar Ave., Boulder, CO. Address: P.O. Box 4616, Boulder, CO 80306. Website http://www.jademountain.com. Call: 800-442-1972 Tech Support: 303-449-6601 Fax: 303-449-8266. Jade Mountain is a very large alternate energy store that sells almost everything.

AMATEUR ELECTRONIC SUPPLY (AES): Biggest of the Ham radio and antenna stores. Order their catalog: 1-800-558-0411.

HAM RADIO OUTLET: 1-800-644-4476 (east) or 1-800-854-6046 (west). Second biggest ham radio and equipment stores. Order their catalog.

RADIO SHACK: website www.radioshack.com. Nationwide electronics parts, radios, telephones, and security systems. order line: 1-800-843-7422 (get a catalog at local store or see it online).

WW GRAINGER: Nationwide wholesalers of almost every type of equipment. You must have some type of business in order to establish a wholesale account with them, but it is worth it. Check their website for the warehouse nearest you: www.grainger.com.

NORTHERN TOOL AND EQUIPMENT: Major discount mail-order catalog company. Website: www.northern-online.com or 1-800-533-5545.

HOME IMPROVEMENT STORES TO PURCHASE ITEMS AT A DISCOUNT
COSTCO WHOLESALE: See website for location of stores nearest you: www.costco.com. They are in 26 states East and West (no midwestern locations yet). Chain discount bulk supplies of household products and services.

SAM'S CLUB (WALMART CHAIN): Nationwide chain carrying bulk supplies at discount prices.

HOME BASE: Ten Western states. Discount priced home, hardware, and garden supplies. Website URL: www.homebase.com.

HOME DEPOT: Largest national home improvement store chain. Website URL: www.homedepot.com.

LOWES: Eastern-based home improvement discount store, second largest in the nation. Recently merged with EAGLE HARDWARE to gain a western base.

LISTINGS
NOTE ON PRICING: Prices listed were current in January, 2000. They will almost always be slightly higher when you order, after this date. Venders listed are not obligated to honor the prices I have listed.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

SunQuest, Inc. 1555 Rankin Avenue, Newton, NC 28658 USA
Tel: 828-465-6805 Fax: 828-465-7370.

WaterFurnace International, Inc. 9000 Conservation Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46809 USA
Tel: 800-222-5667.

PLASTIC LUMBER DECKING

Energy Conservation Products, Inc. 4411 Bee Ridge Road, #344, Sarasota, FL 34233 tel: 888-329-2705

Black Rhino Recycling, Inc. 4503 Lebanon Church Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122 USA Tel: 412-460-0160. URL: http://nauticom.net/www/arhino/

Resco Plastics, Inc. 1170 Newport Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420 Tel: 541-269-5485.

STEEL DECKING FOR FORMING UP SHELTER CEILINGS:

FormDeck Comes 36″ wide in variety of lengths. Contact Structures of USA, P.O. Box 639 Johnstown, PA 15907 Tel: 814-536-8371 URL: http://www.structuresofusa.com/ Many other brands of steel decking are available at local steel suppliers in most large cities. Deal locally to avoid shipping costs.

SHATTERPROOF WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS

Roto Frank (German made) high strength skylights. Available in US at skylight distributors.

Andersen Windows makes a triple laminate glass with polymer layers in between. These windows are intrusion-proof, and will not scratch like Shattergard film. This is the glass system they use on their high strength (hurricane-proof) skylites. You can order this glass in their regular window line as well. Cost is about 30% higher than standard glass/wood windows. Andersen Windows (available at window suppliers everywhere).

STAIR-STEPPED MODULAR WINDOW WELL (for fire escape)

Scapewell by The Bilco Company: URL: www.bilco.com. The Bilco Company, P.O. Box 1203, New Haven, Connecticut 06505 Tel: 203-934-6363.

INSULATING WINDOW FILMS/INSULATION

Window Coverings Company sells an interior acrylic magnetic window panel that will make a home more livable during cold weather. These panels are easily removed and can be painted for use as black out interior shutters. They will save over 40% on your fuel bills. Email them at [email protected].

CLEAR VINYL PLASTIC FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENT

This product used to be made by Rubbermaid Coporation URL: www.rubbermaid.com. but is no longer being carried. The product was called All Purpose Vinyl and came in 54″ wide rolls. It was great for stockpiling in case windows get broken in storm or earthquake. It is nearly indestructible and perfectly clear. I'll will try and locate an alternate source. Email me if you find one. ([email protected])

QUILTED DECORATIVE INSULATING CURTAINS FOR SOLAR WINDOWS

TAIOWA, 1-800-347-6170 They sell both the rolling interior quilted shades or the solid panels for window coverings.

FOIL INSULATION

Astro-Foil comes in two styles: Astro-Foil itself is two-ply bubbles with three layers of aluminum, and is about 5/16 of an inch thick. Astro-E is single-ply bubble material with two layers of foil, about 3/16 of an inch thick. It comes in 50-foot rolls that are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 feet wide and 125-foot rolls in 4 and 6 feet wide. Prices vary, but the only supplier is Innovative Specialities 1440 W. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67201. Tel: (316) 265-6712 URL: www.innovativebldgproducts.com

ALI Industries. ALI Industries offers Multi-layer aluminum foil insulation for the highest R value.

Reflectix, found at home-improvement outlets. Reflectix, however, does not carry Uniform Building Code stenciling, required for commercial structures. It's primarily used by do-it-yourselfers. A 4 by 50-foot roll of Reflectix at Eagle Hardware is $124.95. The same size of Astro-Foil is $126 and Astro-E is $122.

SOUND INSULATION

Insul-Tek and O.E.M. Sound Deadener, self adhesive automotive stype sound-proofing. This is very compact, effective material. Call Juliano's to order. Orders: 800-300-1932 Technical Assistance: 860-872-1932. Insul-Tek 1/4″ thick core of polyethylene foam with aluminum foil bonded to both sides. Will not absorb moisture. Reduces noise level by 40%.

SONEX Professional quality deep finger foam for shooting ranges. Ilbruck Inc, 3800 Washington Ave North Minneapolis, Mn 55412. Tel (612) 521-3555.

ADD-ON PROTECTIVE FILMS

Shattergard Protective Film (unbreakable backing to standard glass). Itcan be applied to existing house and car windows. Makes windows bullet-proof to small caliber (.22) weapons and makes windows inpenetrable to intruders. www.shattergard.com.

FIREPROOF SHEETROCK

In the 1980's a woman invented real fireproof plaster that was vastly superior to type XX sheetrock (which merely sloughs off during a fire. The product is called GEOBOND, and comes in panels as well as a stucco-like exterior coating. It can be used in combination with many other materials. Website: www.geobond.net. This is a truly amazing family of products.

FIREPROOF PLYWOOD

Plycem. This is a recycled material which has higher densities than all other sheathings. It is marketed by Castleblock P.O. Box 1893, Ventura, CA USA 93002 Tel: 800-672-7872 Website: http://www.castleblock.com.

STRUCTURAL BUILDING PANELS

R-Control Structural Building Panels. factory-made wall systems that replace wall framing. AFM Corp. http://www.afmcorp-epsfoam.com 1-800-255-0176.

FOAM BOARD WITH OSB ATTACHED NAILING SURFACE

R-Control Speclam (insulation foam attached to particle board) AFM Corporation 24000 West Highway 7, P.O. Box 246 Excelsior, MN 55331 Tel: (612) 474-0809 or 1-800-255-0176 Fax: 612-474-2074

EIFS (EXTERIOR INSULATED FINISH SYSTEMS)

Exterior insulated finish systems (EIFS) consist of synthetic stucco applied over insulation board, which is then installed over sheathing. These systems have been used commercially for years, but they received some bad press recently when homeowners complained that these systems were failing. Moisture penetrated the wall and the sheathing and structural members rotted. While manufacturers, contractors, and homeowners swap complaints, drainable siding is entering the picture. Manufacturers say that this system allows moisture that gets behind the stucco to drain harmlessly to the outside.

