When we talk about SHTF situations, we often talk about natural catastrophes and wars but not enough about other scenarios like the power grid going down. That got me thinking about what would happen in this scenario and how dependent we are on electricity in general. Even if you are not a heavy user of the internet and smartphones, after all, you are still quite dependent on electricity. Especially if you live in a big city.
You don’t have to think long and hard to imagine the scenarios and the chaos that would ensue should the power grid go down. For example, it’s estimated that the power grid in the United States is attacked every 4 days. That’s actually too many times and makes you wonder how long will the protection that is in place hold and continues to be 100% efficient.
So, with this scenario looking more real every day, you start to think about how to survive if the power grid goes down. The answer is by having a solid plan that takes every aspect of this reality into account. Always remember that if you prep, you don’t sweat. It’s just a matter of planning and perfectly executing it.
So, anyway, the main thing that you will start to want to take into consideration is that you will want to find electricity sources to maintain your modern lifestyle for as long as you can. Obviously, you won’t be able to be a full modern member of society in this situation since you won’t have access to the internet, and you can’t keep using electricity the way you currently do. You’ll have to come up with a reasonable amount for the day.
Still, you can use electricity for a while. The point is that the longest that time goes by and things aren’t restored, you have to come to terms with the possible scenario of being out of electricity forever. Now, since this possibility isn’t as likely as the power grid going down and then going back up after some time, you can still prep for the scenario of only having to deal with it for a few weeks or months.
It’s also important to point out that you have to plan not only according to your lifestyle but also of those around you. Even more than lifestyle, think about your necessities and priorities. If someone in the family has a medical condition that would require a device that needs electricity or anything like that, you have to include it in your prepping.
Now, what you’re going to realize is that the main things you’re going to need are devices and skills. They will be crucial for you to have electricity sources and be able to generate them on your own after a while. Since that any minor failure in the power grid can take months to be resolved, you may be forced to generate your own electricity for quite some time. So, remember to have a plan, which is the most important part, and then execute it. For those already wanting to have a well developed survival plan, check this plan out
Light up
The first thing you’re going to do is to start with the basic things first. This means that you have to acquire as many light sources as you can. Here you’re still preparing for a few days in the dark. These sources of light won’t power your electronic devices, but they will be important for security and simply you being able to see in the dark.
Those sources can be small, simple, and cheap devices that will allow you to better see in the dark. Especially in the first few days, you’ll realize that you need a lot of help to move around even in your own house.
- Flashlights
- Smartphones
- Emergency lights
- LED marine lights
- Torches
- Headlamps
- Oil lamps
- Propane lamps
- Candles
Whatever your light source is, ideally it is something that you can recharge or something that you can get a lot of units available like candles. So, the goal here is to find sources that you will have access for days.
Still, you want to be able to recharge or replace the light source easily. For example, the flashlight that you have on your phone may not be the best light source to go to as your first option because the phone will take quite a while to recharge and you may need it for something else.
So, the light sources are to help you during the night, but you should use them sparingly if you don’t have a full scope of the situation. If the power will be down for a few days is one thing and if it’s going to be down for a few months is another completely different one. Here is a great tactical flashlight that I recommend.
Batteries
Batteries are your best friend during a blackout. If the power grid goes down, even for a few days, you’ll want to have batteries in your arsenal to recharge important devices and have an efficient electricity source.
Now, you have a lot of different types of batteries. Always opt for the ones that will last you longer and that are easy for you to recharge if at all possible. For example, you can find batteries that are rechargeable using sunlight.
Another great way to decide on how many batteries you need and what the potency should be is to make a list of the basic devices that you are going to be using during the power down.
Also, make sure that you store all those batteries properly since it can be dangerous if you don’t do it. For example, never leave them under the sun or in hot enclosed spaces since they may catch fire. Obviously, you can’t leave them unprotected either since they shouldn’t get wet under any circumstance. The point is that the storage of your batteries is as important as acquiring them in the first place.
Again, the only way you’re going to make it is if you plan, and in your plans, you should prepare for a minimum battery usage the same way that you prepare taking into consideration things like how much water and food you’re going to consume per day and per person.
So, if you not only take those things into consideration like how much power you will need but also the types of batteries that will better serve you, you’ll have better chances of making it.
Generator
You can’t talk about the power grid going down and being without electricity and not mention generators. They’re perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to having electricity even when the power is down. That’s why they are vital to your plans if you want to electricity for more than a few hours.
Now, unlike batteries that are usually cheap, generators can become quite expensive depending on your needs. A powerful generator that is also modern can cost a few hundred to a few thousands of dollars. This can be just not possible for some people. Still, you do have cheap options like the gasoline generators. Those are cheap and easy to find but also not as efficient as the others.
Since gasoline is not readily available during power outages due to gasoline pumps working with electricity and the fact that gasoline only lasts one year in storage, this is not the best option. Also, these generators do not work well under cold temperatures situations.
