Prepare now. By the end of 30 days, you’ll have a comprehensive, practiced approach to handling an extended power and internet outage, helping you to feel confident and prepared if the situation arises.
- Energy and Lighting
Concept: When you lack access to power, having alternative energy sources and lighting solutions becomes crucial. This could include solar power, batteries, candles, and crank-powered devices.
Example: In 2021, a Texas winter storm left millions without power. Many residents who were prepared with portable power banks, solar chargers, and LED lanterns could manage basic needs while others struggled.
- Water Purification and Storage
Concept: Safe drinking water is essential. If municipal water is unavailable or becomes unsafe, you need alternative purification methods and stored water.
Example: After Hurricane Maria in 2017, residents of Puerto Rico faced severe water shortages and contamination. Those with water storage tanks, purification tablets, or filtration systems managed better. - Food Storage and Preservation
Concept: Food that doesn’t spoil without refrigeration is key, along with methods to cook without electricity. Shelf-stable foods, canned goods, dehydrated foods, and camp stoves are helpful.
Example: During California’s wildfire-induced power outages, some households used portable gas stoves and canned or freeze-dried food to maintain a steady supply of meals without power. - Heating and Cooling Solutions
Concept: Depending on the season, you’ll need to prepare for either keeping warm or staying cool without power. Blankets, layers of clothing, solar blankets, and even insulation methods for keeping the interior temperature steady can be lifesaving.
Example: In winter, the Texas power outage of 2021 showed the value of having blankets, warm layers, and even indoor-safe heaters. People bundled up and used insulated sleeping bags indoors. - Communication
Concept: Staying informed is vital. Without internet, hand-crank or battery-operated radios and emergency apps that work offline can keep you updated on critical news.
Example: In hurricanes, residents have used weather radios to stay informed. People also download offline maps and key contacts in case cell towers go down. - Sanitation and Hygiene
Concept: Maintaining hygiene can be challenging without running water. Have basic supplies like wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and waste disposal bags ready.
Example: After natural disasters, sanitation becomes a major concern, with public health officials recommending wipes, trash bags, and portable toilets to maintain hygiene.
30-Day Guide to Mastering Survival Without Power or Internet
Week 1: Basics of Energy and Lighting
- Day 1-3: Research and purchase emergency lighting solutions (LED lanterns, candles, headlamps).
- Day 4-5: Test all devices and ensure you have spare batteries.
- Day 6-7: Practice using a portable solar charger with your essential devices (phones, radios).
Week 2: Water Purification and Storage
- Day 8-9: Buy a water filter or purification tablets.
- Day 10: Store at least a 3-day water supply (1 gallon per person per day).
- Day 11-12: Practice purifying tap water with your methods.
- Day 13-14: Research local water sources (nearby rivers, lakes) for an emergency.
Week 3: Food Storage and Preservation
- Day 15-16: Stock up on non-perishable food (canned, freeze-dried).
- Day 17-18: Buy a camp stove or portable gas stove, plus fuel.
- Day 19: Prepare a meal using only shelf-stable ingredients and your camp stove.
- Day 20-21: Make a list of calorie-dense, long-lasting foods and set up a rotation plan.
Week 4: Heating, Cooling, Communication, and Sanitation
- Day 22-23: Gather thermal blankets, sleeping bags, or layering clothing.
- Day 24: Set up an emergency radio; practice tuning into local stations.
- Day 25-26: Download offline maps and emergency contact info to your phone.
- Day 27-28: Assemble a sanitation kit (wet wipes, garbage bags, hand sanitizer).
- Day 29-30: Conduct a 1-day power-free trial to test your preparation and identify gaps.