Dryvit: website: dryvit.com. Tel: 800-556-7752. Dryvit Systems, Inc. One Energy Way, P.O. Box 1014 West Warwick, RI 02893.

Pleko See website at www.pleko.com (Dryvit substitute; more competitive in price.)

CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE TO EIFS

The QUIKRETE® Hardcoat Stucco System provides builders and contractors with unparalleled durability and moisture protection that is lacking in Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). The Hardcoat Stucco System is comprised of QUIKRETE Liquid Stucco decorative coating over a base coat of QUIKRETE Fiberglass-Reinforced Stucco. Unlike EIFS, where water may become trapped between a synthetic finish coat and the interior drywall, Fiberglass-Reinforced Stucco acts as a drainage medium. If water penetrates the top coat of Liquid Stucco, it will migrate down the base coat and out through a flashing at the concrete footing. The Hardcoat Stucco System combines the design versatility and energy efficiency of EIFS with the durability and water drainage benefits of cement-based systems. Fiberglass-Reinforced Stucco is reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fibers. It provides a high impact, crack-resistant shell and can be trowel or spray-applied at a 3/8-inch thickness using wire mesh over insulation board or sheathing. Fiberglass-Reinforced Stucco also provides the ideal base for the Liquid Stucco decorative coating, which is a moisture-resistant color and texture coating designed for use over concrete and stucco surfaces. This ready-to-use and trowel-applied product is a 100 percent acrylic co-polymer-based coating. It is available in swirl, coarse sand, and fine sand textures and can be pigmented to any desired color, thus offering unlimited design options. This system can also be used over the concrete stack-block method. URL: http://www.quickcrete.com.

ELECTRICAL, MISC

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). Installing a GFCI outlet for your washing machine for shock protection is worthwhile. However, some GFCIs might trip every time the motor is activated. To prevent this type of nuisance tripping, the Leviton Manufacturing Co. indicated that you should get the Hospital Grade GFCI outlet rather than the regular commercial grade. The catalog number of this part is 6598-HG, and it's available at commercial electrical supply stores.

FIXING BASEMENT CRACKS

Most use hydraulic cement (rigid). For a better job, fill the crack on the inside using a tough, but flexible professional-grade sealant such as SIKAFLEX 1A. Prepare the crack according to the manufacturer's instructions, then coat it with Sikaflex primer 429 and apply the Sikaflex-1a. Finish up by covering the repair with SikaTop Seal 107, a polymer-modified, cement-based coating. A 10.3-ounce cartridge of Sikaflex-1a costs about $5, a pint of primer about $12.50 and the SikaTop Seal about $40. Bear in mind that these products are not sold at home centers or hardware stores. They are sold through construction supply houses, some of which are reluctant to sell less than case-size quantities to a homeowner. So the prices of individual cartridges or cans may vary from what we show here. For more information, contact SIKA CORP. 201 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071; 800-933-7452.

GREENHOUSE MANUFACTURERS AND COMPONENTS

Conley's Mfg. & Sales 4344 E. Mission Blvd., Montclair, CA 91763 Tel: 909-627-0981 URL: www.conley.com (a commercial greenhouse manufacturer. Will send components to you as well as twinwall glazing at wholesale rates).

Nexus Corp. 10983 Leroy Drive Northglenn, CO 80233 Tel: 303-457-9199 URL: www.nexus.com (A commercial greenhouse manufacturer. Will sell components to you as well as twinwall glazing at wholesale rates).

PLASTIC GREENHOUSE FILM

Armin Plastics Corp. 18901 East Railroad Street City of Industry, CA 91748 Tel: 800-654-8119 URL: http://www.armin.com (supplies a full range of single layer plastic, UV protected greenhouse coverings - suitable for warmer climates.

STRUCTURAL METAL COMPONENTS (aluminum square tubing, round tubing etc)

Allied Tube & Conduit 16100 S. Lathrop Ave. Harvey, IL 60426 Tel: 800-882-5543 URL: http://www.allied.com. Also available at steel/metal supply houses in all major cities.

DEHUMIDIFYING AIR TO AIR HEAT EXCHANGERS

HEAT WHEELS by XeteX, Inc. 3530 E. 28th St.. Minneapolis, MN 55406 Tel: (888) 899-9991 Toll Free. (These unique spinning wheels have water absorbing media on the blades which transfers humidity from incoming fresh air to the outgoing stream of exhaust air.)

WATERPROOFING MATERIALS FOR BASEMENTS, UNDERGROUND HOMES

SODIUM BENTONITE (For waterproofing underground rooms, shelters, homes)

Black Hills Bentonite Box 9, Mills, Wyoming 82644 URL http://www.bhbentonite.com Email: [email protected]. You can also find bentonite pellets at almost any well drilling outfit.

Paraseal (HDPE) Waterproofing Membrane (from W.R. Grace Co, and national firm. Local construction firms can get this product). Paraseal is a dual combination of two of the most effective waterproofing materials, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and bentonite clay, laminated together to form a tough, single sheet membrane. It is easily installed and typically applied on backfilled wall conditions, under floors, decks, or as a pond liner. The Paraseal dual membrane system is also available in a lagging grade, Paraseal LG, which is designed for blindside installations or where shotcrete is to be blown directly into the face of the membrane.

Bituthene Heavy duty waterproof membranes that can literally surround the outside of a basement (even under slabs and footings) to make a basement waterproof in a high water table area. Bituthene 1000x by W.R. Grace Co. (available through local concrete contractors).

Vulkem 201/222 are also ideal for waterproofing foundation walls. By Tremco Incorporated 3735 Green Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122 Tel: 216-292-5000 or 800-321-7906.

WATERPROOFING FOR DECKS

Vulkem #350/351 Pedestrian Deck Coating System. Tremco Incorporated 3735 Green Rd. Beachwood, OH 44122 Tel: 216-292-5000 or 800-321-7906.

CUPOLAS (special decorative vent housings that go on top of traditional styled roofs and barns)

Stephenson Cupolas and Weathervanes. Nashvilled Sash and Door, Tel: (615) 254-1371

Edon Fiberglass Cupolas. 1-800-255-0176, URL www.edon.com (These are indestructable vents and never need maintenance).

CONSTRUCTION TYPES: ALTERNATIVE
INFORMATION ON CONCRETE HOMES

www.concretehomes.com

PRECAST CONCRETE

Thermomass Residential Building Systems. (The best residential system in the world - uses a thermal sandwich of foam in between two concrete precast surfaces. Has heat mass characteristics, rodents cannot get into the foam layer, bullet-proof, and the best sound-proofing available) 1999 Highview Rd. Coralville, IA 52241 Tel: (319) 351-4232 Fax (319) 351-0993 Website: www.t-mass.com.

Kistner Concrete Products, Inc. (Prefab security buildings, precast basement foundation systems) 8713 Read Road East Pembroke, NY 14056 Tel: 716-762-8216 Fax: 716-762-8315 Website: www.kistner.com.

Tierra Concrete Homes P.O. Box 1924, Pueblo, CO Tel: 719-947-3040 Fax: 719-947-3050.

Oldcastle Precast Custom precast water-proof concrete tanks. Can combine these to make drop-in-the-ground shelter systems. Contact: Oldcastle Products, 2820 A Street, SE Auburn, WA 98071-0608 Tel: 253-833-2777 Fax: 253-939-9126 or 888-232-6274. Website: www.oldcastle-precast.com They have local manufacturers all over the USA.

PRECAST CONCRETE SLABS (AIR CORE CONCRETE)

For use as flooring systems or roofing systems. Duct heat or cooling air into the floor tubes. FLEXICORE brand slabs are available in all states. Check with commercial concrete contractors.