Still, you have many other options such as the ones below:
- Propane gas generator
- Natural gas generator
- Emulsified diesel generator
- Biodiesel generator
- Diesel fuel generator
- Hydrogen generator
Now, what’s important to point out is that price and efficiency of those models will change so you should take your budgetary needs into consideration. For instance, the hydrogen generator is the best one on the list. Considering that the model is portable and that all safety precautions were taken, this generator is not only the most efficient but you can extract hydrogen from the water, which makes the fuel readily available. So, before buying a generator also take into consideration the fuel that it uses. You need something that is cheap, readily available, and easy to store.
Supplies
Now, when we think about surviving a power outage, we normally talk about our electricity generation options like batteries, generators, and any other device we can get. Still, we forget that we need the other basic things to survive. Prepping for natural disasters may not be totally necessary for your case if you live in a place where hurricanes and earthquakes aren’t a problem. Now, a power outage is something not only possible but likely to happen to anyone.
So, you are going to need to prep even if you’re not a hardcore prepper. This means that you must think about food, water, shelter, medicine, and any other thing that you consider important for your survival. You must have, at least, 30 days’ worth of those supplies. During a power outage, you won’t be able to buy things and sometimes even leaving the house.
With that in mind, you’re going to need to start stockpiling food and storing water to get started. With food, you should calculate the minimum caloric intake that you need to survive, you can find apps and websites that help you with that. Once you determine that, you can create a strategy. Canned food and any other non-perishable food are great options here. click this link for a highly recommended food source that is high nutritious and easy to store.
For your water storage, you should start with the information that you need 1 gallon a day per person. Also, take into consideration if you have pets. Then, you must worry about proper storage since water can become undrinkable due to algae and other organisms growing in it.
To finish creating your perfect supply strategy, think about the medicine that you may need, especially antibiotics, and other things like weapons and a vehicle. All those things will be crucial for you to last a long time in the best conditions possible.
Solar power
In case the power grid is permanent or will take a really long time, having solar powered panels can be a life savior. Not only that, but it can give you all the comfort that the situation doesn’t usually provide. Solar power is reliable and can even save you money now.
Still, acquiring the panels and installing them can be expensive, which is a whole other conversation. The point is that you have way more upsides in having them than downsides. Especially during a power outage, they can become the difference that will make you thrive during those times.
Now, you’re going to have to do thorough research on the subject to understand the best options available in the market and also to learn about what is the best one for your situation. Ideally, you do have a lot of space in your property. If you live in an apartment building, it can be harder due to the lack of physical space and certain rules that your condo may have.
Anyway, the point is that you should consider solar power for the long-term. After all, it may come a time that your generator fuel is over and the batteries are gone forever. In this situation, your best option is the sun since it’ll always be there.
You don’t even have to go for solar panels since nowadays you can get batteries and other devices that are able to harness the sunlight and turn it into electricity. As long as you have one of those, you’ll be good to go. Still, it’s important to point out that if you live in a place that is cold, and cloudy for the most part of the year, you may need to think about something else. Maybe wind power.
Radio
Now, a lot is being said about how to generate electricity. This is obviously important, especially when we are talking about a power outage. Still, you should worry about other things that will help you survive. Like communication devices.
Now, if the power is out, the internet will be as well. Now only that but phones won’t be able to call. Even if that doesn’t happen immediately, it’ll soon enough. So, what you’re going to have to do is look for alternatives to communicate with the outside world. Radio is not only reliable but also cheap to get. The only disadvantage is that anyone that is tuned to your frequency can hear you. At the same time, this is the greatest advantage.
Anyway, the point is that radio communication is going to be the single most important communication device in this scenario. It doesn’t need batteries in some cases and when it does, it’s easy to recharge. Walkie-talkies don’t need power or maintenance like phones and satellites. All those factors contribute to the radio being ideal for this kind of situation. Go to my highly researched communication devices article with suggested gear to get click here.
To better prepare, have a few dozens of these devices around the house. Also, it may sound obvious, but learn how to use it before you actually need it. Have every family member test and get familiar with the device while the power down didn’t take place yet. You don’t want to find yourself needing to Google something when the internet is not working anymore.
If you live in a more isolated area, check if your neighbors also have radio devices. It can not only help but be crucial to surviving a power outage. Remember that humans thrive when living in society.
Heating system
Now, especially if you live in cold weather places, you are going to need a heating system to survive the nights. There are a few ways to go about this be it using electricity or going totally mancave style, but the important thing is that you do it. That you do have a system and a strategy in place. During winter nights many people die because they don’t have access to shelter or one that has a heating system, so prepping for that is important as well.
So, what you’re going to do is have both the system that will depend on electricity and the one that will not do it. For an electricity-dependent one, you’ll need a generator or batteries. This is the easiest way of heating your home during the winter since all you got to do is to turn the AC on.
