Houstonians without backup power now, will never have backup power.
Posted by VviFMCgY@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 74 comments
Except for those that are poor, or those that just moved here, I think anyone in Houston without SOME kind of backup power situation, will never have one and always mooch off of everyone else. Even if you rent, there is nothing stopping you from getting a battery system like an Ecoflow
If you live in Houston, you need to be prepared for extended power outages. However, in the last 2 storms that hit us, the Derecho and Beryl, I found myself helping people out that have enough spare money, and have lived here long enough to know, and even now are refusing to prepare for the next storm.
Am I being an asshole to not really want to help them next time around?
I don't know the point of this post other than just to rant a little bit. All too often I hear "Haha, when the power goes out I know who's house I'm going to!" So they know they need to prepare, and their plan for that is just to go mooch of of someone else who has prepared
Fubar14235@reddit
As someone who live in a very uneventful area I can’t understand it. I have a generator, a jackery with solar panels and I’m saving to build my own battery setup with LiFePO4 and a bigger inverter. I can’t even remember the last time we had a power cut. How can you live somewhere that experiences these natural disasters and not even bother to get a jackery/ecoflow/whatever if you have the money? Same with Floridians asking what they should do to prep for hurricanes. They should be the global experts on dealing with it.
lunarminx@reddit
I am right with you on that. It took twenty hours mid summer with no power living in a third floor apartment last year, small tornado pulled a few power lines down that pulled down the full main street of them. Heat rises, I'm poor and disabled with no money to hit a hotel or the likes. Maryland has very hot humid summers normally.
My windows are white foamboard covered with black out curtains pulled. This apartment gets sunrise to about 130 ish pm beating down the full length of it. On very hot days the AC set to 72f keeps it about 80f give it take. That is normal, I couldn't believe how fast and hot it got.
For the summer power outage is now camping fans ran on the bluetti. Winter is easier to handle somewhat, lots of fleece throws and blankets. I plan to get some low wattage heating pads to use also. I have many uniheat packs that get to 100 f max for my reptiles. Summer is easy, natural sun for thirty minutes gives what 12 hours of a uvb tube gives them. My anole can handle the lack of uvb without being taken outside.
There is only a few reasons for people to not be somewhat prepared.
AlmondCigar@reddit
Heated twin blankets used as throws changed my game. Covers you sitting in a chair and I have another across the lower half of my bed. When I was younger I used to get cold easily and I preferred a heated mattress pad instead. Foam toppings on the mattress bed helps hold in heat too but take it off for summer 🥵
lunarminx@reddit
Right, my cats ruined my heating blanket right after I sewed a satin sheet to the bottom around the very edge, Sherpa is a horrible feeling when washed, two weeks afterwards I got an error code, so sad too. My thyroid is dead so unless it's super hot in here with a running I'm chilled. I have just been using my heating pad for now.
Biscuit making kitties, you have to love them.
AlmondCigar@reddit
I have to put a heavy blanket on top of the heating blanket so they won’t ruin mine
ObscureSaint@reddit
I take my heated blanket camping and plug it into the Ecoflow River, haha. It's heavenly!
drowninginidiots@reddit
This is true anywhere. I used to live somewhere that would have floods. When that happened, all the roads were impassable, and there was a risk of extended power outages, as well as the possibility of water going out or a boil water requirement.
I knew people that had lived in this area for 30 years, and would wait until 1-2 days before the forecasted flood to run to the store and try to buy food and water, then complain about the long lines and empty shelves. Meanwhile, we didn’t need to do anything, because once winter approached, we always kept enough food and water around just in case. Ironically, some of these people thought we were the weird ones.
Ilike3dogs@reddit
Same here! People thought I was nuts until Covid hit and there wasn’t anything left on the grocery store shelves
Chance_Contract1291@reddit
Seriously, the main impact Covid had on us was "Thank goodness we have a reason to stay home and not have to interact with people for a while."
