Posted: 7/22/2011 2:24:54 PM EDT
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Hey Folks,
I've been putting together some items for my immediate neighbors in case of catastrophe, 4 houses in front and 2 houses on each side so eight total. Basic items: Couple bottles of water (for prescriptions), package of saltines, jar of jelly for crackers, can of tuna, large can of beans, candle. My hope was the jelly would work once polished off to aid in sterilizing the water they have in their home and the the can of beans/tuna could be their makeshift stove for the water. Problem I found was the candle got the water nice and hot but did not approach boiling. My next thought was maybe using another can to hold the water (less insulation than the jar) and / or using charcoal for the heatsource. I know a can of sterno would solve this but what I'm after is my neighbors being able to pass this techinque along to their neighbors as most have at least 1 can, 1 jelly jar and a candle in their home. If it gives everyone a couple days to take grasp of the situation in a more calm manner than totally worth it. Would appreciate some Ideas / solutions. 
For gratitude my favorite outdoor tip; Pressurized water Rather than wasting a half bottle to wash your hands 1 take cap 
2 poke holes 
3 squeeze 
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You could always teach them how to make soda can stoves. Tons of websites out there with different takes on this idea. Here are a few that popped up on a google search:
http://www.jureystudio.com/pennystove/ http://ygingras.net/b/2007/6/a-better-soda-can-stove http://www.thesodacanstove.com/stove/ |
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Exactly how hot did the water get? It doesn't need to boil to purify it.
“According to the Wilderness Medical Society, water temperatures above 160° F (70° C) kill all pathogens within 30 minutes and above 185° F (85° C) within a few minutes. So in the time it takes for the water to reach the boiling point (212° F or 100° C) from 160° F (70° C), all pathogens will be killed, even at high altitude.”
http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/water.shtml Honestly a small container of bleach would be quicker. |