Self-reliance

Materials

• Plant containers and potting compost
• Rain barrel with lid(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Check the site

   Observe hours of sun, check wind shelter and weight. Sunny spots for tomatoes and chillies, partial shade for lettuce and many herbs.

2. 2

   Choose containers

   Containers with drainage holes; large tubs for tomatoes, balcony boxes for herbs and lettuce. Saucers to keep water off the neighbours.

3. 3

   Fill

   Use fresh potting compost, not garden soil, in pots. Fill to just below the rim.

4. 4

   Sow or plant

   Sow according to the packet or plant young plants; put tender plants outside only after the last frosts.

5. 5

   Water and feed

   Water when the top layer of soil is dry – often daily on hot days. After a few weeks, feed according to the manufacturer's directions.

6. 6

   Harvest

   Harvest herbs and lettuce regularly; this encourages new growth.

Common mistakes

• ×Pots too small
• ×Containers without drainage holes
• ×Unsecured boxes on the railing
• ×Irregular watering

Limits and risks

• –No yield figures
• –No variety recommendations

Sources

1. [1]

   Royal Horticultural Society – Dorling Kindersley: RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-container-growing

Materials

• Compost bin(optional)
• Rain barrel with lid(optional)
• Sturdy work gloves

Steps

1. 1

   Choose a site

   Sunny, sheltered, close to water, not under trees. Keep it small – a well-tended small bed is better.

2. 2

   Prepare the soil

   Remove grass and weeds, loosen the soil and work in mature compost. Make beds narrow enough to reach the middle without stepping on them.

3. 3

   Planting plan

   Choose simple, robust crops (e.g. lettuce, radishes, beans, courgettes, potatoes). Write down the plan so you can rotate families next year.

4. 4

   Sow and plant

   Sow at the right time according to the packet, mark rows and keep spacings. Frost-tender crops only after the last frosts.

5. 5

   Care

   Water thoroughly in the morning or evening rather than lightly every day, remove weeds while young, cover the soil with mulch.

6. 6

   Keep records

   Record sowing dates, varieties, harvests and problems – the most valuable basis for next year.

Common mistakes

• ×Bed too large in the first year
• ×Shady site
• ×Treading on and compacting the soil
• ×Same crop in the same place every year

Limits and risks

• –No sowing calendars – they depend on region and climate
• –No pesticide recommendations

Sources

1. [1]

   Royal Horticultural Society – Dorling Kindersley: RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-vegetable-bed-basics

Materials

• Compost bin
• Sturdy work gloves

Steps

1. 1

   Site and bin

   Set the bin on bare soil, in partial shade, easy to reach. A layer of coarse twigs at the bottom for air.

2. 2

   Mix green and brown

   Add green (vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, thin layers of grass clippings) and brown (leaves, straw, torn cardboard, twigs) in alternating layers or mixed.

3. 3

   Chop up

   Chop coarse material; smaller pieces decompose faster.

4. 4

   Check moisture

   Moisten when dry; when wet, add more brown material and cover.

5. 5

   Turn

   Turn or loosen occasionally to let in air; this speeds up decomposition.

6. 6

   Use mature compost

   Compost is ready when it is dark, crumbly and smells earthy and the original materials are barely recognisable. Sieve it and work it into beds.

Common mistakes

• ×Only grass clippings in a thick layer – turns putrid
• ×Food scraps with meat – rats
• ×Too dry
• ×Immature compost on young plants

Limits and risks

• –No ratios or temperature figures
• –No composting of human waste

Sources

1. [1]

   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Composting At Home

2. [2]

   Royal Horticultural Society – Dorling Kindersley: RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-composting

Materials

• Labels and waterproof marker
• Airtight food-grade storage container

Steps

1. 1

   Choose varieties and plants

   Grow open-pollinated varieties and mark the healthiest, most typical plants as seed bearers.

2. 2

   Let them ripen

   Let beans and peas dry on the plant until the pods rattle. Harvest tomatoes fully ripe.