Ilike3dogs@reddit
Well, we weren’t able to stay home. I had to come out of retirement, actually. 😢. And poor hubby was working double shifts probably 3-4 times per week. And lotsa people came over to “borrow” supplies and food. Needless to say, they meant for us to just give them stuff. I just hope they learned something from this. The world is more fragile than we think
Chance_Contract1291@reddit
That must have been an awful struggle, on many fronts. I work a job that "doesn't allow" work from home but they made an exception during the pandemic. We were extremely fortunate.
Nufonewhodis4@reddit
I had colleagues making fun of people stocking up before a big freeze last year in Texas. It's only been 3 years since 2021 freeze. crazy to me how people forget and how unimaginative they are in regards to risks from weather etc.
StrivingToBeDecent@reddit
Fools will always mock the wise.
Houston_Is_HOT@reddit
What do you recommend if you live in an apartment on the 7th floor?
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
2 Batteries, Ecoflow, Jackery, etc etc and a way to charge them fast in your car, either an AC inverter or a DC to DC inverter
While you use one, you can charge the other
Houston_Is_HOT@reddit
Thank you!
diaryofsnow@reddit
Literally my favorite and most prized personal possession is my Ecoflow generator. Knowing you have the ability to power essentials no matter what is priceless to me.
phoneacct696969@reddit
Can you really run a fridge and an ac on one of those?
Background_Wear_1074@reddit
Depends on the btu and efficiency of the ac. A 12,000 btu window ac would probably run for about one to one and a half hours. A refrigerator probably about 24 hours if you don't open it more than a few times. You would be alot better off putting that money towards a 5500 watt dual fuel generator from ebay (about $500), a 24 volt 200 ah lithium battery (about $500 -$600) and a battery charger/inverter capable of 40 to 50 amp charging at 24 volts (maybe $200 to $350). With that setup, you would only need to run the generator every few hours to recharge the battery(s). Total that's roughly $1500 to $2000. That's the minimum you'll need to spend.
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
I can run my 12000BTU Portable AC on the Delta 2 with no issue. How much runtime you get out of it of course is dependent on the size of the room and the temp, but I wouldn't expect longer than maybe 2 hours at most
No_Character_5315@reddit
Best bet would be to have that and a small gas 2000w generator for short outages just use the delta 2 if your longer term fire up the generator to keep the delta charged up.
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
I just let my 27kw genset fire up automatically
diaryofsnow@reddit
On a river 2 pro? Probably, but not for long. With the delta 2 absolutely. I bought the River because I live in a tiny shithole apartment and my family would likely have to bug-out rather than in, so I wanted a power source for the Tiguan.
Starlight_Alchemy@reddit
How does Ecoflo compare to Jackery?
diaryofsnow@reddit
Never owned a Jackery but at first it was the only one I’d heard of since they sponsor a million YouTubers, so I did some digging. Through my research it seems Jackery is a fine company but Ecoflow products are just better overall and better value. I could be totally misremembering but having owned one for a year now I’d highly recommend it, and I personally think of Jackery as its slightly cheaper but still decent competitor.
Starlight_Alchemy@reddit
Awesome thank you for your response! Jackery seems to have amazing deals on Amazon. I'm also looking to get a 2000wh capacity battery. Are you also using the Ecoflow solar panels? That's the one bad review on Jackery that concerns me is that their solar panels aren't very good.
My family doesn't have a lot of money so buying a $1500 - $2000 generator is a big deal for us.
Actual-Money7868@reddit
I'm getting a Tri-fuel and I'm so excited lol
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
I really love them, I have a River 2 Pro and a Delta 2 I got on some crazy deals in the past few months. Don't have a whole lot of a use for them, apart from loaning them out!
diaryofsnow@reddit
Since I have an apartment and was basically prepping a go-vehicle, I got the River 2 Pro and the portability is crazy. When/if I ever own a house I'll definitely get the Delta 2.
