Overlanding for tough days

[danwyandt]

I never thought of overlanding as preparation for a natural disaster, like what we are experiencing here in western NC.
Yancey County has been hit pretty hard with a 29 inch rain fall in 30 hrs.
We will be without power until "hopefully " mid October.
Having the gear that many think is excessive and the offroad travel experience (thank you DBBB) has allowed me to maintain a level of normalcy and a rig that has helped many these last few days.
So next time someone poo-poos your Jackery and redarc systems, StarLink and outfitted rig just smile and know you're a bit more prepared when things go south.

 

[grubworm]

hope yall do well recovering...
we just got hit with a Cat 2 a couple weeks ago and lost power for a while. we're usually out for a few weeks at a time and it is very nice to have all the overlanding gear available. one thing that might help you that is quick and easy is to get a small inverter (300-500 watts) and just alligator clamp it to a battery and that way you have power to run a box fan. i hate losing power, but REALLY hate losing air conditioning when its so hot and humid. having power to run a fan at night is very helpful...if i can cool off enough to be able to sleep, it makes rest of the inconveniences more bearable

wish yall a quick recovery!

 

[Sparksalot]

I’ve broken out my overland and camping gear more than once while at home due to storms, etc. very nice to have some comfort while uncontrollable events are happening.

 

[Citrus #1]

Hi Daniel. Best of luck to you and yours. After watching the hurricane on TV I can't imagine what your going through.

 

[danwyandt]

Got it. Have a 2k inverter in the rig. Also, pulling the Jackery out has 110v.
We've been putting it all to good use.

 

[Outdoordog]

As long as fuel stations have diesel, I'm good!

I live on top of a steep hill, so rain wouldn't affect me, but an earthquake or fire would.
I do know where there are natural springs that spit out a little bit of water, so I'll be good with that, but want to learn to trap game someday. I have an air rifle and compound bow.

I try to go camping in bad weather (mostly snow storms), my jeep has gotten me off a mountain in a crazy snow storm (few feet per night). So glad I have 37/38s tires.

 

[Alex-DK]

I never thought of overlanding as preparation for a natural disaster, like what we are experiencing here in western NC.
Yancey County has been hit pretty hard with a 29 inch rain fall in 30 hrs.
We will be without power until "hopefully " mid October.
Having the gear that many think is excessive and the offroad travel experience (thank you DBBB) has allowed me to maintain a level of normalcy and a rig that has helped many these last few days.
So next time someone poo-poos your Jackery and redarc systems, StarLink and outfitted rig just smile and know you're a bit more prepared when things go south.

Wow you hit very hard, but yes I totally agree with you, sometimes we are just lucky to have a hobby that turns out to be incredibly effective

 

[danwyandt]

Agreed. Until the fuel station can't pump due to lack of power. Happening here, now. No power for 8 counties.
We're on high ground, so no problem. I was happy with that until I was helping a neighbor in the next holler over dig his Tractor out after the hillside slid away taking 2 very large barns. His horses, and several head of cattle.

 

[North American Sojourner]

Agreed. Until the fuel station can't pump due to lack of power. Happening here, now. No power for 8 counties.
We're on high ground, so no problem. I was happy with that until I was helping a neighbor in the next holler over dig his Tractor out after the hillside slid away taking 2 very large barns. His horses, and several head of cattle.

Hang in there dude. Your overlanding experience will serve you well. Thanks for helping out.
Zim

 

[Lazynorse]

Best luck. I also consider (justify) stuff as dual use for emergency preparedness. Jackery 1500 and folding solar panel, Iceco fridge, tents, etc. Ultralight backpacking provides different options, obviously lighter grab and go on foot or bike. GMRS radio, though mines a 5 watt handheld and I hear no radio use during normal times in the Seattle/Tacoma area. Not sure how effective that’d be for reaching strangers.

 

[danwyandt]

Update on the situ here in WNC;
Used the rig to pull 9 vehicles 1 mile through a destroyed road. I'd give it a rating of 8. These were minivans, sprinters and the like. A church group from Raleigh were stuck at a Christian retreat with no power, water, little food. 2 women are very pregnant - due any time. Got all 61 out safely, and they were able to begin the trip back home.
That was Monday. Been non-stop here helping do wellness checks, haul water and food. The community is pulling together amazingly.
We started seeing National Guard, FEMA, Red Cross, NC Search and rescue teams.
The grim side is it looks like we lost 600 residents so far (per Sherrif's Deputy - Not published yet) with only 1/3 of the county checked.
Neighboring counties are much the same.
Water and sewar for town look to be 6 - 12 months out.
Have to replace a CV that blew apart going through a very nasty mud slide, then back at it.
-Dan

 

[Breati]

Wow great job helping all those people.

 

[MidOH]

You need 4wd to find a clever way around the govt road blocks to deliver aid.

I used a bike path to get through town. Lol.

Friend moved the family north from Florida, to avoid this storm. Was visiting in Ashville Tn. Got out a day before it hit.

If you head over, bring an extra chainsaw. And plenty of 2stroke oil and chain lube. Most people only keep a gallon or two of mixed 2stroke fuel.



The airport is cleared out now. FEMA left since news was getting out about them blocking it.

Send your friends a water purifier or filter.

It's sad to see pallets of water being shipped to a place ruined by excess water.

 

[MidOH]

 

[Sea Diamond]

Quite powerful reading about the amazing efforts being made by citizens and private groups to help and assist those who need it. Super impressed....prayers to all