THERMAL MASS CONCRETE BLOCK CONSTRUCTION

ARCHITERRA These designers and builders have the most experience in heat mass - passive solar homes. Their system is applicable to most areas of the country, but especially the West. I don't agree with all their techniques or their pricing commissions, but you can learn a lot from their information and implement what you want on your own. They cover waste treatment systems, earth sheltered homes and buildings, solar air heating systems, composting system components, indoor gardening/attached greenhouses. Silverthorne, CO 80498 Tel: 970-262-6727 Website: http://www.vail.net/~natural.

DOME UNDERGROUND HOMES

All of the following companies have been in business over 20 years, so they know what they are doing.

Nest Egg Homes (an underground system using concrete dome or tunnel type structures) Formworks Building, Inc. P.O. Box 1509, Durango, CO 81302 Tel: 970-247-2100 URL: www.formworksbuilding.com.

The Terra-Dome Corp. Underground or bermed building. Tel: 1-800-481-3663.

Davis Caves Construction, Inc. P.O. Box 69, Armington, IL 61721 Tel: 309-392-2574.

CEDAR HOMES

International Homes of Cedar (Laminated Cedar Homes) P.O. Box 886, Woodinville, Wa 98072 Tel: 360-668-8511 or toll free 800-767-7674.

LOG HOMES

There are hundreds of log home companies. However, it has been my experience that log home suppliers in the Eastern US are almost double the price of western log home suppliers. Call for price comparason with the company below to see how your local dealer compares. Often it is much cheaper to ship log kits from the west than buy in the east.

Real Log Homes Hartland, VT and throughout the Eastern States (800) 732-5564 Compare prices with the West.

Timberline Log Homes 915 N. State St. Orem, Ut 84058, (801) 226-8786. This is the company I use as a reference for a fair price. I have consistently found this outfit to be very competitive and fairly priced. Check your prices locally and then give the same specs to this company to see how they compare. In many cases, it has been more economical to buy from Timberline, and ship to the East coast than to buy in the East.

ICF (INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS)

The Portland Cement Association has introduced both a book on building with insulated concrete forms (known as ICF construction), and a 5-part video series on the topic. The 326-page book, Insulating Concrete Forms, ($60 postpaid) is a highly detailed look at these systems, from design through installation to completion. Numerous section and perspective views of various ICFs are given. If you're considering building with an ICF system, the book is necessary reading. The video series ($65 postpaid) doesn't provide detailed information, but it gives a realistic overview of ICFs, since much of its 80 minutes was filmed at construction sites. The five videos are design, planning, setting forms, placing concrete, and utilities/interior finish. Contact the Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL 60077.

THERMALITE: 1-800-500-4898. website: www.thermalite.com. Flat foam forming system tied together with plastic ties. One of few systems that can accommodate concrete walls up to 14 inches wide. One has to put together the forms - do not come as blocks, thus allowing much wider variety of wall widths. Bracing system must be rented or purchased from them - highly recommended.

BLUE MAX: One of the only foam block systems that allows an 8″ wide, full-width concrete wall.

AAB Building System, Inc. http://www.bluemaxxaab.com Address: 840 Division St., Cobourg, Ontario K9A-4J9 Canada Tel: 800-293-3210 Fax: 905-373-0002.

SMARTBLOCK Use variable width form only - gives solid wall thickness up to 8.” Pre formed blocks with integral ties. Plastic ties are built into foam, recessed 3/4″ from outside (makes them a little harder to reach for attachment purposes). CONFORM website: www.smartblock.com Call 1-800-CONFORM for distributor nearest you.

LITEFORM: (Flat foam - have to build it up yourself, so it takes longer) Lite-Form International is headquartered at 1210 Steuben St., Sioux City, IA 51105 Tel: 712-252-3704 Fax: 712-252-3259 Toll Free in North America 1-800-551-3313 website: www.liteform.com. Email: [email protected]

QUADLOCK (Flat Foam forms - install ties yourself) Website: www.quadlock.com. Address: QUAD-LOCK Building Systems Ltd. 7398 132nd Street Surrey, B.C. V3W 4M7 Canada Tel: (888) 711-LOCK (604) 590-3111 Fax: (604) 590-8412.

READI-FORM: Flat foam forms - put together on site. Website www.readi-form.com.

Readi-Form 12 W. Oakland Ave. Oakland, NJ 07436 Tel: 201-405-2030 or 800-334-4303 Email: [email protected].

CUSTOM MODULAR HOMES

Avis Homes, Avis, Pa. To give you an idea what you can expect when going modular without having that modular look, Popular Mechanics followed construction of this 4500-sq.ft., 10 room, two story, $739,000 luxury home in Wilton, Connecticut. This house was custom-designed by the contractor, R&R Lindentree Assoc., in Wilton, along with engineers from the builder, Avis Homes, in Avis, Pennsylvania. Once the plans were finalized, Avis used their CAD system to come up with the finished design. The main structure of the house consists of seven modular boxes, each having an average weight of some 32,000 pounds. The front of the house was anchored to a conventional poured concrete foundation with primary footings seated on a rock ledge. The foundation was accurate in height and square to 1/16 in.

STORAGE SHIPPING CONTAINERS (Insulated Reefers) about $2200 plus shipping. Equipment Service Storage 7226 North Loop East Houston, Tx 77028 Tel: 713-674-1082 Dallas Office 214-374-3995. Check locally as well. There are many outlets across the nation for these containers.

DC OR AC ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Lite Touch, Inc Salt Lake City, Utah Tel: 801-268-8668.

LINEAR CURRENT BOOSTER (for using solar panels to run a water pump or motor directly)

Sun Selector LCB 20 (about $400) Abraham Solar Equipment

DC LOAD CENTER

Alternate Energy Engineering #530075 (about $165) Abraham Solar Equip.

AC-DC POWER CONTROL CENTER

Trace Power Center Combines all meters, fuses, circuitbreakers, and connections into one unit - code approved. Custom built for each application, about $2000. Buy from Abraham Solar.

DC-AC SOLID STATE INVERTER

TRACE CORPORATION (Abraham Solar)

A. For 12 volt application (small) Trace Model UX 612 (about $550) 800 watts, 2400 surge.

B. For 12 volt applications (large) Trace Model 2512SB (about $1500) with battery charger.

C. For 24 volt DC to 240 volt AC installations (2) Trace SW4024 (about $2500 each).

BATTERY EQUALIZER SYSTEM (for combining 12 volt batteries and a 24 volt battery system)

Vanner model 60-50A (about $500) Abraham Solar.

BATTERY MAINTAINERS

SCHUMACHER SE-1125 Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainer (keeps battery at a perfect float charge without overcharging) about $25 from Walmart and other auto parts stores. Never use a “trickle charger.” Trickle chargers do not turn off and on to keep a float charge - they will overcharge the battery and ruin it eventually.

BATTERY DESULPHATER

Sulphation of the lead plates occurs on all batteries over time. There is one technology that keeps batteries from sulphating and one that can remove sulphation once it occurs. Both types are produced by PULSETECH. One is the PowerPulse unit which zaps the battery every few seconds with a sulphate busting charge. This keeps good batteries going much much longer (about $65). The second is the Solargizer. This unit actually desulphates batteries by putting out a certain frequency that makes the crystalline sulphate go back into solution. It comes with a small solar panel to work in the sun ($60) but also comes with a plug in adapter (about $99). I always buy the adapter types since it is hard to always keep something in the sun. With the 110v adapter and the solar panel, you have both options. Abraham Solar sells these. They do work and they are worth the money.