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
If you already own a River 2, go for the Delta 2 Max instead of the Delta 2
The Delta 2 is only 1024wh vs 768wh on the River 2 Pro. It has much higher output of course, but the River 2 Pro is like the best bang for the back for the size and weight. Its a great product!
Eredani@reddit
Team Bluetti here.
jimbopalooza@reddit
I live in hurricane country and while a Generac is my ultimate goal I can power all of the 110v stuff in my house plus my well with a 8500 watt generator that was under $1000 new. Worth every penny when I need it. The external plug was a game changer.
coffeebuzz_@reddit
I’m also from Houston and was there in the 2021 freeze. I was completely prepared with a generator, food, and water. Most of my friends and family come to my house. They knew I was prepared and I told them if you want to come over bring some food. I got food and they got a warm place to stay in while the rest of Houston was frozen.
VRTester_THX1138@reddit
This reads like a paid advertisement.
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
For?
VRTester_THX1138@reddit
Ecoflow.
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
I wish!
VRTester_THX1138@reddit
It's a battery pack and a solar panel. It's not exactly groundbreaking. It's also useless for any big ticket items. I don't get the shilling for that company.
Relative_Ad_750@reddit
It is constant here.
Shooter306@reddit
Not an asshole. Ween I lived in California, we had a major power outage. lasted 5-6 days. I had a small gas operated generator at the time. However, it was good enough to keep some lights and refrigerator going. I had the usual, propane back up stove, food, etc. People from all over the neighborhood started showing up at our door. Now, mind you, I didn't even know these people. Some of them, my wife and I tried to get to know, while walking our dog, etc. We would get the cold shoulder and quite often, they would just turn their backs on us.
Then it was: "My baby needs her bottle heated up." "My children haven't had a hot meal in days." All sorts of shit. When it was all over, not a thank you, nothing. Notta, zip, zilch. They went right back to ignoring us. I will never help another person again.
Relative_Ad_750@reddit
Where do you live that people are so selfish they don’t even say thank you?
birdbonefpv@reddit
Just get an EV and an inverter. It’ll power your essentials like refrigerator and electronics for at least a week.
Jack21113@reddit
Then you have to own an EV…
And you wouldn’t be able to use your car whilst it’s inverted. No?
burningbun@reddit
EV is the backup.
zhsy00001@reddit
Charge. Let them know now.
RonA-a@reddit
When it happens, and they need power for their freezers or whatever, tell them it will be $25 per hour of run time, or a 24 hour daily rate of just $480. Hey, that's 20% off if they pay the daily rate.
EminTX@reddit
If someone cannot live without power for a couple of weeks, then the average person really needs to rethink strategy. We have battery packs and solar lights and USB rechargeables and Wi-Fi on a big battery pack but as far as the power going out, the only major inconvenience is the refrigerator and Air conditioning. Everything else is just comfort. Living with electricity is a very modern way and being capable of doing without it is key whenever situations get real. Personally, we practice using emergency equipment with our camping trips at least once a year and the hurricane and power outage was only a problem for us because we were incubating eggs. The freezer stayed cold and was packed out, the refrigerator contents got mostly used up, and the lack of air conditioning was whined about.
reddit_username_yo@reddit
Tell me you have city water without saying you have city water. Can I survive without the well pump? Sure, I have filters and surface water. Would I describe indoor plumbing as 'just a matter of comfort'? Not really - it's a pretty major quality of life issue.
Not to mention that a good chunk of my income comes from my home - if the egg incubator loses power for an hour, I'm out a few hundred bucks from the baby chicks that don't hatch. If I have to milk by hand, chores that usually take 15 minutes take 45, and I'll have to toss all the milk (food safety and dairy is not something where you roll the dice, and sanitizing, pasteurizing, and refrigerating have all made a major difference in the death rate from food borne illness).
All of which is why I have an extensive power backup system, of course, but acting like 'psh, electricity is just a modern comfort that makes you soft' is a bit ignorant of both system design and historical context.
