Popcorn, Steam drums, wet boots and socks; it sounds a little unrelated, unless you are stranded.

     As I was in bed this morning waking up I began to think about popcorn. The seed with the rock hard outer shell and softer interior, I don't know what's inside of it. I do know however that the internal temperature of the seed has to be 180 degrees F. Part of what's inside the popcorn kernel is water, it doesn't take very much. The water flashes to steam and the kernel explodes. Now you're wondering what in the heck doe's this have to do with self reliance. The answer is, Steam. The danger of steam in an enclosed space. A little about popcorn; click here.

What's he doing here?

     I worked with steam boilers for 20 years, I know a little about them, not nearly everything, not enough to refer to my self as "expert". I do know enough to talk about some dangers associated with it. When steam is released from a contained vessel it expands 1700 times in volume, that's a lot. When the popcorn exploded that's exactly what happened, the little bit of moisture expanded 1700 times in volume. Steam vessel's, (referred to as steam drums), contain 2,000 pounds pressure or more, and a volume of hundreds or thousands of gallons. When steam is generated in the fire box it is sent to the "steam drum" where it is held under pressure and metered for use. On top of the drum is a safety relief valve, at least two, sometimes three. One set just above the safe pressure and another at the set pressure, if one fails the other releases. The popcorn kernel does not have a relief valve, so it explodes into a kernel of corn. If a safety valve on the drum is disabled, there are many ways to do that, the drum will explode. It's happened many times, especially prior to safety valves being invented and used.
   

Antique steam drum, I don't see a relief valve, hmmm. 

 It involves self reliance in this way. In the event of a catastrophic event, where you are stranded outdoors and must make do for a few days. There is the possibility of getting your feet soaking wet, sometimes boots, socks, everything you're wear gets wet. With wet feet, wet boots and wet socks, cold feet and a fire burning. It's normal for us to sit next to the fire and prop our feet close to it to warm and possibly dry out our boots or shoes. The heat will penetrate the leather souls of the boots, warming wet socks and boots. As the moisture inside the boot increases the steam begins to build up. Suddenly your feet are in intense pain, the water in your boots has turned into boiling water becoming steam. Your feet have just been burnt, maybe severely. Most of the time we remove our shoes or boots before it gets to the point of second or third degree burns, but it can happen. Your shoes or boots have been turned into a steam drum, the hot steam and water have no where to go, the heat is trapped next to your bare foot.
     The proper course of action is to remove your foot coverings and socks, lay them next to the fire, heel down propped up. Hang the socks on a stick a foot or so away from the flames. If you don't have spare socks and shoes the challenge is now to keep your feet warm until your socks dry out, much better than burned feet.

Lay the boots down, the condensate will flow out better. This way
the moisture will condense on it's way up and out. 

     Just a cautionary note on steam, we use it, see it and live with it, that makes it dangerous. Whether removing a lid from a pot, taking the cap off a hot radiator or opening a steam valve it is prudent to respect it's power.
     Thanks for reading, do you have experience with steam or heat? I'd like to hear about them if you do, or a few questions or a general comment I like to hear them all. I'm always up for a story as well, suggest a blog topic as well. Thank you!

jimandkate emergencykitsplus.com  emergency preparedness supplies