STORING SMALL BATTERIES

Carbon Zinc batteries store longer in cold temperatures since the coolness tends to stabilize the chemicals inside. As a result people continue storing their batteries in the refrigerator even though different batteries have come on the market that do not receive the same benefit from cold storage. Alkaline, Mercury, and Lithium batteries are very chemically stable and if the humidity inside the fridge is too high, they could experience more corrosion than benefit from the coolness In a high moisture environment, the positive and negative poles can experience some migration of current due to salts in the moist air, which causes them to slowly discharge. Modern batteries will keep just as well in a dry cool basement as in a fridge. Lithium batteries have a gas that can leak, so don't store large quantities of them together inside a sealed container like an ammo can.

DEEP DISCHARGE STORAGE BATTERIES

6-volt Golf Cart Batteries (about $49 each) cheap source (Costco Wholesale or Sam's Clubs).

12 volt Lift Truck Batteries POWER FLOW brand, Abraham Solar Tel: 800-222-7242.

TROJAN L-16 and L-16HC from Abraham Solar Tel: 800-222-7242.

2 volt Industrial Cells. Buy from Abraham Solar Tel 800-222-7242.

AGM (absorbed Glass Matt) batteries. Heavy duty, high amperage delivery capacities without ruining battery. Optima or Lifeline batteries are 2 prominent brands. Check with Abraham Solar or an internet site like http://www.dcbattery.com.

2 Volt Submarine Batteries: Will last about 30 years, 7000 amp-hours per cell, about $3000. Takes 6 cells to make one giant 12 volt battery. Call (508) 584 5997. These are somewhat cheaper than the 2 volt industrial batteries mentioned above. I have no references on this source, so if you deal with them, make sure you arrange to pay COD to make sure you get your $18,000 worth of batteries before you pay. Let me also caution you that a battery bank this large is too big for a normal house. The self-discharge of this much battery potential alone will need one or two solar panels to just keep the batteries at float. Second, you would have to have at least 200 to 400 potential amps available to charge these batteries to keep stratafication of the acid from occuring. But for very large installations or for multiple homes, this looks like the best quality for the cost available.

HYDROCAPS

These units condense the water vapor out of battery gassing so you don't have to water as often. Get them from Abraham Solar 1-800-222-7242.

JUNCTION BOX

For solar array connections - contains SOV lightning arrestor. Model 53-911 from Abraham Solar.

POWER DISCONNECT, FUSED

#52-600 (2-POLE, 60 AMP) Abraham Solar Equipment.

FUSE BOX

#53-290 fuse block for 60 amp fuse. Use Class R fuse (3) FRN60 from Abraham Solar.

WIRING SIZES (these will varying according to specific installation, but this should give you a general idea for a small to medium installation)

Solar Panels to J-Box #6 stranded copper.

J-Box to APT Power Center or Charge controller: (2) #2 stranded copper, 1 #6 stranded copper for external ground connection.

Battery interconnect cables #2 stranded copper (Abraham Solar) or auto supply stores.

Battery bank (last connection) to Inverter: #2/0 stranded copper, preferrably welding wire.

Grounding cable: 1″ wide braided copper.

12/24 VOLT FLUORESCENT LIGHTING

THINLITE Corp For 12 volt systems: use #197 (36″ long) or #139 (48″long) fluorescent. For 24 volt systems use model numbers #297 or #239, same cost - about $65) from Abraham Solar or local RV supply stores carry Thinlite Products.

WHITE LED LIGHTS

WHITE LED FLASHLITE (Lasts over 100 hours on 3 AA batteries - a must have item: a best buy at $25 from Abraham Solar at 1-800-222-7242.)

18 LED SURFACE MOUNTING LIGHT “Super Nova” available in 12,24, 36, 48 volts. A best buy at $80 from Abraham Solar at 1-800-222-7242.

12v LIGHT BULBS (price depends upon quantity - call Abraham Solar or local RV suppliers)

12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER

Radio Shack, model 23-139

12 VOLT VENTILATION FANS

Best all-around choice is the DAYTON brand 12 volt fan from WW Grainger Stock # 2C646. About $46, 175 CFM and fairly quiet. A noisier, high rpm fan is by ITT JABSCO BRAND, also sold by W. W. GRAINGER, Stock # 4C814 (not for continuous duty - do not run more than 60 minutes at a time. This is an acceptable restriction as this fan will replace all the air in your shelter in less than 10-15 minutes). What makes these fans convenient is their 3″ flange which allows you to easily attach it to the vent pipe shown in my shelter designs. The quieter DAYON fans need to have a flange adapter attached, which you can adapt from sheet metal duct parts available at most home improvement stores.

FUEL STORAGE EQUIPMENT
GASOLINE STABILIZER

Stabil, found at Pep Boys and other Auto Parts stores.

PRI: Proven #1 For Stability. This is the best stuff available. Use PRI-D & G to stabilize stored fuels. PRI-D & G can keep diesel fuel, kerosene, and gasoline fresh in storage. PRI-D & G can actually restore old fuels to refinery specifications. Yellowstone Trading: (800) 585-5077 URL: www.yellowstonetrading.com/pritreatment.html.

OCTANE BOOSTER: found at auto parts stores (helps rejuvenate old gasoline, so keep several bottles on hand)

DIESEL FUEL STORAGE ADDITIVE

Racor Biocide 1-800-344-3286. An insecticide plus additives to keep diesel fuel from growing algae and other solid organic matter. Call the 800 number to find distributor nearest you.

FUEL TANKS (see Yellow Pages)

FUEL PUMPS (Check under Petroleum Equipment in Yellow pages)

FOOT VALVES Used at the bottom of a suction line. These are available at petroleum equipment dealers or at large plumbing outlets. Here are some sample brands of foot valves.

Simmons model 1402

Merril Series 810, model FV75

Water Ace model RFV75

Brady model SFV75 (plastic)

FOOD STORAGE
NOTES: Best buys in food storage are in bulk dried grains: Wheat, rice, and beans. Due to the shipping weight of bulk foods for storage, it best to buy these items locally. (Shipping will cost you nearly $30/50 lb bucket, whereas if you can pick it up locally, you can buy wheat for about $12 for a 50 lb bag.) You can buy large bags of beans and rice at Cosco and at Sam's Clubs nationwide. You can buy bulk wheat in many locations in the West, as indicated below. However, in the midwest few grain growers bag any wheat for consumers. The best bet for people in the Midwest is to join together with a few other families and buy grain in bulk from the grower. Load up your pickup truck with grain, and then package it yourself plastic 6 gallon buckets. Many farmers in the Midwest and Canada have small grain cleaners that can take out the dust and other particles from field grain. Use a spoonful of diatomacious earth per bucket of grain to kill any bugs.

DIATOMACIOUS EARTH

Available at any swimming pool supply house. It is used as a filter medium. It is also available at many garden stores since it is an effective pest control item (sprinkled on cabbage or lettuce, etc).

SOURCES OF DEHYDRATED FOODS AND PACKAGED GRAINS

Emergency Essentials Emergency Essentials 165 South Mountain Way Drive, Orem, UT 84058. Website: beprepared.com. Tel: 1-800-999-1863.

Montana Chemical Free Wheat Infinet Communications, Inc. 8551 Cottonwood Road, Bozeman, MT 59718 Tel: 406-585-9324 Fax: 406-585-0671.

Lehi Roller Mills Tripple-cleaned hard or soft wheat. Reasonable prices. Contact: (801) 768-4401, Address: 833 E. Main St., Lehi, Ut 84043.

Walton Wheat Full service supply outlet for all types of survival foods and equipment. Very reputable. Contact: Walton Feed 135 North 10th, P.O. Box 307, Montpelier, ID 83254 Tel: 800-269-8563.

NON-HYBRID SEEDS

Territorial Seed Company P.O. Box 27, Lorane, Ore 97451 Tel: 541-942-9547.

Harris Seeds 1-800-514-4441.