EminTX@reddit
You know very good and well that your average citizen is not hatching out several hundred dollars in birds or milking cows. I have lived without electricity for months and, while it was very uncomfortable throughout the winter, it was very doable. I can do it again if necessary. Where I live, there is a power outage over more than 30 hours at least once every two years. We practice when things are good so that we are capable when things are stressful. During the recent power outages, it was seriously barely an issue. If I would have been more determined, I certainly could have kept the eggs warm without power.
Acting like your situation is the only situation that has validity is narcissistic at best. People have not used electricity throughout most of history and there have been many many centuries of successful dairy farming and raising birds. Being prepared for your circumstances is the key. My circumstances are not your circumstances and most city folk who cannot handle being without electricity for less than a week are whiny little sissies. There are some circumstances where it is necessary but for the most people it's only about being hot and having the refrigerator go out.
The storm was not a surprise and everyone knew it was coming and people were more than capable of preparing in advance for the refrigerator needing to be kept cold. Putting a big bucket and filling up full of water several days in advance so that I had a nice ice chunk to keep everything chilly and having it packed to the max so that every time it was open there was no major temperature change is not rocket science. People who are surprised and whine every time the same circumstance happens over and over and over again are idiots. Either get ready for the situation that you've lived through multiple times in your past or suck it up and deal with the circumstances as they are.
PrisonerV@reddit
That's the whole reason for a generator. I'm planning on cooling just one room with a window AC and using the generator power for fridge, freezer, lights, Internet, and of course, the window AC.
Just got two more propane tanks, so now I'll have 4 backup and 2 in use by grill/blackstone. That's enough for several days of use before I have to venture out to refill them.
reddit_username_yo@reddit
To me, it would really depend how they act the rest of the time. If they're always inviting you to spontaneous BBQs, dropping off cookies, or there to lend a hand with unexpected deck/car/plumbing repairs, that's one thing. Some people just mentally live in the moment, but are still generous and helpful - they just never 'get around to' prepping. I'd happily help those sorts of neighbors out.
If they don't ever contribute to your neighborly relations normally, though, then next outage I would 'unexpectedly have generator issues' and regretfully be unable to help them.
marzipanspop@reddit
NTA, you help whoever you damn well please.
If you haven't already, it's worth encouraging these folks to be more prepared next time. Then you actually did give them the opportunity to help themselves and you don't need to feel any responsibility for the future (or the past).
bazilbt@reddit
Why do they know you have backup power?
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
Because I know my neighbors? Also its kind of hard to hide a giant generator in your back yard, and have all your lights on when the power is out...
bazilbt@reddit
Seems to me you are complaining about more people than your direct neighbors knowing, and you probably should camouflage a little better so you aren't the only lit up house on the street. You can always just tell them 'no' if you don't want them using your power.
patssle@reddit
In 2008 after Hurricane Ike, million+ people were without power, some 1-2 weeks within Houston. Afterwards, I promoted the whole portable generator feed into your house thing. It never caught on. Then after the freeze a few years ago, all of a sudden it was all the rage. The two storms this year just added to it.
Maybe it takes people a few natural disasters before they realize how important something!
fastowl76@reddit
We were out 2 weeks after Ike. Our office building was closed for two months. Worked from home, or wherever I could find internet. Finally got a 36 kw whole house Generac installed in 2009.
Middle_Jaguar_5406@reddit
Living in houston is probably the worst place to be if you’re prepper. Massive population, immensely armed, punishing climate, lack of natural freshwater sources
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
Well, I'm not a "prepper" so I guess good deal
Sleddoggamer@reddit
It's the way life and Texas was always made cheaper than other equalvielents like California. Less investment just means fewer systems to power, maintain, and fail forcing you to replace them, and if everyone had an ecoflow in Houston, nobody else in the country would
I think Houston needs more socialized systems anyone can tap into when it's needed, and maybe a meter system to pay for it if people don't want to he taxed for it
Usual_Safety@reddit
I had the ‘pleasure’ of driving into Houston to be there ready after the hurricane hit (my job). I was pretty shocked at how many people were just there doing the everyday things like going to hooters, McDonald’s but the hardware stores were packed. People bought up all the generators for example but failed to understand the close by gas stations were down. Some would by as many generators as possible with the plan to sell them off for a profit to those in need. It really made me angry.