Now, for the non-dependent on the electricity system, you’re going to need to be creative. You can start with the obvious that is a fireplace if you have one. Also, make sure you have lots of blankets and that you get sleeping bags as well. They help the body stay in the ideal temperature.
As far as methods go, you can opt for kerosene heaters, wood burning stove, fireplaces, and many other devices. The most important thing about those methods specifically is that they are fuel burning methods. This means that they release carbon monoxide. This is a silent, deadly gas. So, you must have a ventilation system in place to take the gas out of the house while the fuel is burning.
Refrigerator
Now, besides worrying about generating electricity and having basic supplies, you also have to worry about storage of those supplies. A refrigerator is essential for you to store meat, chicken, and many other supplies. Even some medicine needs to be stored in a refrigerator. Obviously, you’re going to need a power source to be able to turn it on.
Once you figure that out, you can store the important things there. You may be able to survive without a refrigerator but it’ll be an additional problem to work around.
That’s why is so important that you do have a power source like solar panels or generators. Without electricity, life in the modern world is really hard. Now, besides the refrigerator that you are used to, you can look for another way to build a refrigerator without electricity. These are not long-term solutions but they may help.
You can build a room using metal and mirrors to conserve the cold temperature longer. You can also look for natural sources of ice if you live in a cold place. The point is that if you really can’t get a generator or solar panels, you can still find ways to have a refrigeration system without the need of having electricity. It’s not ideal or may not even work on the long-term, but you can make it work.
So, just remember that ideally, you get a refrigerator and a power source for it to work. A refrigerator will increase your chances at survival since it helps conserve a lot of food, medicine, and other essential items to your survival.
Get out of the city
Another important thing to survive a power outage is to get out of the city. It may sound radical, but if you leave the city, your survival chances increase. The reason is that big cities depend on electricity and technology for nearly everything. You can even drive properly due to the traffic light not working.
Imagine now that the elevator of your building doesn’t work, and the locks on your door don’t open if they’re digital. Also, you can’t use the internet or your phone to get out of the house. You can’t withdraw money either to pay for anything. Add to all that, the chaos that usually takes place. As you can see, the best you can do is to get out of the big cities.
If you have a relative or a friend that lives in a small town, go there. The first thing you have to worry about is a shelter. A shelter is not just about to have protection against the weather but also having protection against other dangers like people, animals, and other things.
The point is that the best you can do during a power outage is to hit the road and escape town. When everyday life is so dependent on electricity, things can get ugly. Also, the fact that big cities are usually overpopulated makes things worse.
So, if it’s an option for you to go more to the countryside, have a bug out plan. This usually involves a car with all the supplies that you’re going to need in your new location. Maybe prepare an emergency kit for this situation.
Have emergency money
A lot of people think about things like how to generate electricity and food storage, but we fail to remember about money. The fact is that even during the end of the world, at first, money will still have value. This means that you need a stash to get by before things either go to normal or become something else. The point is that during a power outage, you won’t be able to withdraw money.
In this scenario, how you’re going to pay for basic things you may need. It’s important to not be as dependent on your credit card or the money that you have in your bank account. If you do that, you’ll find yourself in a hard situation.
At first, don’t expect to find abandoned stores or things for free that aren’t usually free. Also, even if you prep for a year, money should also be part of it. You never know what you may need.
Also, it’s important to be mindful about how you store your money stash. The best options are fireproof bags and vaults. This way, you’re prepared for every possible situation, including a power outage. So, have a few thousand dollars in either the fireproof bag or the safe. If you need a fireproof bag click here to find some I recommend.
Design a new lifestyle
If the power outage is going to last a few months or maybe forever, it’s time for you to design a new lifestyle. If you can’t afford certain items, or even if you can, you may find yourself without any electricity. This is when you’re going to need to start a new lifestyle. One that isn’t dependent at all on electrical power. Obviously, it’s possible since our ancestors did but it’s not easy.
First of all, electricity provides a lot of comfort in our lives but not only that. Electricity is also responsible to keeps us alive during low and high temperatures. A lot of the things that help our lives to be extended are dependent on electricity.
This means that without electricity sooner or later a simple infection may kill you. This is due to the fact that there won’t be medicine being made without electricity. Besides hospitals won’t be working perfectly.
The point is that without electricity you also will have to work your schedule to meet the sunlight hours. So, the sooner you adjust to this new condition, the better. Even if you do have access to energy for a while, you probably won’t be able to utilize it for as long you normally do.
This is why this new configuration will require that you start a new lifestyle. Different habits to help you live well in those new conditions. That’s why it is important to be able to adapt under those circumstances. If you do prep for every possible scenario, there won’t be reasons to worry about how to survive the power grid going down. if you need a survival plan right now, click this link