3. 3

   Extract the seed

   Open dry pods. Scoop out tomato seeds with their gel, leave them in a little water for a few days following established instructions, then wash.

4. 4

   Dry

   Spread out on paper or a plate in an airy, shady place and let them dry completely.

5. 5

   Store

   Label paper bags or jars with variety and year and store cool, dry and dark.

6. 6

   Germination test

   Before sowing, germinate a few seeds on damp kitchen paper to estimate viability.

Common mistakes

• ×Saving seed from F1 hybrids
• ×Harvesting unripe seed
• ×Storing before fully dry – mould
• ×Storing without labels

Limits and risks

• –No isolation distances
• –No figures on how long individual species stay viable

Sources

1. [1]

   Suzanne Ashworth – Seed Savers Exchange: Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-seed-saving

Materials

• Flat file and sharpening stone for garden tools
• Tool oil / care oil
• Sturdy work gloves
• Close-fitting safety goggles(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Clean

   Wash off soil, dry and remove rust with a wire brush or abrasive pad. Take shears apart if possible.

2. 2

   Clamp

   Clamp the tool so the existing bevel is easy to reach.

3. 3

   Restore the bevel

   Push the file at the angle of the existing bevel in one direction away from the body, working only the bevel. For spades and hoes a working edge is enough, not a razor.

4. 4

   Remove the burr

   Take off the burr on the back with a flat stroke of the file or stone. On shears only lay the flat side flat.

5. 5

   Oil and check the handle

   Oil the metal lightly, check wooden handles for cracks and treat with linseed oil if appropriate. Fix or replace loose handles.

Common mistakes

• ×Grinding the flat side of secateurs
• ×Overheating with an angle grinder and softening the metal
• ×Holding the tool in the hand instead of a vice
• ×Hanging it up wet in the shed

Limits and risks

• –No instructions for powered tools
• –No exact angles – keep the existing bevel

Sources

1. [1]

   Royal Horticultural Society – Dorling Kindersley: RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening

2. [2]

   Leonard Lee – The Taunton Press (1995): The Complete Guide to Sharpening

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-garden-tool-sharpening

Materials

• Food-grade water container – Food-grade only and never used for anything else
• PET bottle (clear, max. 2 litres)(optional) – Bought bottled water is the simplest option
• Labels and waterproof marker – Note the fill date

Steps

1. 1

   Decide the amount

   Follow your authority: Germany's BBK gives around two litres per person per day for emergency preparedness, Ready.gov one gallon (about 3.8 litres) per person per day including sanitation. Plan reserves for children, sick people, pets and hot weather.

2. 2

   Prefer sealed bottled water

   Bought water in its original packaging is simplest. Store it dark and cool and use it in daily life before the best-before date, then replace it.

3. 3

   Prepare your own containers cleanly

   Use only food-grade containers with a tight closure. Clean with washing-up liquid and hot water and rinse well. Wash your hands and do not touch the inside of lid or opening.

4. 4

   Fill with tap water and label

   Fill to the top with drinking water from the public supply, close tightly and note the fill date.

5. 5

   Store correctly

   Cool, dark, not next to chemicals, fuel, paint or cleaning products – plastic can absorb odours. Not in direct sun or next to the heating.

6. 6

   Rotate regularly

   Replace self-filled water at fixed intervals; Ready.gov gives six months for this. Choose a fixed date, such as when the clocks change.

Common mistakes

• ×Using old fuel or detergent containers
• ×Storing containers without a date
• ×Keeping the stock next to paint or solvents
• ×Planning only for drinking and forgetting hygiene
• ×Touching the opening with unwashed hands

Limits and risks

• –No instructions for long-term preservation with chemicals
• –Quantities come from authorities and may change – check the current version

Sources

1. [1]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Water (emergency water supply guidance)

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-home-water-storage

Materials

• Clean sand(optional)
• Newspaper and cardboard(optional)
• Labels and waterproof marker

Steps

1. 1

   Select

   Store only undamaged, healthy produce; use bruised items first.

