Let’s face it, our modern world runs on electricity. But what happens when the lights go out and stay out? A grid-down scenario is one of the most challenging situations we might face. I’ve spent years honing my skills and stockpiling supplies for just such an event. Today, I’m sharing my top 18 tips to help you prepare for life without power. These aren’t just theories – they’re tried and tested strategies that could make all the difference when the grid fails.
Stock Up on Water
Water is life, especially when the taps run dry. I aim for at least one gallon per person per day, for a minimum of two weeks. Don’t forget extra for pets! I use food-grade 55-gallon drums, but smaller containers work too. Remember to rotate your supply every six months to keep it fresh. For added security, I recommend mapping out nearby natural water sources like streams or lakes as backup options.
Invest in Water Purification Methods
Clean water sources might be scarce in a grid-down scenario. I always keep multiple purification methods on hand. My go-to is a gravity-fed filter system that can handle thousands of gallons. And stock up on purification tablets and know how to boil water safely. Learning to build a solar still is a great backup skill. I’ve also invested in a portable water testing kit to ensure any found water is safe to drink after treatment.
Create a Food Stockpile
A well-rounded food supply is crucial. Focus on shelf-stable items that don’t require refrigeration. Rice, beans, canned goods, and freeze-dried meals form the backbone of many people’s stockpile. Aim for at least a three-month supply for your whole family. Don’t forget to include comfort foods – a familiar snack can be a real morale booster in tough times. I also rotate my stock regularly, using and replacing items before they expire to maintain freshness.
Learn Food Preservation Techniques
Knowing how to preserve food without electricity is a game-changer. We’ve mastered canning, dehydrating, and fermenting. These skills not only help preserve garden harvests but also allow you to take advantage of sales on perishable items. Smoking and salting meat are other valuable techniques to learn. I’ve found that lacto-fermentation is particularly useful as it requires no special equipment and can preserve a wide variety of foods.
Establish Alternative Cooking Methods
Your electric stove won’t work in a grid-down situation. We have multiple backup cooking options and know how to use them. A propane camp stove is great for short-term use. For longer-term scenarios, I rely on my rocket stove and solar oven. Learning to cook over an open fire is an essential skill – practice it now before you need it. I’ve also built a simple earth oven in my backyard, which is great for baking bread and other dishes using minimal fuel.
Set Up a Rainwater Collection System
Harvesting rainwater can provide a renewable water source. I’ve installed gutters and downspouts that feed into food-grade barrels. In many areas, just one inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof can yield 600 gallons of water. Check local regulations before setting up your system. I’d also suggest installing a first-flush diverter to ensure cleaner water by diverting the initial, dirtier runoff.
Invest in Solar Power
A solar setup can be a lifeline when the grid goes down. I started small with a portable solar charger for devices. Over time, I’ve built up to a system that can power essential appliances. Even a basic setup can keep communication devices and lights running. Remember to include a battery bank for nighttime and cloudy days. Adding a small wind turbine to your system also provides a good complement to solar, especially on overcast days.
Stock Up on Batteries and Rechargeable Options
Battery-powered devices can be crucial in a grid-down scenario. I keep a supply of various battery sizes, focusing on the ones my essential devices use. Rechargeable batteries paired with a solar charger offer a more sustainable solution. Don’t forget battery-powered lanterns and radios. I’ve also invested in a hand-crank charger as a backup for when batteries run out and solar isn’t an option.
Create a Communication Plan
When cell phones and internet are down, how will you contact loved ones? I have a designated meet-up point and an out-of-state contact. Two-way radios can be useful for short-range communication. Consider getting your ham radio license for longer-range options. I’ve also created a simple cipher system with my family for leaving secure messages if we can’t meet in person.
Beef Up Your Home Security
A grid-down scenario can lead to increased crime. I’ve reinforced my doors and windows, and installed solar-powered motion sensor lights. Creating a neighborhood watch group can provide an extra layer of security. Don’t forget to have non-lethal and lethal self-defense options, and know how to use them safely. I’ve also planted thorny bushes under windows as a natural deterrent to intruders.
Learn Basic First Aid and Stock Medical Supplies
Medical services might be limited or non-existent. Take comprehensive first aid courses and build a well-stocked medical kit. Beyond band-aids and antiseptic, consider including antibiotics (with a doctor’s prescription), trauma supplies, and any necessary prescription medications. Knowledge is key — a well-stocked kit is useless if you don’t know how to use it. I’ve also learned about herbal remedies that can be foraged or grown, providing a renewable source of medicine.
Prepare for Sanitation Issues
Without running water, sanitation becomes a major concern. Consider setting up a composting toilet system as a backup. Stock up on heavy-duty garbage bags, bleach, and toilet paper. Learning how to safely dispose of human waste is crucial to prevent disease spread. I’ve also stockpiled biodegradable soap and set up a greywater system to reuse water from washing for my garden.
Develop a Library of Physical Books
When Google isn’t an option, physical books become invaluable. I’ve built a library of reference books covering topics like first aid, foraging, gardening, and basic engineering. Field guides for local plants and animals are also useful. Don’t forget some fiction for entertainment – morale is important too! I’ve also included books on forgotten skills like blacksmithing and tanning, which could become crucial in a long-term grid-down scenario.
Practice Your Firemaking Skills
Being able to start and maintain a fire is crucial for warmth, cooking, and water purification. I practice using various methods – matches, lighters, ferrocerium rods, and even bow drills. Store multiple fire-starting tools and tinder. Remember, practice makes perfect. I’ve also learned to make char cloth, an excellent tinder that can catch even the smallest spark.
Start a Garden Now
A productive garden can be a sustainable food source. I started small with a few container plants and worked my way up. Focus on high-yield, nutrient-dense crops that grow well in your area. Learning to save seeds ensures you can keep growing even if you can’t buy more. I’ve also incorporated permaculture principles into my garden design to create a more self-sustaining system.
Build a Community Network
No one can survive long-term on their own. I’ve built relationships with neighbors and like-minded individuals in my area. We share skills, resources, and information. In a crisis, a strong community can make all the difference. We’ve started organizing regular skill-sharing workshops to strengthen our collective preparedness.
Have a Bug Out Plan
Sometimes, staying put isn’t an option. Have a fully stocked bug out bag ready to go for each family member and make sure you’ve scouted multiple routes out of yoour area. Practice your bug out plan regularly. Remember, the best bug out location is one you’re familiar with. Some people also like to cache supplies along their bug out routes in case they can’t reach their main destination.
Keep Your Skills Sharp
Prepping isn’t just about stuff – it’s about skills. I regularly practice my prepping skills, from fire starting to first aid. Set aside time each week to learn or practice a skill. Remember, in a grid-down scenario, you can’t rely on YouTube tutorials. I’ve found that teaching these skills to others is an excellent way to reinforce my own knowledge and identify areas where I need more practice.
