Some sensible suggestions from this gentlemen concerning blackout kit -if you're looking for ideas to provide some self resiliency.
Blackout Kit
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johnnytheboy
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Internet where I am is too slow to watch the video, anything novel in it?
I think back home we have most things sorted but it might be time to sort out a battery bank for work. I get the feeling we are going to get more power cuts due to lack of maintenance on the grid along with the poor weather. It's not just the wind but looking around the extreme wet weather is causing some things to move about and subside etc. Back home suffered a 5 hour power cut just last week.
I doubt there is anything new or original for per se - I get an idea you are quite well along the self reliance route.
Its a good basic sensible over view for anyone looking to review their position if new. Good checklist.
I was going to write up more notes... here's a little preview of my starting point.
Stage 1: Analysis of General Themes and Organisational Structure
The transcript is a video monologue by Andrew Price on the topic of personal preparedness for a long-term power grid failure ("grid-down" situation). The organisation follows a classic problem-solution framework, moving from defining the issue to providing systematic, category-based solutions.1.1 Primary Theme:
The overarching theme is building personal and familial resilience against infrastructure fragility. The core argument is that while individuals cannot control large-scale threats to the power grid, they can and must control their own preparedness to ensure safety, comfort, and basic functionality during an extended outage.
1.2 Organisational Structure:
The monologue is organised into distinct sequential sections, each addressing a critical human need during a crisis. The structure is as follows:
- 1.2.1 Introduction & Problem Definition (0:00 - 1:18): The presenter introduces the topic, outlines potential causes of a grid-down scenario (natural disasters, solar events, terrorism, government action), and establishes the thesis of personal control over resilience.
- 1.2.2 Foundational Step: Power Audit (1:20 - 1:47): A brief but crucial preparatory step advising viewers to audit their daily power usage before purchasing equipment.
- 1.2.3 Category-Based Preparedness Solutions (1:49 - 15:30): The substantive core of the video, organised by survival priority:
- Illumination: Solutions for light, from immediate personal lighting (head torches) to area lighting (lanterns, candles, paraffin lamps).
- Power Generation & Storage: Hierarchical recommendations for keeping devices charged, from small power banks to large lithium power stations with solar recharge capability.
- Cooking & Water Boiling: Options for food preparation, focusing on portable stoves (gas, paraffin) and existing assets (wood stoves).
- Warmth: A two-tier strategy: first, personal insulation (clothing, blankets); second, heating a single designated "warm room" using various heaters (wood, gas, paraffin).
- Food & Water: Practical advice on managing perishables, stocking non-perishable foods, and storing/collecting water.
- Finance & Morale: Secondary but vital considerations: keeping cash on hand and planning for entertainment to maintain morale.
- 1.2.4 Conclusion & Call to Action (16:04 - End): The presenter signs off, encourages viewer interaction in the comments, and reiterates the video's purpose.
The delivery is informal and conversational, characterised by asides, personal anecdotes, humour, and direct demonstrations of specific products (e.g., "This particular one is the Vetoman Flash Speed 1500"). Safety warnings are consistently interwoven with recommendations for open-flame or fuel-based solutions.
Stage 2: Medium-Length Overview via Thematic Bullet Points
2.1 Introduction & Core Philosophy- Video presented by Andrew Price on preparing for a catastrophic, long-term "grid-down" power outage.
- Causes are varied and largely beyond individual control: natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes), solar activity (Carrington-style events), terrorism (e.g., attacks on infrastructure), and government overreach.
- Central Thesis: While you cannot control these events, you can control your personal and family's resilience. Preparedness is about ensuring safety, comfort, and basic functionality.
- Conduct a Power Audit: Before buying equipment, those accustomed to grid power should list all daily electrical devices to understand real power needs for maintaining "a semblance of normality."
- Head Torches: The first and most versatile solution. Recommendation: own at least two good-quality ones, ideally one rechargeable and one battery-powered (AA/AAA). Principle: "Two is one, one is none."