2. 2

   Prepare

   Do not wash potatoes; let them dry briefly. Twist the tops off carrots and beetroot. Let onions dry thoroughly.

3. 3

   Store

   Potatoes in the dark in crates, root vegetables in crates of slightly damp sand, onions airy and dry, hung or in nets, apples side by side in shallow trays, separate from vegetables.

4. 4

   Label

   Note variety and date stored.

5. 5

   Check

   Go through weekly, remove anything rotten, keep an eye on temperature and frost protection.

Common mistakes

• ×Storing damaged produce
• ×Potatoes in the light
• ×Apples next to potatoes
• ×Storing in a warm boiler room

Limits and risks

• –No storage times or temperature figures per vegetable

Sources

1. [1]

   Royal Horticultural Society – Dorling Kindersley: RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-garden-harvest-storage

Materials

• Rain barrel with lid – With a tight lid

Steps

1. 1

   Check the rules

   In rented property, get permission. Whether and how rainwater may be used can be regulated regionally – check local rules.

2. 2

   Prepare the base

   A level, load-bearing base (e.g. paving slabs). A full barrel weighs as many kilograms as it holds litres, plus its own weight.

3. 3

   Connect

   Use a rain diverter or downpipe connector that sends water back into the downpipe when the barrel is full, so it does not overflow.

4. 4

   Cover

   Close the lid tightly; secure any openings with fine mesh against mosquitoes, leaves and animals.

5. 5

   Maintain

   Clear leaves from the gutter and strainer regularly. Before frost, empty or disconnect the barrel so it does not crack.

Common mistakes

• ×Drinking rainwater directly
• ×Leaving the barrel open
• ×Leaving the barrel full in winter
• ×No overflow – water runs down the house wall

Limits and risks

• –No instructions for in-house rainwater systems
• –No statement on regional regulations – check local rules

Sources

–

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-rainwater-garden

Materials

• Carbon monoxide alarm
• Smoke alarm
• Wool blanket / duvet
• Household fire extinguisher(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Clarify dependencies

   Find out whether the heating works without electricity. If not, discuss options with a professional instead of improvising.

2. 2

   Approved heat source

   Use only appliances approved for indoor use. A wood stove must be professionally connected and the chimney regularly inspected and swept.

3. 3

   Install alarms

   Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fireplaces or stoves and in sleeping areas, smoke alarms according to local requirements; test regularly.

4. 4

   Store fuel

   Store firewood dry and away from the stove; liquid fuels only in approved containers outside living areas, as locally permitted.

5. 5

   Passive measures

   Designate one room as a warm room, seal windows, keep warm clothing, blankets and sleeping bags ready – they work without any risk.

Common mistakes

• ×Grill or gas stove for heating indoors
• ×Generator in the garage
• ×Stove without chimney inspection
• ×Fan heater on a cable reel

Limits and risks

• –No appliance recommendations
• –No installation instructions
• –Legal requirements not described in detail

Sources

1. [1]

   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Winter Weather

3. [3]

   World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe (2010): WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants (carbon monoxide chapter)

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-backup-heating-safety

Materials

• Dry firewood
• Wood moisture meter(optional)
• Tarp(optional)
• Sturdy work gloves

Steps

1. 1

   Split and cut to length

   Saw to stove length and split, as soon as possible after felling. Split wood dries much faster than whole rounds.

2. 2

   Choose the site

   Sunny and windy, on pallets, timber bearers or stones, with some distance from the house wall.

3. 3

   Stack with airflow

   Stack loosely in rows, bark up, sides open. Stabilise the ends with crisscrossed pieces.

4. 4

   Cover the top

   Roof or tarp on top only, leave the sides open. Wood wrapped completely does not dry.

