When the SHTF it is likely that one of the first things affected will be the mains electricity supply. The electricity is supply is vulnerable to disruption from a range of man-made and natural disasters. This is crucial when you consider how many everyday tools we use require power from the grid. In terms of survival, power is needed for two of our basic needs – food and shelter.
We use electricity for storing and preparing food. Take stock of how much food you store in refrigerators and freezers. How much would you be able to store for any length of time without power? Does your pantry depend on electricity to keep the food items cool and dry?
You then need to consider your shelter. In our modern world we use electricity to help make our homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summertime. What kind of shelter would your home provide without a reliance on electricity?
Once you are aware of how dependent you are on electricity there are two ways to deal with it for when SHTF. The first is to try to counter your dependence on the mains supply by generating your own electricity – basically trying to live 'off-grid.'
To do this you will need a generator and the fuel to power it. There are plenty of people who generate their own electricity, but be aware that the start-up costs and price of fuel, are significantly higher than the price of grid electricity.
Another option is to explore environmental solutions. These boil down to two options - solar and wind power. While both give the possibility of providing a cheap and inexhaustible supply of power, the obvious problem is that it is not always sunny or windy. Renewable energy is simply too unreliable for you to be able to depend on it. Living off-grid must always mean a combination of environmental energy sources, a fuel generator and battery back-up.
The second way of preparing to survive without mains electricity is to aim to survive on minimal power. To do this, you will need a number of essential SHTF stockpile items to help you through the power-outage.
ITEM #40 - LED FLASHLIGHT
Once the SHFT and night falls, don't be surprised if many people panic. It may seem strange but in our modern world, complete darkness is something many of us are no longer used to. Be prepped by stockpiling at least one good-quality LED flashlight. Light emitting diode flashlights are many times more efficient than traditional bulbs and good quality LED flashlights can last up to 80 hours without needing a battery change. Even so, be prepared with the correct batteries. Choose a flashlight that has a shatterproof lens and has the protective casing to enable it to survive a drop.
The standard flashlight might not be the only light you choose to invest in. You could also equip yourself with a number of 'lantern-style' flashlights to provide illumination for your home. A 'hands-free' headlight attached to a headband provides another useful option. This ideal for when you need to work or do repairs in the dark.
ITEM #41 - LIGHT STICKS
Another great product to help you deal with a power-outage emergency are light sticks, sometimes sold as glow sticks. They do not require either electricity or a spark and have the great advantage of being waterproof. They rely on a chemical reaction, which is set off when they are opened. While not particularly bright, they will give 12 hours of light.
Recent disasters highlight the importance of good communication. They also give a practical illustration of how reliant we have become on our cell phones and how quickly the cell phone network collapses leaving us unable to contact our family and make those important plans.
Be prepared for this by making sure you have a battery-operated cell charger and a spare battery. And remember, although the network may become too overloaded for you to make calls, text-messages can often still get through.
ITEM #42 – A SOLAR CHARGER
Not the full on solar panels fitted to a roof that aim to supplement your mains supply, but instead a small solar charger. This can be used to charge up all those electronic devices we use everyday, but could quickly be rendered useless by a power-outage. It can charge the devices fully and plug into anything with a USB port.
ITEM #43 - BATTERY-OPERATED RADIO
A battery-operated radio really is a vital item for when the SHTF. It allows to hear the latest news and information, which is all useful information for when you are having to make some important decisions.
If you suffer a chemical attack and need to retreat to your sealed room, remember to take your radio and a supply of batteries with you. Your radio will be your only contact with the outside world and only way of knowing when it is safe to emerge.
ITEM #44 – TWO-WAY RADIOS
In a disaster situation the normal methods of communication can quickly be knocked out. When SHTF good communication is key if you are going to get your family through the disaster situation. When the cell phone system fails, walkie-talkies are a great back-up method of communication. Try a product called GoTenna, this can turn your phone into a walkie-talkie.
ITEM #45 – A SIGNAL MIRROR
When all modes of modern communication are out and your batteries have gone, it is time to revert to the real basic survival methods. A signal mirror requires nothing more than sunlight and, with a little knowledge of Morse, or your own code, you can be communicating over long distances.
ITEM #46 – A WIND-UP CLOCK
Wind-up clocks, like wind-up radios, are fantastic additions to your SHTF stockpile. A basic, old-fashioned clock, or watch, can come in really useful. By just winding up your clock everyday, you can not only co-ordinate with others, but have a reliable wake-up alarm.