We currently live in world of sunshine. We wake up, eat, and get on with our day without a care in the world.
We live complacently, strongly believing that everything is going to stay that way.
Well guess what?
In mid-February, 2021, southern Texas was unexpectedly hit with a total blackout that lasted for a few weeks, leaving millions of residents excruciatingly devastated.
God forbid, this can happen to you right now, or in the foreseeable future. Climate change and conflicts around the world have gotten us to a point where lack of an emergency plan is a suicide plan in itself.
If planning for such seems too daunting for you, you’re in luck because I have laid down everything you’ll need for at least a month-long total blackout.
Related: 5 Ways To Power Your Homestead
Clean Water
Water is the most precious commodity that we have as humans. A few days without it could end in unwanted consequences.
If your home water supply relies on an electric-powered pump then you’re going to stop receiving clean tap water, which means you’ll need to get it elsewhere.
The rule of thumb is that one person needs half a gallon of water a day to survive, so multiply that by thirty days.
You are also going to need water for cooking, bathing, brushing your teeth, flushing the toilet, pets, livestock and poultry if you have them.
These are thousands of gallons of water which would need you to get a huge water tank. If you live in an apartment you can store some water in some water barrels. How many of them will depend on the space of your place and how many people and animals live with you.
Food
The second most important thing you would need is food.
That food should be nutrient-rich, easy to prepare, and should be non-perishable. Examples are:
- Canned food (vegetables, fruits, tuna, chicken, beef, etc.)
- Packet foods like noodles, oatmeal, and soup
- Different types of bars like granola bars, protein bars, and gluten bars
- Snacks like dried fruits, chips, and nuts
- Instant food like porridge, cereal, and powdered milk
- Fresh fruits like watermelons, pineapples, oranges and apples
- Pre-cooked food like rice
- Freeze-dried food you usually buy when you go camping
- Food for your pet and other animals.
A Way To Cook
Some of the food you have needs to be warmed up or cooked before being served, which means you’ll need to buy or make a:
- Wood stove
- Gas stove
- Fire pit
- Charcoal grill
- Or even use your fireplace.
Hot meals are the best. Not only are they delicious but they can also raise your spirit during a disaster like this.
Related: 25 Powerless Appliances for Your Homestead Kitchen
First Aid Kit and Medical Supplies
A long term blackout will mean hospitals and pharmacies will malfunction even though they’ll be using generators.
An influx of people will want to be going there because of the sheer amount of stress and confusion.
Pre-pack your first aid kit with:
- Pain killers
- Bandages, Band-Aids
- Disposable gloves, Gauze pads, Tweezers
- Antibiotic pills and ointment
- A thermometer
- A medical adhesive tape
- A hot water bottle, and a first aid manual
In addition to a fully loaded first-aid kit, you should stock up on a month-long supply of medication that you currently take.
Safety Equipment
“Desperate times call for desperate measures”.
People (mostly those who didn’t prepare for this situation) will resort to breaking into people houses and shops to try and get supplies don’t have. You’ll need to be prepared by purchasing firearms and enough ammunition to defend yourself.
These looters may carry guns themselves, and will use brute force to get what they want from you.
You need to take charge of the safety of your property and ensure the protection of your family by having a proper firearm in handy.
A Source Of Light
A source of light might seem like something obvious to remember, but you’ll forget because you’re used to just pushing a plug then miraculously light appears.
Not anymore. Go and get:
- Candles and matches
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- As well as a solar-powered lantern.
Hygiene And Sanitation Needs
People tend to neglect their health and hygiene during a crisis.
Don’t do that.
Make sure you keep your home spick and span because you, or any of your family members can’t afford to get sick at this time. Get a month-long supply of:
- Hand sanitizers, Baby wipes
- Sanitary pads and tampons
- Toilet paper, Soap
- Toothpaste, Shampoo, Lotion
- Heavy duty garbage bags
A Source Of Heating Or Cooling
The places we live vary in temperature. If you live in a cold area, you’ll need a fireplace to keep warm. If you don’t have one, light up your wood stove and gather around it instead.
Make sure you have some warm blankets and clothing in your wardrobe also.
On the other hand, when you live in a hot area like Arizona, then you’ll need to be creative because most of the things that cool us down during the summer require electricity.
Just opening up your windows and doors during the day to allow fresh air to come in will not suffice.
Related: How To Heat Your Home Without Electricity
Radio
A battery-operated radio will keep you updated on the blackout situation. You need to keep up-to-date on what the government is planning and other relevant news.
Also a 2 way radio will come in handy, when you need to communicate.
Entertainment
You’re going to need something to lighten up the mood a little bit. Thirty days or more is too long for you to come up with new jokes to tell your family everyday – they’ll run out.
Go and purchase some board games, cards, books, magazines, and musical instruments. This could be a great time to learn a new skill or instrument, while you wait for the power to return.
Nobody ever thinks about a major power cut until it happens. This type of attitude leaves many in awe and despair when reality hits.
Don’t let this be you. Gather all necessary supplies and stay prepared at all times.
Do you have a plan for this kind of situation and what would you add to the list?
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Looking for the email address of “self-sufficient projects”. Thank you in advance. Lark
Hi Lark, thank you for your message.
You can write us at support@selfsufficientprojects.com or through Contact button from this website (upper right corner).
God bless,
The Self-Sufficient Projects Team