5. 5

   Check

   Measure on a freshly split face with the meter. Dry wood is lighter, sounds sharp when knocked together and often shows cracks at the ends.

6. 6

   Day supply

   Bring only a small supply indoors a few days before use, at a distance from the stove.

Common mistakes

• ×Burning green wood
• ×Wrapping the stack completely in a tarp
• ×Stacking directly on the ground
• ×Burning treated wood or rubbish

Limits and risks

• –No drying times per species
• –No stove or chimney work

Sources

1. [1]

   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Burn Wise – wood-burning best practices

2. [2]

   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-firewood-seasoning

Materials

• Draught strip and draught excluder
• Wool blanket / duvet(optional)
• Carbon monoxide alarm

Steps

1. 1

   Find leaks

   On windy days feel with the hand or a feather around windows, doors, letterboxes, sockets on outside walls and pipe openings for draughts.

2. 2

   Mark vents

   Note all openings that belong to stoves and gas appliances or serve moisture control – these stay open.

3. 3

   Seal

   Stick draught strip into window and door rebates, brush seals at door bottoms, draught excluders at doors, a cover for the letterbox.

4. 4

   Curtains and blinds

   Close heavy curtains and blinds at night, open them in sunshine during the day. Do not cover radiators.

5. 5

   Zone rooms

   During heating failure keep one room warm and close doors to unused rooms.

6. 6

   Keep airing

   Air briefly and thoroughly several times a day instead of leaving windows tilted open.

Common mistakes

• ×Taping over air bricks or air supply openings
• ×Not airing any more after sealing
• ×Covering radiators with curtains
• ×Windows permanently tilted open

Limits and risks

• –No insulation of building elements
• –No inspection of combustion appliances

Sources

1. [1]

   U.S. Department of Energy: Air Sealing Your Home (Energy Saver)

2. [2]

   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-draught-proofing

Materials

• Portable power station (battery with inverter)(optional)
• Folding solar charger(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Clarify the goal

   Cut costs (grid-tied) or backup power for small devices (off-grid or power station)? These are different systems.

2. 2

   Check the rules

   Clarify requirements on registration, power limits, plugs and meters, and consent from landlord or owners' association – check local rules.

3. 3

   Site

   A sunny place with little shade, safely accessible, with load-bearing mounting. Nothing above walkways without a verified installation.

4. 4

   Install per instructions

   Only use complete kits with manufacturer instructions and follow them exactly; connect only as locally permitted.

5. 5

   Check regularly

   Check the mounting after storms, inspect cables for damage, occasionally clean panels carefully from a safe position.

Common mistakes

• ×Assuming a balcony system provides power during an outage
• ×Hanging panels unsecured on the railing
• ×Improvising your own wiring
• ×Ignoring rules and consent

Limits and risks

• –No wiring or connection instructions
• –No legal advice – check local rules
• –No yield calculation

Sources

–

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-balcony-solar

Materials

• Headlamp / flashlight – Basements and cupboards are often dark
• Labels and waterproof marker – Label shut-offs clearly

Steps

1. 1

   Find the main water valve

   It is usually where the water pipe enters the building – often in the basement or utility room near the water meter. In flats there are often additional valves in the bathroom, kitchen or on a riser.

2. 2

   Find the breaker panel and main switch

   Find out where your home's breaker panel (consumer unit) is and whether there is a main switch. Check whether the individual circuits are labelled.

3. 3

   Know where the gas shut-off is

   If there is gas in the building: ask the landlord, utility or a qualified professional to show you where the main shut-off is. Whether and when occupants should operate it is set by the utility and authorities – when in doubt, touch nothing and call the gas emergency service.

   If you smell gas, do not operate switches or valves – get out and call from outside.

4. 4

   Label and keep clear

   Mark the main water valve and breaker panel clearly and keep the access free of boxes and shelves. Keep a torch nearby.