Internet sources for hybrid seeds:

http://www.heirloomseeds.com

http://seed.bioreagent.com

http://www.mellingers.com

http://www.organicseed.com

OXYGEN ABSORBERS

Military Logmars Plus 12655 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154 Tel: 800-922-1717 Fax: (215) 632-8813.

WATER BARRELS

New 55 Gallon Polyethylene Food Grade Barrels for $30.00 per Barrel. Call (801)-754-5173 for sources in Utah and surrounding states.

STORAGE BUCKETS

ROPAK WEST Tel 1-800-547-2347 (call to find distributor closest to you).

GENERATORS
SOURCES: Because of shipping weight, the heavier generators are sometimes best purchased from local generator dealers (see Yellow pages). However, always compare price with one of the major mail order generator supply houses. WW Grainger and Northern Tools will supply a wide variety of the cheaper or discontinued generator lines. For the best prices on the high quality units, call Norwall Power Systems Lake Havasu City, Az Tel: (520) 453-4494. These people ship all over the world and are experts - very good prices, too. They don't sell any junk, and service all major brands (so they know which ones are best for maintenance, too).

MINI PORTABLES

Small suitcase type gensets, less than 2000 watts, that are super quiet and super fuel-efficient:

Coleman Sportsman model 1850 (1.8kw) about $300. Best buy of the quiet, small gensets that will run all day on 1.5 gal of fuel.

Yamaha EF1000 It is only 1kw but it is very fuel efficient and quiet and runs all day on a gallon of gas. Costs double the larger Coleman brand (about $700).

Honda EU1000a This is the newest high tech wonder from Honda, but it runs its current through a new high tech inverter - giving excellent sine wave power (but may be a high tech problem in maintenance - and also the most costly - about $800).

PORTABLES

There are two classes of generators here: the cheap group with flat-head, side valve, lawnmower type engines, and the more expensive group with longer life overhead cam and valve engines. Starting from the best and most expensive to the cheapest, lowest quality here is how I would rank them (from top to bottom):

Kawasaki GE Series Best maintenance history, rugged engines, pressurized oil system, great bearing surfaces - most expensive.

Honda Delux Series Honda is one of those companies with a high quality line, and a medium quality line (the ECON models - don't confuse them).

Generac EXL Series Generac also has a high and low line. The XL or EXL lines have the pressurized oil system “vanguard” engine or the Honda engine.

Kubota AV Series - excellent machines (Kubota always builds nice engines).

Kubota Diesel Gensets Model GL6500 (6.5kw) about $4500 (Kubota Tractor Dealers).

Generac (cheaper lines)

Winco (cheaper lines)

Coleman Powermate 5kw gas generator - about $500 (cheapest, moderate quality, but most generator for the money).

STAND-BY GENERATORS

Top to bottom in price and quality:

Kohler simply the best in all regards, and most expensive. Rock solid engines and electronics. Kohler transfer switches rarely fail. Available in Gasoline, LP, NG (or all three) or Diesel.

Onan - second best overall, but some problems with electronic reliability in past) all fuels avail.

Hawk Power (Lester Petter diesel engines - English and Mitsubishi gas/lp/ng engines).

Generac II (8K and above are top quality engines) Best Buy for very good quality.

China Diesel Cheapest of the diesel gensets (buy a spare rebuild kit) and very noisy, but has a good reliability record. Recommend the 8000 Watt S195 Engine, 1800 RPM Brushless Alternator, Continuous Duty, Includes Radiator, about $3,300 12kw genset $4,400 China Diesel Imports. Call 800-341-7027 or website:WWW.Chinadiesel.com.

SPECIALTY STAND-BY

TRI-FUEL GENERATOR: For the ultimate in multi-fuel use, you can pay more and get a generator set up for three fuels: Gasoline, LP and NG. Onan or Kohler both have these units perfected. Call Norwall Power Systems, Lake Havasu City, Az Tel: (520) 453-4494.

STEAM ENGINES

5 HP Liberty (from Jade Mountain) $2,900 Fire Tube Boiler $3,200 (must buy both an engine and a boiler).

10 HP Independence $5,700 Horizontal Underfired Boiler $4,850 (must buy both engine and boiler).

Mike Brown Steam (Small engine system) Max RPM: 700 1.5″ bore, stroke is 2.25″. crkshaft dia. 5/8″ Flywheel dia.: 7.5″ Steam intake & exhaust: .25″ pipe. Roller bearing endurance limits: 860 lb. static load cap.350 lb. @ 600rpm From Jade Mountain #GN4159 Mike Brown Steam Engine 1HP $1,050.

BATTERY MAINTAINER

Schaumacher Battery Maintainer, $25 from Walmart stores, nationwide.

SPECIAL ACCESSORIES FOR GENERATORS

Manual and Auto Transfer Switches for Portable Generators: ($300-$500) Master Sales 1251 Mound Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, Mi. 49504-2672 Call Toll Free 1-888-917-2244 Local Tel: (616) 257-3483.

AUTOMATIC START CONTROLLER GENMATE system monitors batteries and other switches to allow generator to be turned on automatically when water needs to be pumped or batteries charged. About $400 from Jade Mountain.

SILENCING MUFFLERS FOR GENERATORS

HARCO, Inc Portland Oregon. (503) 244-7571. Harco has 2 levels of silencers: Super Critical (attenuates down to nearly silent) about $175, and Critical which is about $140. They also have the same two levels in a “low Profile” unit for small, tight locations. These cost about 25-30% more. All these mufflers are stat-of-the-art silencers, and are very resonably priced. You can afford to stack two mufflers together for super critical needs inside a home. Email at [email protected].

HEATING EQUIPMENT
KEROSENE HEATERS

Kerosun DC 100 1-888-537-6786 Most fuel efficient and cleanest burn.

PROPANE WALL HEATERS (VENTLESS)

Martin Industries, Florence Al website: www.martinindustries.com. model MIR12 (1-2 burner) MIR18 (1-3 burners) or MIR30 (1-6 burners) I prefer multiple small units spaced around the house for emergency LP gas heat. Also available in natural gas a “BEST BUY.” Home Base stores carry these units.

MULTI-FUEL FURNACES

YUKON Multifuel Furnace (WWW.yukon-eagle.com) Alpha American Co.1000 Ag Science Drive, P.O. Box 20, Palisade, MN 56469 Tel: 1-800-358-0060.

CHARMASTER Products, Inc. 2307 No. 2 West Grand Rapids, Mn 55744 Tel: (218) 326-6768 (Makes combination wood/oil or gas furnaces and even a furnace with a fireplace front on the side.)

WOODSTOVES

Travis Industries, Inc. 10850 117th Place NE, Kirkland, WA 98033 Tel: (425) 827-9505 LOPI high efficiency woodstoves, Avalon Pellet Stoves & Fireplace Xtrordinair lines of Wood, Pellet & Gas hearth heating stoves.

Avalon Wood stoves and Pellet Stoves Website: http://www.hearth.com/stoveworks/av.html.

Regency website: www.regency-fire.com. A highly recommended clean-burn stove.

DIRECT VENT GAS/WOOD FIREPLACES

Heat-N-Glo Website: www.heatnglo.com. 20802 Kensington Blvd. Lakeville, MN 55044 Tel: 888-743-2887. Local dealers almost everywhere.

DEDICATED WOOD WATER HEATER

AquaHeater, LEHMAN'S item; #59-841; $ 695.00 or Domestic Growers Supply (541) 592-3615.

COAL STOKER STOVES

Alaska Coal Stoker Pennwood Stoves, Fireplaces, Etc. West College Avenue, Pleasant Gap, Pa. 16823 Tel: 1-800-598-3995.

CONVENTIONAL HEATING FURNACES/BOILERS

There is an Internet site that lists the government's ratings of appliance efficiency. It is worth checking before you buy. Take note, however, the amount of difference between comparable equipment appliances is relatively small. Everyone is getting into the efficiency act. Check it out at the following address: http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/ACEEE/intro.html#con.

