Preparedness - What Would You Do If the Internet & Power Went Down?
In our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to take the conveniences of modern technology for granted. But what would you do if the internet and power suddenly went down? This might sound like a far-off dystopian scenario, but recent events, like the CrowdStrike outage, have shown how quickly critical systems can fail, leaving millions without access to the tools they depend on. Planning for such possibilities isn’t alarmist—it’s practical.
Reconnecting with Loved Ones
One of the first challenges in such a scenario would be reconnecting with family and friends. Ask yourself:
Do you know their addresses by heart, or do you rely on digital maps to find them?
Do you remember phone numbers, or are they stored exclusively in your mobile phone? If you do know their number, is it a mobile line or a landline? Remember, mobile phones won’t work if the internet, power, or satellites stop functioning.
A simple solution is to keep a physical address book with important contact details. Additionally, designate a meeting place with loved ones in case of an emergency—a location everyone knows to go to if communication fails.
Navigating Without Technology
Most people depend on GPS and digital maps to get around. But if these tools are unavailable, would you know how to navigate your local area? Do you own a paper street map? Having a printed map of your town or city ensures you can still find your way, even when technology is down. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with key routes to important locations like hospitals, schools, and grocery stores.
Securing Your Home
Many modern homes rely on technology for security, such as smart locks and app-controlled systems. If the power or internet goes down, how would you lock or unlock your home? It’s crucial to have manual backups for any electronic security measures. Consider keeping a spare traditional key accessible and testing non-digital ways to secure your home.
Accessing Money
In a world without power, digital banking, ATMs, credit cards, and pay-by-phone systems would become useless. Do you have a way to access cash or valuable assets like gold in such a situation? Keeping a small stash of physical cash and tradable items in a secure location can provide a safety net.
Gold and other tangible assets have historically proven valuable in crises. Priya Kapoor, a financial resilience expert, notes, “Gold is not just an investment; it’s a practical asset you can trade or use to secure necessities in extreme situations.”
Stocking Food and Water
Access to food and water is a fundamental concern during any disruption. Consider:
Keeping a supply of non-perishable foods that require minimal preparation.
Storing enough drinking water to last at least a week for your household.
Learning basic skills, like how to purify water, to ensure you can access clean drinking supplies.
Planning Ahead: Tips for Preparedness
Being prepared for a power or internet outage isn’t about living in fear—it’s about ensuring you can navigate life’s unexpected challenges. Here are some steps to take:
Create a Communication Plan: Write down key addresses and phone numbers and share a printed copy with your family. Decide on a designated meeting spot in case of separation.
Secure Physical Maps and Manuals: Buy paper maps of your local area and practice reading them. If you rely on digital tools for home security or other essentials, learn how to operate them manually.
Diversify Your Wealth: Keep a combination of cash, gold, and other tradable items accessible. This ensures you can meet basic needs even if digital payment systems fail.
Build an Emergency Kit: Include food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and essential tools. Regularly check and update supplies.
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about potential risks in your area, such as extreme weather or infrastructure vulnerabilities. Knowledge is your best defense.
Preparing for a Resilient Future
While the idea of widespread power or internet outages may feel unsettling, taking proactive steps now can mitigate the impact of such events. By planning ahead, you can ensure you remain connected with loved ones, secure in your home, and equipped to handle whatever challenges arise. As history shows, resilience comes from preparation, not panic.