5. 5

   Operate the water valve once deliberately

   Turn the main water valve off and on again once in a calm moment so you know the direction and whether it moves freely. If it is stuck or leaks: do not force it, inform a professional or the landlord.

6. 6

   Brief everyone in the household

   Show all adults and older children the locations and explain the gas rule. Note the numbers of the gas emergency service, water utility and landlord in the emergency plan.

Common mistakes

• ×Looking for the main water valve only during an emergency
• ×Operating the breaker panel with wet hands or while standing in water
• ×Switching on lights or making phone calls inside the building when gas can be smelled
• ×Turning gas back on yourself after it was shut off
• ×Blocking access to shut-offs

Limits and risks

• –No instructions for work on gas or electrical installations
• –Rules on operating the gas shut-off differ by country and utility – check local rules

Sources

1. [1]

   U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-utility-shutoffs

Materials

• Battery or crank radio(optional)
• Headlamp / flashlight(optional)
• Paracord(optional) – For practising knots

Steps

1. 1

   Choose the skills

   List five to ten things that would matter in an emergency: making an emergency call, reaching the meeting point, finding shut-offs, tuning the radio, grabbing a light in the dark, finding the first-aid kit, tying a knot, using map and compass.

2. 2

   Set dates

   Plan one short exercise per month. Fixed occasions help, such as the clock change for batteries and supplies or the start of the school year for the family plan.

3. 3

   Practise realistically

   Practise under slightly harder conditions: lights off and find the torch, put the phone away and dial numbers from paper, actually walk the route to the meeting point once.

4. 4

   Debrief briefly

   What did not work? What was missing? Note one improvement and implement it before the next exercise.

5. 5

   Rotate roles

   Each person should take on each task once. If only one person knows where the main water valve is, that knowledge may not be available in an emergency.

Common mistakes

• ×Writing a plan once and never practising
• ×Exercises so big and complex they never happen
• ×Leaving children out
• ×Dangerous exercises without instruction

Limits and risks

• –No substitute for first-aid courses or professional training
• –Content must be adapted to your own household

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Make A Plan

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-skill-practice-routine

Materials

• Headlamp / flashlight(optional)

Common mistakes

• ×Working on gas or power “just temporarily” during an emergency
• ×Patching damaged cables with tape and continuing to use them
• ×Opening faulty heaters yourself
• ×Climbing onto the roof after a storm without it being checked

Limits and risks

• –No repair instructions for individual appliances
• –Legal rules for electrical and gas work differ by country – check local rules

Sources

1. [1]

   U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-home-repair-limits

Materials

• Sewing kit
• Safety pins
• Cotton cloth / T-shirt(optional) – As patch fabric

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare

   Wash the garment, trim frayed threads and look at the damage from inside and outside.

2. 2

   Cut the patch

   Cut a patch of similar fabric so it extends a good two centimetres beyond the hole all round; round the corners so they do not lift.

3. 3

   Pin

   Pin the patch inside or outside, keeping the fabric smooth and without tension.

4. 4

   Sew

   Sew the edge with small whip stitches or backstitches, then stitch the edges of the hole down onto the patch.

5. 5

   Repair a hem

   Fold the hem along the old crease, pin it and sew with small stitches that barely show outside.

6. 6

   Zip

   Ease sticking teeth with a pencil or a little wax. If the slider gapes, it can be squeezed very gently with pliers – squeezing too hard jams it.

Common mistakes

• ×Patch too small
• ×Fabric puckered while sewing
• ×Thick, stiff patch on thin fabric
• ×Zip slider squeezed too hard

Limits and risks

• –No substitute for a tailor for complex repairs
• –No repair of protective equipment

Sources

1. [1]

   Reader's Digest: Complete Guide to Sewing

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-clothes-mending

Materials

• Bicycle puncture kit and tools
• Multitool(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Pre-ride check

   Tyre pressure (stated on the sidewall), brakes (pull the lever, push the bike), chain (clean, oiled, not rusty), lights.

