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Comment by slowhand09 | Hacker News Reader

I think people have stashed cash at home for many years. Its called an emergency fund. Major multi-day power outage - ATMs don't work. Credit cards don't work. Cash works. I also stash a couple of 5 gal. gas cans in the garage. And some food in the pantry. I even have spare clothing in the closet.

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Don't forget the solar power, water supply, medical kit. Oh, and guns and ammo, so that you get to keep all that when the need arises.

Seems like they're preparing for something more realistic like the 2003 blackout and not a zombie apocalypse.

Yes, because guns are only useful against zombies, not looters.

You're probably aware but make sure you're rotating out that gas. It will last longer in an airtight container than one with venting like most cans. Smart move though.

All the gas cans I've seen for sale in the last 10 years are self-sealing to limit emissions. I don't think you can even buy the "plain" ones anymore.

Oh neat. Still, even when airtight there is a stable shelf life you need to be mindful of.

I've replaced nozzles on my gas containers, and added vents. Kit cost $7 to refit 2 containers. I also use them to fill my old old car fuel tank which is behind the license plate on the lower half of the bumper. Modern gas container nozzles used on this type of filler leave about 50% on the ground.

Curious what differentiates 'spare' clothing from 'regular' clothing.

You can only wear one outfit at a time, everything else is spare.

I would imagine "spare" clothing would be:

1) More durable than normal clothing. They would not be something stylish enough to wear every day, but useful in a natural disaster. Think heavy duty work clothes.

2) Kept in some sort of safe, sealed container. In case of a flood or fire, your regular clothes could easily get spoiled. Spare clothing would be kept someplace safe and could be retrieved when necessary.

3) Provide extra warmth, in case your house was destroyed or damaged. Depending on the local weather, it might include a heavy coat, gloves, boots, etc.

True, and that is my definition. I'm no Jack Reacher.

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