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Blackout curtains when TSHTF

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  • Blackout curtains when TSHTF

    Anybody got these made and ready? If you have neighbors within any walking distance, people will probably be by your house just looking for provisions. You're probably gonna be one of the few houses in the area with lights at night, and sometimes common sense will save you a whole buncha bullets. A lighted window is like a beacon screaming 'I got supplies, come rob me!!!'

    I suggest making them and putting them with supplies in case you need them. Make one for every window of any room you plan on having a light at night.

    You can get 'blackout material' at any fabric or upholstery shop. This is the same stuff you see lining hotel curtains to keep out the light. (Make sure you ask for 'blackout', not just drapery lining). It doesnt have to be sewn, you can simply cut it to size and hem over the top edge to slip over a curtain rod. some upholstry materials will do, but I really recommend the blackout material if possible. The cost is about $5 per yard, but its a good investment.

    To make a full size window, for example, a 36" x 60" window, you will need to double the width of the window in order to have enough coverage, othewise you'll have gaps at the edges. Since this fabric comes in 54" widths, that doesnt add up, but thats ok. If you dont know how to sew or dont have anyone to sew for you, you can still make this curtain and 54" will do. You'll just have to tack it at the edges of the window. I prefer to have extra width so I dont have to tack it, and I just feel a bit more protected. To get the extra width, you can sew two 54" wide strips together, or even one full and one strip split lengthwise, to make the width you need. If you dont sew, it can be safety-pinned together too. Just pin it every 2" with the material overlapping, so you dont have light seeping thru.

    Length: if the window is 60" long, cut the fabric at least 12" longer, at 72" so that it extends a good bit past the window. You wont have to hem it at the bottom, but you will need to make a pocket at the top for a rod. You can get skinny cheap curtain rods at the dollar store. You can probably pick some up at a yard sale. You wont have to install them until you need them but just have them ready. Make sure the rod extends out about 5" each side from the edge of the window (46" rod for the 36" window). THese rods can go under your existing curtains, so that the blackout material will be next to the window. Double over the top 2" of fabric to make the pocket, sew a straight seam to secure it or pin it every 2-3" to make the pocket for the rod. Then slide onto the rod and make sure it extends past the edge of the window. You might want to pin it down or tack it down at the edges, if it seems a little skinny. This is why you want to double width of the fabric if possible, so you wont have gaps at the edges.

    I prefer a single piece over the window as opposed to two panels that split in the middle, because you will always be dealing with a crack of light down the center of the window. This curtain can be slide sideways over to one side of the window in the daytime to let sunlight in.

    I can try to take some pictures if anyone needs them.

    Loshali
    Classic Southern defense: "But your Honor, he just NEEDED killin!

  • #2
    Great idea. I would like enough plywood to cover my windows to keep folks out.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by teach View Post
      Great idea. I would like enough plywood to cover my windows to keep folks out.
      Not a bad idea. We board up down here for the storms blowing thru. Would you put it on the inside or outside?
      Only thing is, it woudl be hard to take down to get light coming in, which can be important in the wintertime.
      Classic Southern defense: "But your Honor, he just NEEDED killin!

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      • #4
        We added velcro strips to our blackout curtains. This makes it easier for us to take down during the day and put back up at night, etc. :)

        We also have added plywood to cover the larger windows for added protection.

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        • #5
          dang it woman, get out of my head! Yesterday I was looking through one of those cheesy catalogs (harriet carter or something) and saw those curtains. First thing I thought, we should have something like this if SHTF.
          "Be Excellent to Each Other"

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          • #6
            Originally posted by Brosia View Post
            dang it woman, get out of my head! Yesterday I was looking through one of those cheesy catalogs (harriet carter or something) and saw those curtains. First thing I thought, we should have something like this if SHTF.
            Ha!! Brosia you and I must be TSHTF-sisters or somethign. You post a lot of stuff I'm thinking too!!
            Classic Southern defense: "But your Honor, he just NEEDED killin!

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            • #7
              I took black plastic and cut to fit every window, then put double stick tape on them. I have cut some with holds and then took a bigger pice or plastic and taped it to the bottom of the hole for a hung. So I can open it and let light in or look out with out taking the hold thing down.

              -Mike
              "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."
              -Ben Franklin

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              • #8
                Great idea.

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                • #9
                  I would probably put the plywood on the outside and on our windows it would probably still leave a few inches at the top for light. I'd rather be in the dark than have unwanted visitors coming in. I have even looked into the security film you can install on windows and shutters that close, but both are expensive.

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Lostinoz View Post
                    We added velcro strips to our blackout curtains. This makes it easier for us to take down during the day and put back up at night, etc. :)

                    We also have added plywood to cover the larger windows for added protection.
                    Ditto!

                    My friend that lives in Charlotte had an experience that got me to thinking about blackout curtains.

                    Back a few years back our region had a bad ice storm. My friends power was out in his apartment complex. He had some preps such as a Kerosene stove and lanterns along with plenty of water and food. That evening many others in his complex came like moths to the flame wondering why he had power and they didn't... Luckily he moved by the next ice storm, but he related the experience to me and we both made blackout curtains for the next time!

                    Gotta think OPSEC at all times!!!:eek:
                    73

                    later,
                    ZA

                    Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but they should have to
                    beat you to death with it because it is empty.

                    The faster you finish the fight, the less shot you will get.

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                    • #11
                      This is a great idea. It doesn't surprise me a woman thought of this, lol.
                      I'll have to go out and buy some.
                      Thanks for the idea!

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                      • #12
                        I thought about this a few months ago and broke down and bought the blackouts. It saves a bundle on heating and cooling costs and...with as far back as my house is, it always looks like no one is home.

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                        • #13
                          I suppose this beats black paint, personaly I would opt for the black plastic.
                          The road to serfdom is paved with free electric golf carts.

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                          • #14
                            I recently purchased a roll of limo tint from wal-mart and started by tinting the garage door windows so I could pratice the technique, 1 roll did all 8 of the windows. I used the limo tint and it does a good job of letting me watch outside without being noticed, for bigger windows you can purchase wider tint at homedepot.
                            Watch this!!

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                            • #15
                              So tint works well on house windows? I may have to give it a try

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