2. 2

   Remove wheel and tyre

   Open the brake if necessary, remove the wheel and let all the air out. Lever one side of the tyre off the rim with tyre levers and pull out the tube.

3. 3

   Find hole and cause

   Inflate the tube and listen for the hole or find it in water. Carefully feel inside the tyre and remove the object.

   Careful when feeling: glass and wire can cut.

4. 4

   Patch

   Dry the area, roughen it, apply a thin layer of solution, let it dry as stated on the pack, press the patch on firmly.

5. 5

   Refit

   Inflate the tube slightly, insert it and push the tyre onto the rim by hand without pinching the tube. Pump to the rated pressure, refit the wheel, close the brake.

6. 6

   Test

   Check the wheel is seated, the quick release or nuts are tight and the brakes work; take a short test ride.

Common mistakes

• ×Cause in the tyre not removed
• ×Tube pinched with a tyre lever
• ×Patch on a wet or unroughened surface
• ×Brake left open after refitting

Limits and risks

• –No instructions for adjusting brakes or gears
• –No work on e-bike electrics

Sources

1. [1]

   Lennard Zinn – VeloPress: Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-bicycle-repair-basics

Materials

• Smoke alarm
• Household fire extinguisher
• Fire blanket
• Headlamp / flashlight(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Smoke alarms

   Mount alarms on the ceiling in bedrooms, children's rooms and hallways used as escape routes; at least one on every level. Test monthly with the test button.

2. 2

   Escape plan

   Know two ways out of every room, agree a meeting point outside, keep escape routes clear, keep keys within reach. Practise together.

3. 3

   Keep extinguishing aids ready

   Fire blanket near the kitchen, extinguisher clearly visible near the exit. Read the instructions beforehand; service as the manufacturer specifies.

4. 4

   Small fire

   Only fight it if the fire is small, your escape route stays clear behind you and you feel confident. Otherwise get out immediately.

5. 5

   During crises

   Never leave candles unattended; keep them away from curtains on a fireproof base. Prefer battery lights. Keep backup heaters well away from flammable materials.

Common mistakes

• ×Taking the battery out of the alarm because it is annoying
• ×Putting water on a fat fire
• ×Going back in to fetch things
• ×An extinguisher nobody knows how to use

Limits and risks

• –No detailed advice on fire classes or extinguishing agents
• –No substitute for fire safety advice from the fire service

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Home Fires

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-home-fire-safety

Materials

• Household tool kit
• Duct tape
• Headlamp / flashlight
• Close-fitting safety goggles
• Sturdy work gloves

Steps

1. 1

   Core set

   Hammer, set of screwdrivers (flat and cross-head) or a bit set, combination pliers, needle-nose pliers, adjustable wrench, utility knife, tape measure, spirit level.

2. 2

   Consumables

   Duct tape, cable ties, screws and wall plugs in common sizes, cord, wire, glue.

3. 3

   Protection and light

   Safety glasses, work gloves, head torch with spare batteries.

4. 4

   For emergencies

   Tools that fit your own shut-off devices kept with the tool kit; note where the shut-offs are.

5. 5

   Store and maintain

   Store dry, remove rust, replace blades, check batteries. Keep out of children's reach.

Common mistakes

• ×Tools scattered all over the home
• ×Cheap tools that fail the first time
• ×No light in the tool kit
• ×Working without safety glasses

Limits and risks

• –No product recommendations

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Build A Kit

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-basic-tool-kit

Materials

• Sink plunger
• Household tool kit
• Disposable gloves
• Headlamp / flashlight(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Clean the strainer

   Remove the strainer or plug and clear hair and dirt with gloves. Often that is enough.

2. 2

   Plunger

   Cover the overflow with a wet cloth, leave some water in the basin, place the plunger and pump firmly several times.

3. 3

   Clean the trap

   Put a bucket underneath, unscrew the trap by hand, rinse it out, check the seals and refit hand-tight. Then check for leaks.