AIR TO AIR HEAT EXCHANGERS

XeteX, Inc. 3530 E. 28th St. Minneapolis, MN 55406 Tel: (888) 899-9991 Toll Free or (612) 724-3101 voice mail. URL: www.xetexinc.com (This company has some of the best and most cost effective heat exchangers.)

HOUSEHOLD PREPAREDNESS EQUIPMENT
GENERAL INTERNET ORDER SOURCE

APPLIANCES ONLINE Website: www.appliances.com E-Mail: [email protected] Voice & Fax: 440-543-8345. Good, one stop shopping for most small household appliances.

JUICERS

Champion Juicer: (about $215) from most health food stores.

Vita-Mix: About $360. Call 1-800-848-2649 for info.

KEROSENE STOVE

ALPACA (about $79) from Emergency Essentials.

WHEAT/GRAIN GRINDERS-ELECTRIC/MANUAL

Grain Master “Whisper Mill” (about $260) from Emergency Essentials or Waltons.

Magic Mill or K-Tec “Kitchen Mill” Same machine (about $225). Same principle as Whisper mill but mill sits over cannister - holds more flour, less complicated, a little less expensive. Same milling mechanism.

Golden Grain Grinder (conventional type of stone mill motorized grinder) Emergency Essentials.

MANUAL GRINDERS

Country Living Grain Mill (about $350 - expensive) V-groove wheel for quick and easy conversion to electric motor. Cast-iron flywheel for easy turning and smooth flow of flour. Large hopper holds 2 lb. of wheat easy-Dial, self-locking adjustment. Double sealed industrial ball bearings. 30% less torque or energy required to turn than any comparable hand mill on the market. This grain mill is designed to be easily motorized. The fly wheel is grooved for use with a standard V Belt. We recommend using at least a 1/3 HP motor rated at 1150 RPM and equipped with a 1 1/2″ pulley. This ratio will produce about 115 to 120 RPM at the flywheel. Other motors may be used, but they will need to be geared so that the RPM at the flywheel does not exceed 140 RPM.

The Family Grain Mill is unique in that it offers both a grain mill and a roller mill, as well as a choice of hand-powered or electric, or both. You can mix and match the components any way you want. Grain Mill with hand base or motorized base, Roller Mill with hand base or motorized base . Buy both on the hand base for about $196 from Homestead Products website: http://www.teleport.com/~dany/mill/index.htm, phone in Oregon: 541-688-9263.

The Little Ark Grinder (about $99) with stones and burred grinder. The burrs and stones are easily interchanged. All one has to do is screw out the thumb screw on the end, pull the stones off, put the burrs on, and screw in the thumb screw. I prefer the stones for grinding wheat because I like a finer flour. I did a test run the other day grinding a cup of wheat with the stones, and another cup of wheat using the burrs. The burr ground flour did have a slightly gritty feel when I felt it between my fingers. The stone ground flour didn't - powder. It took 4 minutes 30 seconds to grind a cup of wheat with the stones and 4 minutes with the burrs. Both grinding operations were made turning the grinder at about 60 RPM. I personally use the burrs only when I'm grinding oily things, like peanuts for making peanut butter. But some people use them exclusively. Four minutes is a long time to grind a cup of wheat, I know. But it takes a lot of energy to grind wheat no matter what grinder you use. Some grinders brag that they can grind a cup of wheat in a minute. Maybe they can, but I know of one grinder that makes that claim but can't. For those that do, it probably grinds much coarser than the Little Ark, not requiring as much energy to get that fine grind. The Little Ark can also grind this quickly if you set it for a coarse grind. Anyway you look at it, making a four loaf batch of bread is going to take some work with any hand grinder.

KITCHEN MIXERS

BOSCH Unviersal Kitchen System (about $465)

K-TEC “Champ” Delux model with all attachments ($435) Phone: 800-748-5400 or 801-222-0888; website www.k-tecusa.com; Address: 1206 South 1680 West — Orem, UT 84058. The Champ Mixer is the most versatile multi-function home food preparation machine available today. The Champ combines the features of a strong 1400 watt, 1.8 peak horsepower motor with a sophisticated, keypad-controlled computer “Bread Brain.” The Champ computer assists the cook by measuring the resistance of the developing gluten in the bread and turns off the machine once it has developed perfectly. The Champ is also the strongest blender on the market. Our blender jar is made of GE Lexan plastic, the same material used in bullet-proof glass. The most popular attachment is the pasta maker/meat grinder combination.

PRESSURE CANNERS

All American is now producing the model 941 (41 quart) pressure canner. Smithfield Implement in Smithfield, UT has them in stock. If you need another source on home canning see http://www.home-canning.com. Home Canning and Supply PO Box 1158, Ramona CA 92065 Tel: 619-788-0520.

PEELER

Apple, Potato Peeler (about $30, plus $12 for potato attachments) Emergency Essentials.

SMALL CONVENTIONAL REFRIGERATOR (most energy-efficient)

Magic Chef ct-1511AE (15 cubic ft) uses 1.2 kw/day $37/year.

LARGE CONVENTIONAL REFRIGERATOR (most energy-efficienty)

Kitchen Aid, Whirpool, Kenmore 25 cu. ft. side-by-side use 1.75 kw/day or $54/year.

ALTERNATE ENERGY REFRIGERATORS

SOLARFRIDGE: 19 cu. ft. (12 volt fridge) Better alternative to SunFrost but same high price. ($2,700) Simpler Solar 3118 W. Tharpe St.Tallahassee, FL 32303, website: www.simplersolar.com or call 1-800-248-9786. Two models of fridges use .5 and .7 kw/h for the 6 and 12 cu ft models.

PLANET DC 11.6 cu.ft. 12/24VDC Refrigerator/Freezer, Jade Mountain, about $1,275.

KOOLATRON - small non compresser technology - about 2 cu. ft., 4 amp 12Vdc icebox. About $165, Jade Mountain.

Kool Mate 40 by Igloo. Another thermoelectric cooler like the Koolatron - sits upright or on its side so as to operate like a small fridge.

POLARTECH 19 cu. ft. (12 volt fridge): Another alternative to Sun Frost - still expensive, Jade Mountain.

PROPANE OR KEROSENE REFRIGERATORS

EXPLORER Propane Refrigerators: Uses only 1.2 gallons of propane per week and is a large 14 cu. ft. Website: www. nwes.com. Northwest Engergy Systems, 6791 South Main, Suite C, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 Orders: 800 718-8816 Tech Support & Design Questions: 208-267-6409

NORCOLD: 2 way and 3-way 7.5 cu. ft. Propane fridge model 1082, about $990 from Jade Mountain.

DOMETIC 7.5 cu. ft. propane fridge (same as Servel brand from Sweden) - about $1,200. Can also buy these with 120volt backup power, or in natural gas or kerosene. Jade Mountain.

FOOD DEHYDRATORS

Magic Aire II On-Line Health Products 387 Yellowstone Ave., Pocatello, Idaho 83201 (800) 789-1577 or (208) 234-9352 http://www.dhi.com/.

Air Preserve II On-Line Health Products 387 Yellowstone Ave., Pocatello, Idaho 83201 (800) 789-1577 or (208) 234-9352.

Harvest Maid (Available at many preparedness stores listed at the beginning.)

WATER DISTILLERS

Genesis 20-G3000 (about $250). This is a portable model, counter-top. Optimal Health Concepts 355 N. Lantana Street, Suite 730, Camarillo, CA 93010-9030. 24 hour Orders: 888-390-4676 http://intohealth.com/ This company sells a lot of excellent health products.

