4-Way Sillcock Key

A post concerning GHB contents from esteemed ICCF member “Guantes” aka “Gloves”.

“One thing that I have in my GHB that I rarely see mentioned for GHBs is a four way sillcock key (pic below). This is a device for turning on tamper resistant or industrial hose bibs that are on the outside of many commercial or industrial buildings. Those hose bibs could become a valuable source of water on a trek home. They are available from Survival Resources for about ten bucks, which I consider a bargain.”

A steel 4-Way Sillcock Key fits 1/4”, 9/32”, 5/16” and 11/32” square stems

My reply was as follows:

FWIW, I completely agree. That's a damned good item to have Gloves, glad you mentioned it. I had a couple of those floating around the house/vehicle years ago. Actually, one was in my glove box for a long time. Came in handy a couple of times too, but not in an emergency situation. A good item to have for anyone, especially if you're an urbanite.

Here's a video from the site you mentioned, Gloves.

OK, one thing I want to mention, which he didn't, is let the water run a while before you drink it and/or fill your bottle. Many of the sources get used very infrequently and the water is just sitting in the pipes for months or longer. I know this from experience. Also, take a big drink and then top off the bottle before you're done. You never know where your next water supply will be.

Oh, and another tip learned from experience. Make sure you get a steel key and not a cheap pot metal one. Back in the late 70's, while I was at work, I actually split a socket on one trying to open a seized water spigot (or sillcock). Long story, but that cost me a lot of walkin' and it was a very hot day.

I forgot to mention, I like the hose idea shown in the video in post #10.

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For more information, please reference this post: The Get Home Bag or Kit…

Take care and stay safe,

Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

Understanding Humidity, the Dew Point, and Your Comfort

I posted this for those of us who are heat/humidity sensitive...like me. Our dew points have been running in the low to mid 70's here of late (3rd week of August Juneau Co. WI) and it is miserable.

DEW POINT - THE BEST INDICATOR OF COMFORT

By Chief Meteorologist Brian Neudorff

Ever wonder why television meteorologist and weather broadcasters rarely show the current humidity numbers? During the summer, especially when it is as hot and sticky like it has been we will get a few emails maybe even a phone call or two asking why aren't you showing the humidity? Even though we use the term "Humid" to describe the air outside, humidity is actually a bad indication of just how comfortable or uncomfortable the air really is.

Relative humidity is just that... relative. It is relative to the temperature and moisture content of the air. Here is an example of what I mean.

• On a hot, sticky, rather uncomfortable summer day you could have an outside temperature of 92 with a dew point temperature of 68 (which is listed in the uncomfortable zone in the chart above) this would give you a relative humidity of about 46%.
• On a pleasant, warm yet comfortable spring day you could have an outside temperature of 72 with a dew point temperature of 55 (which is listed as pleasant in the above chart) you would have a relative humidity of about 55%.

Although the summer day feels more humid than the spring day its relative humidity is actually lower.

The dew point temperature is the temperature at which the air can no longer hold all of its water vapor, and some of the water vapor must condense into liquid water. At 100% relative humidity, the dew point temperature and the air temperature are the same, and clouds or fog can begin to form. While relative humidity is a relative measure of how humid it is, the dew point temperature is an absolute measure of how much water vapor is in the air (how humid it is). In very warm, humid conditions, the dew point temperature can reach 75 to 77 degrees F, but rarely exceeds 80 degrees.

That means if you hear someone say it is 90 degrees and 90 or 100% humidity they are absolutely wrong. For that to happen you would need a dew point temperature of 86 to 90 degrees. Around here and most of the United States that is nearly impossible.

Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on the Persian Gulf, recorded a dew point of 95°F on July 8, 2003. In the USA, the highest dew points (above 80°F) occur near the Gulf of Mexico and in parts of the upper Mississippi Valley (lucky me, we're located in the Upper Mississippi Valley).

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A good, succinct, explanation of the topic and something we should all be aware of.

Addendum: Since a picture's worth a thousand words, this picture explains it nicely.

Here's some sites you might find interesting and useful:

• Dew Point Calculator
• Heat Index Calculator
• Wind Chill Calculator

Take care and stay safe,
Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

The Get Home Bag or Kit...

Apparently the new craze is the GHB of Get Home Bag...one of our members over at ICCF sent me a few links to these and yes, the idea makes a helluva lot more sense than the undoubtedly Jeremiah Johnson inspired BOB or Bug Out Bag concept as was discussed in this thread Bug Out Bag (BOB) Thoughts and Considerations.

One thing that always sticks out in my mind's eye regarding that infamous Tuesday, September 11 2001 was the masses of people trying to get off Manhattan Island. They were totally unprepared, walking in that heat, many in office attire, which is not conducive to comfortable urban hiking.

Your get home kit has to be tailored completely for you and your situation. You cannot buy a one-size-fits-all type. Make the kit up yourself, it is not rocket science. Oh and remember, you are simply attempting to walk home from work or school, not trek the Amazon basin for a month, so keep it simple. I have seen “experts” come up with various levels of kits which, to me, is absolutely absurd. There's one decision to make and that's “can I walk home or not?” and one level of bag/kit, the walking home level. What's needed is a list of considerations and suggested items so you can decide on what you need. I'll assume you already are carrying a handgun and pocket knife, if not, what the hell is wrong with you.

Here's goes and ideas are always welcomed.

Things to consider...(in no particular order):

• Keep things to the absolute bare minimum; this cannot be emphasized enough.
• Where do you live and work? Urban, suburban, rural, or a combination of geographic areas?
• How far are you from home? This is probably the number one consideration.
• Can I get home? Only a fool would attempt a walk home in a blizzard, hurricane, or through a riot.
• If you don't have a walking route planned do so and remember, have alternate routes planned as well.
• You should have a copy at home for family members to consult in case you need to be searched for.
• The important thing is to have the kit/bag near you at all times, the closer the better.
• Where will these items be kept?
• You car would probably be the number one place however, if you commute via public transportation, or simply work far away from your parking spot, you may want a duplicate kit in your office.
• Don't forget seasonal items.
• The “bag” needn't be a backpack as you will only carry it as far as necessary. The only item which should probably have a shoulder strap should be your water container (canteen). With that said, a small backpack would be the easiest way to carry your items and leave both hands free for other uses.
• Consider an alternate mode of transportation, i.e. a collapsible bicycle* perhaps?
• The average person will walk at approximately 3 miles per hour.**

Possible “get home” items...

• Comfortable walking shoes (broken in) and socks.
• Water receptacle (kept fresh & filled).
• Map with route and alternates marked.
• Seasonal clothing.
• A cap. There's nothing more uncomfortable than the sun, rain, or wind beating down upon your bare head and you don't want to be encumbered with an umbrella.
• Small flashlight with spare batteries.
• Cash.
• NIOSH approved N95 Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators.
• Snacks.
  

By the way, use your head and think things through. Consider you own physical shape, take your time, and rest often. Remember Aesop's fable of the Tortoise and the Hare...

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*Depending upon your individual circumstances you may be able to stash a collapsible bike to use in an emergency. As an example, this bike is $130.00, has 6-speed speeds, a 20-inch folding frame, and weighs only 30-pounds. This sure beats walking...

**This undoubtedly assumes a reasonably healthy person, with decent clothes and shoes, on good level terrain, and in nice weather. So, don't bet on 3 mph as the average pace you will make on your journey.

Take care and stay safe,
Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.