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METHODS OF LONG TERM UNDERGROUND STORAGE BY WILLIAM N, NELSON AND STANLEY A. CATLOW

Reprinted by the permission of:

MAGNUM ENTERPRISES

P. O. Box 621

Ephrata, Washington 98823

INDEX

Chapter 1....................................4

Above Ground ...........................4

Chapter 2....................................5

Below Ground ...........................5

A. Ammo Cans.......................5

B. Plastic Bags ...................6

C. PVC Pipe........................6

Chapter 3....................................8

A. Cosmoline ......................8

B. Plastic Coatings................8

Chapter 4....................................12

A. Indicating and Non-indicating...12

B. Vapor Phase Inhibitor . . . ....14

Chapter 5....................................16

Location of Burial Site,

placement underground .............16

Chapter 6....................................17

Marking the containers .................17

Appendix ....................................19

A. Ammo Cans ......................19

B. Cosmoline & Plastic Coatings ...19

C. C-Rations.......................20

D. Desiccators ....................21

E. Fiberglass Cloth ...............22

F. Freon...........................22

G. Plastic Bags & Containers.......23

H. Plastic Beads...................23

I. Publications ...................23

J. PVC Pipe........................24

PREFACE

The purpose of this book is to give the reader some basic ideas on how to prepare various materials (coins, firearms, etc.) for long term storage below ground. The reason for this book is, or should be, obvious. Namely the political and social climate in this country and the rest of the world. History has shown that during major social or natural upheavals the people who survived were those who prepared for the worst. During these times the most valuable items were: Food, firearms, and a valuable medium of exchange. (i. e., gold, silver, precious gems, etc.) The authors considered this book just the first edition. We urge our readers to send us any criticism, comments, suggestions or different methods which they have tried and found successful, so that we may pass it on in the next edition. Some of the prices of the materials which we quote are based on the current costs in our area. (Eastern Washington state) They may vary according to location, inflation, shipping, etc., their main purpose is just to give the reader a rough idea on costs.

We would like to thank the following people for their assistance and advice:

Roger Cattow

Don Chumley

Ken Hankins

Harold Meyers

CHAPTER ONE

ABOVE GROUND

The long term storage of materials above the ground and indoors is relatively simple. The main concerns are spoilage (food) and corrosion (metals, except gold, which does not corrode or

deteriorate). One of the handiest methods is the use of "Seal-N-Save" (Sears) or "Seal-A-Meal " (Montgomery Ward) type sealable plastic pouches. The basic units cost $16.00 to $19.00 and are a very good investment. The plastic bags come in 3 basic sizes, 8" by 6", 8" by 9" and 8" by 12". They are intended for food freezing and cooking, but they have many other uses. Dried food can

be stored indefinitely when protected from air. By using a moisture absorbent pack of silica gel they work well for storage of silver, ammunition, small handguns, etc., for long periods of time. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. There are a number of small sealable plastic buckets and square containers made for industrial use which also work very well for indoor storage of materials. The best of these have gaskets for a complete and long lasting seal.

There are a number of excellent books on long term storage of food above ground. One of the best of these is "Family Storage Plan" by Bob R. Zabriskie. This and other books are available from "Survival, Inc." (See appendix D) This book goes into fine detail on the storage of food and water and we highly recommend that you obtain it.

All of the methods described in the following chapters can be used above ground.

CHAPTER TWO

An excellent method for storing ammunition, handguns, coins, etc. is the use of G.I. ammo cans. To begin with, put the items in the can along with silica gel or V. P . I . and/or cosmoline as you prefer. Next, liberally coat the rubber seal around the edges of the can with Vaseline to keep the rubber from drying out. Close the can. Next, take a sheet of fiberglass cloth and wrap the can like you were wrapping a birthday present. Use a heavy thread and needle to sew the ends shut. Next, mix a small quantity of hardener (as per instructions on the can with some resin. Then coat one side of the can to seal it, and allow it to dry (cure) We recommend you do it one side at a time for two reasons. First, it is easier