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SteriPEN Creates Safe Drinking Water Anytime AnyWhere

SteriPEN Classic Safe Water System

I recently used one of these devices and was very impressed. If you aren’t familiar with the SteriPEN, then you are in for a treat. This is a way to create safe drinking water anywhere, anytime. It’s small, portable, and it works. For this review, I used the SteriPEN® Classic Safe Water System.

What is SteriPEN?

The SteriPEN is an all-in-one water treatment system that includes the SteriPEN Classic, a Water Bottle Pre-Filter and a Nalgene wide-mouth water bottle. This particular system is all that is needed for treating drinking water while camping, hiking, backpacking, traveling, or in a disaster. The 4 micron screen Pre-Filter fits snugly on the wide-mouth water bottle, protecting the drinking threads, and allows clear water to flow into the bottle while removing particulates.

The SteriPEN utilizes C Wavelength UV (ultraviolet light) to purifier water. UV-C light is short wave light, between x-rays and visible light wavelengths. These UV rays destroy the DNA of microbes in seconds. Without functional DNA, microbes can’t reproduce or make you sick.

While exposure to ultraviolet light can cause eye and skin damage. Used as directed, the SteriPEN will not cause UV exposure to the user. SteriPEN’s lamp emits a number of wavelengths, some of which are in the visible range. The visible blue light given off by SteriPEN is just that, visible blue light – not ultra violet – and is not dangerous to look at. In fact while the visible light has no germicidal effect, it is an important indicator that the lamp is functioning properly. If no light is visible the lamp is malfunctioning.

SteriPEN Classic Safe Water System

How to Use It

The SteriPEN can purify 16 ounces of water in less than a minute and 32 ounces of water in a minute and a half.

It is powered by AA batteries.

Here is how to use it:

  1. Remove the SteriPEN lamp cover.
  2. Press the On/Off button once. The green indicator light will flash quickly when the SteriPEN is ready.
  3. Fully immerse the lamp end in water. Sensors will turn on the UV lamp.
  4. Agitate the lamp in the water until the lamp turns off.
  5. The UV treatment is complete with the green indicator lamp flashes slowly.
  6. To finish, dry off the lamp and replace the cover.

There are a few different SteriPEN models to choose from. SteriPEN’s website is here:

SteriPEN – Safe Drinking Water Anytime

Summary

This is a great water purifying system that will do its job anytime, anywhere. I liked it so much I bought one.

Highly recommended.

 

 

The Alvin Vacuum Sealer

The Alvin Vacuum Sealer

The Alvin Vacuum Sealer

I came across an interesting article over at Instructables.com. It describes how to make the Alvin Vacuum Sealer. This is a hand operated vacuum sealer that can be used for sealing canning jars (Ball, Kerr, Mason). It’s handy, inexpensive, and doesn’t require power. The article also describes how to use it.

Take a look for yourself at:

The Alvin Vacuum Sealer

 

Types of Food Preservation Methods

Freeze Dried Food: Boiling Water Canner

There are many different food preservation methods that can be safely used at home. Here is a list:

a. Canning – Fruits

Fruits are high-acid foods, so they can be safely processed in a boiling water canner. The heat destroys yeasts and molds that may be present in the food and forces oxygen from the product and jars. The result is a tight, vacuum seal as the jar cools, which prevents re-contamination of the product by yeasts and molds.

b. Canning – Vegetables and Meats

Vegetables and meats are low acid foods (pH > 4.6), and they must be canned in a pressure canner. The high heat is sufficient to kill yeasts, molds, bacteria, and also destroy the spores of bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum. In addition, the heat results in removal of oxygen from the product and jar. This results in a tight, vacuum seal as the jar cools.

c. Pickling

When foods are pickled, the acidity of the food is increased. This is done by adding acid in the form of vinegar or by allowing fermentation to occur resulting in the natural production of acid in the product. There are two types of vinegar used in pickling. Apple cide vinegar and distilled white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has a fruity flavor and can be used to pickle fruits. Distilled white vinegar is used for light colored products and products where a fruity flavor is undesirable. The natural acid that is produced is lactic acid and that preserves the product. The acid level allows the products to be safely canned in a boiling water canner. The heat results in the removal of oxygen from the product and the jar. This results in a tight, vacuum seal as the jar cools.

d. Jellied Fruit Products

Jellied fruit products rely on acid in the fruit to limit microbial growth. In addition, sugar and/or pectin is added to bind up water in a product making it unavailable for microbes to grow. Yeasts and molds are destroyed by heating in a boiling water canner which also forces oxygen out of the product and jar. The jars form a tight, vacuum seal when cooled.

e. Freezing

Freezing lowers the temperature of foods to a level that halts microbial growth. Water in the product freezes and then becomes unavailable for microbes to grow. What you must remember is that freezing does not sterilize the food. When frozen foods are thawed, precautions must be taken to ensure their safety.

f. Drying

Drying food removes water for it and prevents it from being available for microorganisms to use for growth.