4. 4

   Tap: shut off the water

   Close the isolation valve under the basin or the main stopcock, open the tap until no more water comes. Plug the outlet so no small parts disappear.

5. 5

   Replace washer or cartridge

   Unscrew the head according to the manufacturer's instructions, take the old part with you to buy the matching replacement, fit it and slowly turn the water back on. If the design is unclear: call a professional.

Common mistakes

• ×Combining chemicals and a plunger
• ×Overtightening the trap with pipe wrenches
• ×Not shutting off the water
• ×Pouring grease down the drain

Limits and risks

• –No work on pipes in the wall, gas or hot-water appliances
• –No instructions for individual tap models

Sources

1. [1]

   U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-tap-and-drain-basics

Materials

• Headlamp / flashlight

Steps

1. 1

   Check the situation

   Is only your home or one circuit affected? If the whole neighbourhood is out, do not switch anything; wait for the network operator's information.

2. 2

   Unplug appliances

   In the affected circuit switch off and unplug appliances, especially ones just switched on or wet ones.

3. 3

   Switch back on

   With dry hands push the tripped switch fully off and then on again. Only replace screw-in fuses with equivalent ones where the holder is designed for this.

4. 4

   Narrow down the cause

   Plug appliances back in one at a time. If it trips with a particular appliance, stop using it and have it checked.

5. 5

   Call an electrician

   If it trips even with nothing plugged in, smells burnt, or sockets are warm or discoloured: leave it off and call an electrician. With smoke or fire: local emergency number (112 in the EU).

Common mistakes

• ×Fitting a higher-rated fuse
• ×Bypassing a fuse
• ×Switching with wet hands or while standing in water
• ×Ignoring an RCD permanently because it keeps tripping

Limits and risks

• –No work on the consumer unit itself, sockets or wiring
• –No statement on national regulations

Sources

1. [1]

   U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-fuses-breakers

Materials

• Laundry tub or large lidded bucket
• Soap / detergent
• Disposable gloves(optional)
• Rope(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Sort and prioritise

   Separate lights, darks and heavily soiled items. Do underwear, socks, baby clothes and towels first.

2. 2

   Soak

   Soak in lukewarm water with a little detergent for 30 minutes or longer.

3. 3

   Wash

   Knead, rub or agitate with a clean plunger or dolly; rub stains with soap.

4. 4

   Rinse

   Rinse in two or three small rounds of clean water until hardly any suds appear. The last rinse water can serve as the first rinse for the next load.

5. 5

   Wring

   Wring well or roll in a towel and press. The drier it is, the faster it dries.

6. 6

   Dry

   Hang with space and airflow, outdoors in wind and sun, indoors with a window open or near – not on – a safe heat source.

Common mistakes

• ×Too much detergent – hard to rinse out
• ×Using drinking water
• ×Drying laundry over candles, radiant heaters or stoves
• ×Leaving damp laundry folded

Limits and risks

• –No disinfection of contaminated clothing
• –No figures on water per load

Sources

–

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-hand-laundry

Materials

• Field notebook and pencil(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Take stock

   Write down what you can do and what you would like to learn, e.g. sewing, preserving, bikes, first aid, gardening.

2. 2

   Find courses

   Adult-education centres, gardening clubs, relief organisations (first aid), libraries and local initiatives often offer low-cost courses.

3. 3

   Repair café and tool library

   Learn to repair together and borrow tools instead of buying.

4. 4

   Pass it on

   Offer your own skills: a workshop, help in the neighbourhood, seed or tool swaps.

5. 5

   Maintain the network

   Note contacts and their skills, meet regularly, and know whom to ask in a crisis.

Common mistakes

• ×Learning only from videos without practice
• ×Dangerous tasks without qualified instruction
• ×Looking for a network only once the crisis hits

Limits and risks

• –No list of specific providers
• –No legal or tax advice

Sources

1. [1]

   U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/self-reliance/sr-skill-sharing