PORTABLE WATER FILTERS

PUREFLOW 2000 will remove bacteria, giardia, cryptosporidium, chlorine, chlorine byproducts, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), trihalomethanes, pesticides, herbicides, tastes, odors, and more. PureFlow 2000 purification starts with our highly efficient clean able ceramic microfilter which provides genuine sub-micron filtration. After all signs of bacteria and ultrafine sediment are removed, the PureFlow 2000 passes the water through a highly dense solid block of extruded activated carbon. Chlorine removal for 20,000 gallons (76,000 liters) of water at 1ppm chlorine. The PureFlow2000 “Plus” is the same System with a 3rd Filter for heavy debris URL: Supplies4Y2K.com Tel: (406) 375-9282 Mail: 610 N. 1st Street, Suite #5-150, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA.

BREAD MAKERS

Zojirushi V-20: order online from Costco for the best price about $145 www.costco.com. See a product review of all the breadmakers at http://www.sonic.net/webpub/bread-machine/breadmachine.html

BREAD MIXERS

BOSCH mixer: This unit is the Cadillac of all combination units. There is no higher quality unit around. The unit with all the attachments, including everything imaginable, will run you several hundred dollars. The other major competitor is the k-Tec which has some newer and more modern features

K-Tec mixer: The K-Tec has the most powerful motor on the market and the strongest blender system. It also has a highly sensitive computerized sensor that shuts down the bread kneading process when the gluten resistance is just right. This, alone makes the K-Tec the technological leader. Phone: 800-748-5400 or 801-222-0888; website www.k-tecusa.com; Address: 1206 South 1680 West — Orem, UT 84058.

WATER DRIVEN FOOD DISPOSAL

Hydro-Maid is the first totally non-electric, water-powered food disposal released by Environmental Systems & Solutions Inc. in Utah. Touted as safer, cheaper, quieter, and more environmentally friendly than traditional garbage disposals, the system cannot damage silverware accidentally dropped in the unit while it's running because it will drop into another compartment. It can also handle any food, including those homeowners try to avoid with most traditional garbage disposals. The Hydro-Maid is priced at about $299.

HIGH EFFICIENCY WASHING MACHINES

Staber 2300 washing machine uses 1 oz., of soap, 21 gallons of water (saves 25 gallons/load), less than 200 watts per load. Spins faster, most of the water is removed. It is a toploader and the clothes go through a door in the rotating drum - not as convenient to load or unload because of the small opening. About $1,100 from Abraham Solar 1-800-222-7242.

FRONT LOADING WASHERS - CONVENTIONAL

ASKO 11505 The best of the current models Price: $1,100 USA is an export model of the Swedish unit. A small, European sized unit with very high spin speeds. Also very high priced ($1,500-$2,500 per washer/dryer pair). 1161 Executive Dr. West, Richardson, Texas 75081.

MAYTAG Neptune Mod #MAH3000A. The matching Neptune dryer model MD3000A. Model number for Neptune Super Stack washer/dryer combo is MUE for electric dryer, and MUG for gas. Neptune washer uses 22 gallons of water per cycle instead of the old average amount of 38 gallons per cycle. Spin speed is 800 rpms on the old and 850 on the new. Because of the larger tub size on the Maytag Neptune, less rpms are required to extract the same amount of water as other brands. Use HE (high efficiency detergents) about $1,100.

FRIGIDAIRE (also Gibson) Front Loading Washer FT449GFS - spins up to 850 rpm dryer FSE748GF (matching front load). Low Price: $800 (best buy) also is a true under-counter model. Floor models can be stacked for convenience and without buying any extra cabinet.

MANUAL WRINGER WASHERS

The James Hand Washer is the washer of choice among those who wash by hand as a way of life. Its unique lever action makes agitating the clothes so easy a child can do it. It has a stainless steel tub and a wringer so efficient that it gets out twice as much moisture as spin drying. Very well-made and durable. Wringer can be bought separately for $130.00 The company that makes these will sell directly to you. Contact S & H Metal Products Inc., 122 Redman Dr, Topeka, IN (219) 593-2565. Or you can buy through Lehman's catalog, or for low prices, the Home-Health Resource, HCR 67, Box 65, Mountain View, MO 65548 Tel: 417-934-5454. URL:www.homehealthresources.net. Price: $330 Shipping $20-30 depending on location.

MANUAL CLOTHES WRINGER

Buy a Chamois [chammy] wringer at auto supply stores for about $160 [Champ Catalogue item #J9-213]and mount on a 30 gal barrel. This is too high a price in my opinion. I would get the James washer wringer, instead. You can buy it directly from several other small outfits that carry them. Call the manufacturer, Lake City Industries at (814) 774-9616 to get a list of the nearest local source to you. It is called the #76-3 Hand Wringer.

PORTABLE COOK STOVES - KEROSENE

ALADDIN stoves carry the most complete line of kerosene heaters and stoves.

The ALPACA is great if you need something stronger and simpler than a backpacking stove. It's very sturdy and will take as large a pot as you care to put on it. Extremely simple, reliable design, with a minimum of moving parts to wear out. Fuel tank holds 0.9 gallons and has a fuel level gauge. Runs for 16 hours on a filling. Output 8,500 BTU; weight 13 lbs; size about 13″ high x 13″ diameter. There are many foreign models as well, since Europe and South America use kerosene extensively. PRIMUS is perhaps the largest foreign model.

WATERLESS COOKWARE

VOLLRATH: The heaviest and the best. The Vollrath Company, L.L.C., Tel: 1-800-624-2051, Fax: (920) 459-6570 website www.vollrathco.com.

LONG LASTING 130V LIGHT BULBS

FEIT ELECTRIC LA, CA lasts 14,000 hours and costs only a little more than standard bulbs - best buy on the market from Home Base and other stores.

COMPACT FLOURESCENTS

GE brand. They will run better off an inverter than other brands.

SUNPIPES

1,500 watts of free, fresh light as easy to install as stovepipe. Hollow, super-reflective pipe runs from your roof down to a translucent ceiling fixture that spreads the light down. Natural, full-spectrum light without glare, heat, or uncomfortable hot spots. Less expensive and easier to install than a skylight. Doesn't build up unwanted summer heat, create condensation, sun-fading problems, and won't leak. About $400 from Jade Mountain.

LED 12V LIGHTS

White LED Flashlite Lasts over 100 hours on 3 AA batteries - a must have item. Best buy at $25 from Abraham Solar at 1-800-222-7242.

18 LED Surface Mounting Light “Super Nova” available in 12,24, 36, 48 volts. A best buy at $80 from Abraham Solar at 1-800-222-7242.

12v Light Bulbs Price depends upon quantity - call Abraham Solar or RV suppliers.

KEROSENE LAMP AND PROPANE LANTERNS

Rapid Kerosene Pressure Lamp uses pressurized fuel and a mantle to generate 500 lumens (300 watt light bulb). Burns 10 hours from one-third gallon kerosene (one filling). Jade Mountain - about $50.

Petromax Multi-Fuel Lantern $120 from Homestead Supply. This German beauty is the cadillac of lanterns. Burns all liquid fuels, nickel finish, very classy. Puts out tremendous light. Call Homestead Supply at 541-688-9263 in Oregon. www.petromax.com (be patient, it is a new website) or they can be reached at 727-856-9245.

Dietz Wick-Oil Lamp The best of the old fashioned wick/oil lamps - beautiful and inexpensive. Lanterns Online, 5330 Ravenna Rd., Newton Falls, Ohio 44444
URL: http://pages.prodigy.net/timcallen/lantern/order.

Humphrey Propane Lamps The oldest and best company - about $53 each, Jade Mountain.

FULL SPECTRUM COMPACT FLUORESCENT

Sun-A-Lite Compact fluorescent replace screw-in bulbs with total spectrum, radiation-shielded fixtures. About $35 from Jade Mountain.

Excella Full spectrum fluorescents 20 watts to 40 watt tubes - about $10 each, from Jade Mountain. They also have 12 V GROW LITES.

