So by now you have probably searched all corners of the information superhighway. You have bookmarked favorite sites, saved PDF’s of a multitude of e-books and feel comfortable knowing that there is all that knowledge at your fingertips. So what happens when the power goes out? Well your laptop will have a couple hours of power in it and maybe you have a way to recharge it a few times, but you likely won’t be able to jiggle the mouse and look something up on a whim.
Take the time now to get that info on paper. Start by getting some 3 ring binders from your favorite cheap store…dollar stores usually carry them. Next, go to the stationary isle and load up on paper…the cheap stuff works great. Next, a 3 hole punch will get you set to go.
For printing, you have two options…DIY or copy store.
Copy stores will save you the hastle of buying paper and can print economically from CD or USB key. Many of them will accept smaller files by email. Save on paper by asking them to print both sides, and for cheaper copies, ask for black instead of color. For an extra touch, and a charge of course, they can even bind them into spiral bound books.
For home printing, ink can get expensive, even if you print in black only. With ink cartridges costing as much as $30.00 or more, you can save a few bucks by going to a refill center. Personally, I fill my own tanks. From time to time, I find a DIY refill kit at Walmart or Zellers for about $20.00 either 3 black bottles or 3 color bottles along with all the tools you will need. Now let me make one thing clear…many printer manufacturers warn against this practice claiming that you can permanently damage your printer. So, for this reason, I caution you to do this at your own risk, and if you do ruin your printer, remember, I warned you. That being said, I have never had an issue refilling my own tanks.
Now, start printing. Then continue printing. Finally, keep printing. Get out your 3 hole punch and organize your binders into different categories. Fill your binders and voila…a prepper library.
So now when the SHTF and the power is out, you can look up how much bleach you need to purify that rain water, or your favorite bread recipe for the solar oven. Remember, knowledge is power.
Before you know it, you will be filling binder after binder with priceless knowledge.