Emergency firewood supplies

Firewood as emergency fuel

When it comes to using firewood as a long-term heating source for emergencies, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Firewood selection: Choose hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory for better heat output and longer burn times. Avoid softwoods like pine, as they burn faster and produce less heat.
• Proper storage: To ensure your firewood remains usable for an extended period, it's crucial to store it properly. Keep the firewood off the ground by using a raised platform or pallets to prevent moisture absorption. Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or waterproof cover to protect it from rain or snow.
• Seasoning: Firewood needs to be properly seasoned or dried before use. Freshly cut wood contains a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to burn efficiently. Ideally, firewood should be seasoned for at least six months to a year, depending on the wood species and climate.
• Quantity: Estimate the amount of firewood you'll need for an extended emergency period. A general rule of thumb is that you'll need about 3-5 cords of firewood per winter season for heating a typical home. Adjust this estimate based on your specific needs and the severity of winters in your area.
• Rotating stock: To maintain a long-term supply of firewood, it's essential to rotate your stock. Use the oldest wood first and replenish your supply regularly to ensure you always have seasoned firewood available.
• Safety precautions: When using firewood for heating, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines. Install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Ensure proper ventilation and use a fireplace or wood stove that meets safety standards. Always practice safe fire-building techniques and never leave a fire unattended.

Firewood is an excellent long-term heating source, but it's essential to plan and prepare adequately to ensure its effectiveness during emergencies.

Tree selection

In the Great Plains region, there are several tree species that are preferred for firewood, as they provide good heat output and burn efficiently. Here are some commonly preferred species:

• Oak: Oak is a popular choice for firewood due to its high heat value and long burn time. It's available in different varieties such as white oak and red oak, both of which are excellent for heating purposes.
• Hickory: Hickory is another hardwood that is highly regarded for firewood. It produces a high amount of heat and burns slowly, making it an efficient choice for long-term heating.
• Maple: Maple wood is known for its moderate heat output and steady burn. It's a good option for firewood, especially if you can find sugar maple or red maple varieties.
• Ash: Ash wood is relatively easy to split and burns well, providing good heat. It's a popular choice for firewood in the Great Plains region.

On the other hand, there are some tree species that are generally avoided for firewood due to their characteristics:

• Pine: While pine is abundant in the Great Plains, it is considered a softwood and is not ideal for firewood. Pine burns quickly, produces less heat, and can create excessive creosote buildup in chimneys or flues.
• Cottonwood: Cottonwood is another tree species to avoid for firewood. It has a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to burn efficiently and produces less heat.
• Poplar: Poplar wood is relatively soft and burns quickly, resulting in less heat output. It's not the best choice for long-term heating purposes.

Of course, you burn what you have, right?  Growing up we primarily used Cottonwood for our fireplace because it was so abundant.  It burned fine for our purposes, but Oak and Ash were better.  Other woods like Apple and Hickory gave off a wonderful aroma in addition to their heat.

The specific availability of tree species may vary depending on your location within the Great Plains region. It's always a good idea to consult with local experts or forestry extension offices for more specific recommendations based on your area.

Alternatives?

When it comes to using alternative sources for emergency fuel, such as wood composites, there are a few important things to consider:

• Composition: Wood composites, also known as manufactured fire logs or artificial fire logs, are typically made from a combination of sawdust, wood chips, wax, and other binders. They are designed to provide a convenient and consistent fuel source.
• Heat output: Wood composites can vary in their heat output compared to traditional firewood. While they may burn cleaner and produce less smoke, they generally have a lower heat value. It's important to consider this when determining the amount of fuel needed for heating purposes.
• Storage: Wood composites are generally easier to store compared to traditional firewood. They come in compact, pre-formed logs that can be stacked and stored in a dry area. However, it's still important to keep them protected from moisture to maintain their effectiveness.
• Availability: Wood composites are readily available in stores and can be a convenient option for emergency fuel, especially if traditional firewood is scarce or unavailable. They are often sold in packages, making it easy to estimate and store the desired quantity.
• Safety considerations: When using wood composites, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe usage. Ensure proper ventilation when burning them indoors and use them only in appliances or fireplaces designed for their use. Always practice fire safety precautions and never leave a fire unattended.
• Cost: Wood composites may have a higher cost compared to traditional firewood, so it's important to factor in the budget when considering them as an emergency fuel source.

While wood composites can be a viable alternative for emergency fuel, it's important to note that they may not provide the same ambiance or heat output as natural firewood. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan and consider a combination of fuel sources to ensure you have sufficient heat during emergencies.

As with any emergency preparation, it's recommended to consult local experts or emergency management agencies for specific recommendations and guidelines based on your location and circumstances.

Consumption

The amount of firewood consumption for a typical family during an emergency week can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the home, insulation, climate, and personal comfort preferences.  As a rough estimate, a typical family may require approximately 1-2 cords of firewood for a week-long emergency period. This estimate assumes an average-sized home, moderate insulation, and a moderate climate. However, it's important to note that this is a general estimate, and actual consumption can vary based on the factors mentioned above.

A "cord" is a standard unit of measurement used to quantify firewood. It is a measure of the volume of stacked firewood and is defined as a tightly stacked pile of wood that measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. This results in a total volume of 128 cubic feet.

A cord of firewood is typically made up of split and stacked pieces of wood, with individual logs usually measuring around 16 inches in length. The specific diameter of the logs can vary, but they are typically between 3 and 6 inches in diameter.

It's important to note that there are variations of the cord measurement, such as a "face cord" or "rick," which are smaller quantities of firewood. A face cord is typically one-third of a full cord, measuring 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and the width of the individual logs stacked. A rick is another term used to describe a smaller quantity of firewood, but its dimensions can vary depending on the region.

When purchasing firewood, it's essential to clarify the specific measurement being used to ensure you are getting the desired quantity. It's also worth noting that some firewood suppliers may sell wood by weight instead of volume, so it's important to clarify the unit of measurement when making a purchase.