FEATHER QUILTS, BEDS

The Company Store: 500 Company Store Rd, LaCrosse WI 54601, Tel: 1-800-356-9367.

NON COMPUTERIZED SEWING MACHINES

BERNINA 1008, (around $800).

VIKING “SEW EASY” 330 (around $700).

CORDLESS TELEPHONES

CASIO 820 (About $90).

RESIDENTIAL ELEVATORS

Lift-Avator 435 Park Ave, Lockport, NY 14094 Tel: (716) 434-1300. URL: http://www.stair-ease.com/

Tri-State Elevators at http://www.tri-state-lift.com/ shows 4 or 5 of the most common residential elevators. Tri State Lift 1414 South Oak Street Owatonna, MN 55060 Toll Free Call: 1-800-626-6017.

NUCLEAR PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
RADIATION METER

Victoreen 717 surplus survey meters. Range 0-500 rads, comes with detachable ion chamber so you don't have to buy a separate probe to take measurements outside the shelter. Uses 1 “D-Cell” battery. Simple, low tech, reliable. These are not in production, unused in new condition. Have not been calibrated since production. Calibration will usually drift 10-20% at the most, which is not critical for the high dose measurements you would make in a nuclear war. $150 from J&A Specialty 1-801-224-9139

CALIBRATION NOTE: Meters can be recalibrated if necessary by sending them to Jordan Nuclear, 3244 Arroyo Seco Ave, L.A. CA 90065. Call for rates: 1-(323) 222-8143. Mgr: Ed Manughian

Dosimeter Corporation model 3510. Range 0-3000 rads. Cost $600, Probe is extra (about $300). Contact Tel: 1-800-322-8258.

KFM kit meter ($12) order from Emergency Essentials, Orem Utah. (1-800-999-1863).

NUCLEAR BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL (NBC) FILTER SYSTEM

Model LUWA 180, about $6,000 - super expensive. US Rep. for the Swiss Luwa Corporation is Sharon Packer, Utah Shelter Systems, PO Box 638, Heber, Ut 84032 or on the web: www.netoriginal.com/uss

ALTERNATE AND CHEAPER NBC FILTERS (HEPA SPECS)

Order all 3 Replacement filters for a Honeywell “Enviracaire” model #63200 filter unit:

1. Replacement HEPA filter (down to 3 microns) (#28600) about $80

2. Replacement CPZ filter (#36200) about $80

3. Replacement charcoal Pre-filters (pkg of 2) - (#34002) $20

Order from J&A Specialty 1-801-224-9139

Sears also carries replacement HEPA filters for various Honeywell models - most of which are suitable for our purposes. I did not find any of the CPZ filters for chemical filtration, however.

WW GRAINGER carries the HEPA and the CPZ filter, but not the charcoal pre-filters. Here are the Grainger stock numbers: HEPA FILTER: 3GD14 ($79), CPZ FILTER: 3GD18 ($79).

12 VOLT FANS

ITT JABSCO, model 35115-0020

WW GRAINGER stock # 4C814 ($46) Note, these are plastic blowers, high RPM 4200, hence noisy. These are not meant to be run on continuous duty (for continuous duty fan, order stock #2C646a 12 volt, 176 CFM about $44). 110volt fan (141 cfm) for ventilation under normal power, buy unit number 2C916.

Round AUTO AIR FILTERS to place over shelter air inlets, about $4 each. available at auto supply stores.

EMP PROTECTION
EMP PROTECTORS

Zero Surge: The newest instantaneous clamping technology. Use for all your valuable plug in products like computers. ZeroSurge 944 State Route 12, Frenchtown, NJ 08825 Tel: 800-996-6696 Email: [email protected] URL: www.zerosurge.com.

Alpha Delta Communications P.O. Box 620, Manchester, KY 40962 Tel. 606-598-2029 Products: Coax lightning arrestors, coax switches with surge protectors.

Ameritron, Louisville Road Starkville, MS 39759 Tel. 601-323-8211 Products: Remote coax switches, inrush AC current protector.

ICE: Industrial Communication Engineers, Ltd. P.O. Box 18495, Indianapolis, IN 46218-0495 Tel. 317-545-5412 Products: Coax lightning arrestors.

Polyphaser Corp. P.O. Box 9000, Minden, NV 89423-9000 Tel. 702-782-2511 Products: top of the line military grade EMP protection equipment. Prime source of all US government equipment.

GROUNDING STRAPS, ETC

Certified Quality (The WIREMAN) 261 Pittman Rd., Landrum, SC 29356 Tel. 800-727-9473 (orders), 803-895-4195 (Tech line) Products: The Wireman stocks copper wire up to #4 AWG, 2-inch flat copper strap, 8-foot copper-clad ground rod and 1 x 1/4 inch bus bar.

Rohn Towers P.O. Box 2000, Peoria, IL 61656 Tel. 309-697-5612 Products: Radio towers mostly, but also copper strap and tower grounding products.

FALLOUT SHELTERS
PREFAB CONCRETE TANKS (use for burial underground)

Oldcastle Precast (Custom precast waterproof concrete tanks - Address: 2820 A Street, SE, Auburn, WA 98071-0608 Tel: (253) 833-2777 Fax: (253) 939-9126 Website: www.oldcastle-precast.com Toll free: (888) 232-6274. They have local manufacturers all over the USA.

UNDERGROUND STEEL TANK-TYPE FALLOUT SHELTER (using 8' round steel culvert pipe–about $10,000 to build)

Utah Shelter Systems P.O. Box 638,-Heber, Ut 84032 (Sharon Packer (801) 942-5638).

Bear Den Reinforced Plastic Shelter Best buy of the pre-fab buried shelters. Length: 114″ Widest Point: 93″ Main body height: 100″ Riser projects approx. 38″ Weight: approx. 1,000 lbs.Quadel Industries, Inc. 1-800-289-7659.

Storm Chaser Shelters 1200 Lawson Road, Fort Worth, TX 76131 Tel: (817) 847-9000.

Do-It-Yourself Plans for tank type shelters from Art Robinson, Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, 2251 Dick George Road, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523 Tel: (541) 592-4142.

BASEMENT FALLOUT, SECURITY SHELTERS
see “The Secure Home” by Joel Skousen URL: www.joelskousen.com Oreder from Swift: 800-292-2831.

CONCRETE BLOCK SHELTERS built into existing homes - see “How To Implement A High Security Shelter in the Home” by Skousen, www.joelskousen.com or Swift: 800-292-2831.

OXYGEN MONITOR

GT-96, #57-1112, $260 call 1-800-528-7405. It has an audible signal which may prove annoying and could be converted to LEDs.

CO2 MONITOR

Tells you if carbon dioxide from occupant breathing activity is getting too high. Elevated CO2 will cause problems before you run out of oxygen.

PRIVA, used for greenhouses: from Domestic Growers Supply, Cave Junction, Ore. Tel: (541) 592-3615.

DRY FLUSH PORTABLE TOILET

Porta-John Systems, Inc. 50633 Ryan Road, Utica, Michigan 48317 Tel: 1-888-PORTA-JOHN (1-888-767-8256). This portable, free-standing toilet doesn't use any water, but dry suctions everything into a bottom compartment lined with a plastic garbage bag. After 30 flushes, simply remove bag.

ELECTROSTATIC CARPET SWEEPER

FULLER BRUSH sales Item # 101 - Price $49.99. Check with your local Fuller Brush salesperson. Many have internet sites such as http://www.hfbd.com/

PLUMBING SYSTEMS
COMPOSTING TOILETS

BIOLET mini-composting toilet. Finally a composter about the size of a regular toilet! www.biolet.com Tel: 1-800-5biolet (US) 800-6biolet (Canada)

CLIVUS MULTRUM II for large unified system, using special toilets. Will compost continuous use for multiple people and also kitchen waste. Large siz