- Handheld Torches: For more powerful, directional light (e.g., Maglite with LED).
- Rechargeable Lanterns: For ambient room lighting (e.g., "Robin's Monroe" style lanterns or cheaper "market lights").
- USB Lights: Small, efficient lights that plug into power banks or USB ports.
- Non-Electrical Options:
- Candles: Provide light and minor heat. Require strict fire safety (never leave unattended, have fire blankets/extinguishers).
- Paraffin Lamps: (e.g., Petromax style) Provide excellent light and heat. Require same safety precautions as candles plus adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Small Portable Power Banks: (e.g., 25,000 mAh units) Essential for recharging phones, head torches, etc., for a few days. Suggested as a first purchase.
- Large Lithium Power Stations: (e.g., "Vetoman Flash Speed 1500") For longer-term outages. These are modern successors to leisure batteries, featuring built-in inverters and multiple outputs (AC sockets, USB-A, USB-C, 12V car port).
- Recharging Strategy: Can be recharged from the mains when power returns or via portable solar panels (e.g., 220W foldable panel) for ongoing off-grid power.
- System Expansion: Capability can be extended with add-on "booster" batteries.
- Portable Gas Stoves: Using disposable butane canisters; cheap, readily available, and familiar from camping.
- Paraffin Stoves/Heaters: Vintage-style wick stoves (using "premium paraffin") that are effective for boiling water and cooking.
- Wood-Burning Stoves: An excellent option if already installed in the home and if a wood supply is accessible.
- Primary Strategy: Personal Insulation. Equip everyone with quality base layers (e.g., merino wool), socks, jumpers, wool blankets, and sleeping bags.
- Secondary Strategy: The "Warm Room". Designate a single room to heat efficiently, rather than trying to heat an entire house.
- Heating Options for a Room:
- Wood-Burning Stove: Ideal if available.
- Gas Heaters: Portable, using propane/butane bottles.
- Paraffin Heaters: (e.g., vintage Aladdin or Valor heaters) Efficient and effective, using the same premium paraffin fuel as lamps.
- Safety: For all open-flame heating, essential precautions include: carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers/blankets, constant supervision, and good ventilation.
- Food Management: Consume refrigerated/frozen perishables first. Subsequently, rely on a stock of non-perishable foods that require minimal or no cooking (e.g., canned beans, packet foods, long-life milk).
- Water Security: Municipal water supply may fail. Store a minimum of 3 litres per person per day, aiming for at least a one-week supply. Consider water filters and rainwater collection (e.g., water butts) to extend resources.
- Cash Reserve: Electronic payment systems will fail. Keep a reserve of cash in small denominations to purchase essential goods for several days.
- Morale & Entertainment: Plan for off-grid entertainment to maintain sanity, especially for children. Stock board games, books, and other analogue amusements.
- The presenter concludes by summarising the intent of the guide and invites viewers to share their own preparedness kit ideas in the video comments.
Jesus... Is that Andy Price of A to Z of Bushcraft fame? Damn... This vid is close to 20 years old... Recognised his voice instantly....
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If blackout includes the waterpumps that supply houses with water then you have one flush, after that no more water in flush tank.
Did he mention water for flushing the toilet?
If blackout includes the waterpumps that supply houses with water then you have one flush, after that no more water in flush tank.
Well, I do have several more head torches that he recommends... I've now managed to watch the video and I would emphasise the need for a CO alarm if you are using any form of gas/parafin etc stove indoors.
I'd also recommend trying things out before you need them. For example, I found the plug in LED lights don't work in my.power banks as I think they draw too little current and the bank turns itself off.
Dry runs and integration stress testing ( in slow time ) are good things to practice.
CO alarm is an excellent shout if stoving inside.
I used Velcro around the window to hold a ply board and a heavy curtain that was much bigger than the door in my darkroom; I had to wait at least 15 minutes to make sure no light was getting in.
Oh, sorry, wrong blackout kit!
Oh, sorry, wrong blackout kit!