 

China Mandates H1N1 Vaccinations for All of Its Citizens

China Mandates H1N1 Vaccinations for All Its Citizens

China announced today that it has issued its first warrant for mass inoculation of its population with the H1N1 flu vaccine. The article (link below) stated that it was the first country in the world to do so, but that is not the case. The Greek government previously ordered its citizens to be innoculated for H1N1. This is a link to a post where I mentioned that:

400,000 Troops on U.S. Soil Because of Swine Flu in the Fall?

Chinese Health Minister Chen Zhu said Tuesday that the warrant was issued by the State Food and Drug Administration Monday after the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines had been proved in clinical tests. The first people to receive the vaccinations will be those attending celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chen said.

Chen also said protection would also be given to vulnerable groups, such as carriers of chronic disease, school students and medical staff. “We will also consider the differences between regions and start the vaccinations in areas where flu situations are serious,” Chen said.

Chen said the vaccination plan had been drafted on the basis of repeated and conscientious work by medical experts, with advice from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Here is the link to the original article:

China issues world’s first warrant for A/H1N1 flu vaccination

 

One Hundred Items That Will Disappear First During Any Disaster

Here is a list of 100 items that will disappear first during any major disaster or emergency.

It was first assembled by Joseph Almond prior to Y2K and is still valid to consider these things as “extremely desirable items” in the event of nearly any disaster.

  1. Generators
  2. Water Filters/Purifiers
  3. Portable Toilets
  4. Seasoned Firewood (wood takes 6 – 12 mos. to become dried for home use)
  5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
  6. Coleman Fuel
  7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats and Slingshots
  8. Hand-Can openers and hand egg beaters, whisks
  9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugars
  10. Rice – Beans – Wheat
  11. Vegetable oil (for cooking)(Without it food burns/must be boiled, etc.)
  12. Charcoal and Lighter fluid (Will become scarce suddenly.)
  13. Water containers (Urgent Item to obtain. Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY)
  14. Mini Heater head (Propane) Without this item, propane won’t heat a room.)
  15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
  16. Propane Cylinders
  17. Michael Hyatt’s Y2K Survival Guide(BEST single y2k handbook for sound advice/tips.)
  18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc.(Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
  19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula/ointments/aspirin, etc
  20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
  21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman and Kerosene)
  22. Vitamins
  23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item.)
  24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products
  25. Thermal underwear (Tops and bottoms)
  26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets and Wedges (also, honing oil)
  27. Aluminum foil (Reg. and Heavy Duty)(Great Cooking and Barter item)
  28. Gasoline containers (Plastic or Metal)
  29. Garbage bags (Impossible to have too many.)
  30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, paper towels
  31. Milk – Powdered and Condensed Shake liquid every 3 to 4 months.)
  32. Garden seeds (Non-hybrid) (A MUST)
  33. Clothespins/line/hangers (A MUST)
  34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit: 1(800) 835-3278
  35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
  36. Fire extinguishers (or.. large box of Baking soda in every room…)
  37. First aid kits
  38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
  39. Garlic, spices and vinegar, baking supplies
  40. BIG DOGS (and plenty of dog food)
  41. Flour, yeast and salt
  42. Matches (“Strike Anywhere” preferred. Boxed, wooden matches will go first.)
  43. Writing paper/pads/pencils/solar calculators
  44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime)
  45. Work boots, belts, Levis and durable shirts
  46. Flashlights/Light Sticks and torches, “No.76 Dietz” Lanterns
  47. Journals, Diaries and Scrapbooks (Jot down ideas, feelings, experiences: Historic times!)
  48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)
  49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
  50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
  51. Fishing supplies/tools
  52. Mosquito coils/repellent sprays/creams
  53. Duct tape
  54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
  55. Candles
  56. Laundry detergent (Liquid)
  57. Backpacks and Duffle bags
  58. Garden tools and supplies
  59. Scissors, fabrics and sewing supplies
  60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
  61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
  62. Canning supplies (Jars/lids/wax)
  63. Knives and Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
  64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.
  65. Sleeping bags and blankets/pillows/mats
  66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
  67. Board Games Cards, Dice
  68. D-Con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
  69. Mousetraps, Ant traps and cockroach magnets
  70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks…)
  71. Baby Wipes, oils, waterless and Anti-bacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
  72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
  73. Shaving supplies (razors and creams, talc, after shave)
  74. Hand pumps and siphons (for water and for fuels)
  75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bouillons/gravy/soup base
  76. Reading glasses
  77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
  78. Survival-in-a-Can
  79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
  80. Boy Scout Handbook(also, Leader’s Catalog)
  81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
  82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
  83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
  84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
  85. Lumber (all types)
  86. Wagons and carts (for transport to and from open Flea markets)
  87. Cots and Inflatable Mattresses (for extra guests)
  88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
  89. Lantern Hangers
  90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts and bolts
  91. Teas
  92. Coffee
  93. Cigarettes
  94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.)
  95. Paraffin wax
  96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
  97. Chewing gum/candies
  98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
  99. Hats and cotton neckerchiefs
  100. Goats/chickens

 

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