So the same old stuff - food, power, fuel but people so often forget about water.. because it just comes from the tap no matter what right /s
lunarminx@reddit
I have told others to prep, I will do with less for kids but no parents eat or drink anything they did not bring. I'd likely give all my share away for children I know.
MynameisJunie@reddit
No, NTA for refusing to help people who live there that ought to know better.
lunarminx@reddit
Send them an email stating they need to prepare and to not do so when they can afford to is just abusing those that have prepped and hurting their own family. That it's always a new bare minimum of 3weeks of water, canned foods and a small power bank. I am on disability and saved for one. And to rotate while still adding to it. Medications are very important ask for a 90 day extra supply by your doctor, go to a different pharmacy to make this easier and pay goodrx as the chances of your insurance paying for an extra three months is slim and nil. Games, movies on tablets that the small power bank can recharge, board games , some way to cook if need be, lights by candle, flashlight, glow sticks,nor diy olive oil burners so if kids knock it over, it goes right out. Small battery operated camping fans, heater, need to have both. Cool packs bought, or diy to keep you cool. They sell as wraps and jacket types to hold packs. The ones that basically cool to 65f on a bare basement floor. As if your stuff breaks down there are many other places for everyone to go to, they just can't keep relying on your household to keep them going.
If they don't want to prep and you know they read and ignored it, you are fully free to send them away. Tell them to get out of town if they know it's coming if not prepped as if they can't get to your house, not having done so may kill their children from massive heat or cold. And it's all on them if that happens even if you turned them away because they didn't care enough about their family to prep, why should you?
Rick-burp-Sanchez@reddit
Dude I'd be looking for a new neighborhood.
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
Because others are not prepared?
RamblingSimian@reddit
Having neighbors that help can be a tremendous boost.
Rick-burp-Sanchez@reddit
Not just unprepared, but because I would personally find that too frustrating and I would be scared of someone breaking in in a real-real SHTF emergency. You are now the go-to guy, if you're okay with that, cool, but now everyone knows where to go if they need something.
I'm pretty well-prepped, but only for my wife and myself and my next door neighbor (elderly lady). We budget every day of our lives down to the penny and make sure we have enough for emergencies. We had our power go out last winter (-20f) and I went around checking on everyone on my street, passed out candles and flashlights because I had extra.
But I live in a very small, pretty poor town where the median age is like 68. They need help. If I saw one of the few people driving a brand-new SUV around town asking for help, you bet I'd think twice before giving it to them.
I'm also pretty untrusting of my fellow man and I hate cities, but that's something I'm working on. Just my opinion.
What's your plan for next year?
IdiotSavantLite@reddit
Show them the flaw in their thinking. Dependability. 'Hopefully, I'll be around to help and have what yo need.'
I'd follow up with, 'I hope you are preparing. Someone may need your help.'
cauthon24@reddit
Some people will always assume the system or the state is responsible for them. So they’ll never take steps to be self sufficient
soulsproud@reddit
My buddy makes a crap ton of money, lots. He didn't have a generator, lost 2 fridge/freezers of food, and I know he knows better cause he's wanted a Generac.
VviFMCgY@reddit (OP)
I was in that space before the 2021 Freeze, I wanted a generator and was putting it off. We survived the freeze in our home with some blankets, and immediately got generator(s)
Cute-Consequence-184@reddit
You are NOT the AH.
If you tell them to prepare and they don't it is ON THEM.
Because I bet 100% the next storm comes along they will expect you to help them AGAIN.
JUST DON'T
LopsidedAd5406@reddit
I mean if they have the money, let them know to prepare. Otherwise they will be out of luck. Say we'll know you know to get prepared. I will only help those that need it like the elderly.