In today's increasingly digital society, an internet outage can feel like a major inconvenience. From communication and entertainment to banking and shopping, the internet plays a crucial role in almost every aspect of daily life. But what happens if that connection suddenly goes dark? At UKSN, we believe that being prepared for any eventuality, including an internet outage, is key to self-sufficiency and resilience.
Whether caused by a power cut, extreme weather, or a wider infrastructure issue, internet outages can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. While we can't predict when they might happen, we can take steps to mitigate the disruption. This article will guide you through practical ways to prepare for an internet outage, ensuring you remain connected and capable even when offline.
Why You Should Prepare for an Internet Outage
While it’s easy to dismiss an internet outage as a temporary inconvenience, being unprepared can quickly escalate into a real challenge. In a world where we rely on the internet for nearly everything, not having access to it can leave us feeling vulnerable. Consider the following areas that would be affected:
Communication: Emails, messaging apps, and social media are reliant on an internet connection. Without them, staying in touch with family, friends, or co-workers becomes much more difficult.
Banking & Payments: Debit cards, online banking, and payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay all depend on an internet connection. In the event of an outage, you might not be able to access your accounts or make purchases.
Entertainment: Most of us stream films, TV shows, and music from services like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube. Without the internet, you’ll need alternative sources of entertainment.
Navigation: Many sat-navs and GPS systems rely on an internet connection to provide real-time directions. Getting lost or stranded without a backup plan is a real possibility.
By preparing in advance, you can navigate an internet outage with confidence and ease. Let’s take a look at some practical steps you can take.
Have a Backup Power Source
Often, internet outages coincide with power cuts. If your Wi-Fi goes down because of a power outage, having a reliable backup power source is essential.
Portable Battery Packs: These can keep your devices charged for emergencies. Make sure they are fully charged before any potential outage and store them in an easy-to-reach place.
Solar Power Stations: If you’re camping or enjoying outdoor activities, solar-powered chargers such as those made by EcoFlow are a sustainable way to keep essential devices like phones and radios running.
Generator: If you're expecting prolonged outages, a generator could keep more significant appliances running. Ensure you have fuel and that it's well-maintained.
Keep Cash on Hand
Without internet, card payment terminals will be down, and cash machines (ATMs) might not be operational. Relying solely on contactless or card payments could leave you stranded if businesses can only accept cash.
Withdraw Cash Regularly: It’s a good idea to have a small amount of cash available at all times. Store it safely at home and use it only in emergencies.
Know Your Local Shops: Some local businesses may be better equipped to handle an outage and continue trading with cash. It’s worth getting familiar with nearby shops, markets, and services that might remain open.
Download Essential Documents and Media
The internet is our go-to source for information, but in the event of an outage, accessing online resources becomes impossible. You can mitigate this by downloading essential content ahead of time.
E-books & PDFs: Whether it’s instructional guides, DIY manuals, or important documents like insurance policies and medical information, having digital copies stored offline ensures you can still access critical information.
Offline Maps: Navigation apps like Google Maps allow you to download maps for offline use. Download your local area and any regions you frequently travel to, ensuring you won’t get lost if GPS goes offline.
Entertainment: Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime allow you to download films and TV shows to watch offline. Stock up on content to avoid boredom during an outage.
Invest in Physical Entertainment and Resources
While downloadable content is convenient, there’s something to be said for traditional, non-digital entertainment that doesn’t rely on power or internet.
Books: Keep a small library of books or magazines to read in your downtime. You might be surprised by how enjoyable it is to rediscover the pleasure of reading offline.
Board Games & Cards: If you’re preparing for an outage at home with family or friends, board games, card games, and puzzles can offer hours of entertainment and bonding time.
DIY Projects: Use the downtime to tackle a long-neglected DIY project. Whether it’s crafting, home repairs, or gardening, staying productive is a great way to pass the time without relying on the internet.
Plan for Communication Alternatives
Staying in touch with loved ones during an internet outage is crucial. While landline phones may still work during a power cut, mobile phone networks can be overloaded or down in severe outages. It’s important to have backup methods for communication.
Two-Way Radios: Handheld radios (walkie-talkies) are a great way to stay connected in an area without phone signal or Wi-Fi. UKSN members who go on outdoor adventures frequently use these for group communication in the wilderness. Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use them.
Project LoRa and Meshtastic for Long-Range Communication: For those interested in a more advanced communication system, Project LoRa offers an innovative solution for staying connected over long distances without the need for cellular networks or the internet.
Offline Messaging Apps: Some apps like Bridgefy allow you to send messages without an internet connection by creating a mesh network through Bluetooth. This can be useful for short-range communication when the internet is down.
Emergency Contacts: Make sure you have a list of important phone numbers written down. Without access to the internet or your contacts stored in the cloud, it’s easy to forget or lose track of numbers.
Prepare for Emergency Situations
While internet outages are often more of an inconvenience than a true emergency, it’s always better to be prepared. We highly recommend Ensure you have the following essentials ready:
First Aid Kit: A fully stocked first aid kit is crucial in any preparedness plan. Familiarise yourself with its contents and know how to use them.
Food & Water: Have a supply of non-perishable food and drinking water that can last a few days. If the outage is related to a wider infrastructure issue, this becomes even more important.
Lighting: Keep a supply of candles, torches, and batteries. A headlamp is especially useful for hands-free lighting if you need to move around in the dark.
Manual Tools: In the absence of modern, internet-connected gadgets, traditional hand tools become essential. Ensure you have basic tools for repairs and maintenance, and that you know how to use them.
Stay Informed
Even without the internet, you can still stay informed and up-to-date on what’s happening in the world around you. Radio broadcasts remain one of the most reliable ways to receive information during an outage.
Battery-Powered or Wind-Up Radio: A simple wind-up radio ensures you can receive news and emergency broadcasts if the internet is down. This can be a crucial lifeline in long-term outages.
Know Local Resources: Identify local information centres, such as town halls or community centres, where you can receive updates during an emergency. UKSN members often connect with local Charters, which are mutual assistance groups that can share information and resources.
Learn Self-Sufficiency Skills
At UKSN, self-sufficiency is at the heart of everything we do. An internet outage is a perfect opportunity to brush up on skills that don’t rely on modern technology.
Bushcraft & Survival Skills: Use downtime to practice essential outdoor skills such as fire starting, shelter building, and foraging. These skills not only make you more self-reliant but are also useful for future outdoor adventures.
Gardening & Home Food Production: Cultivating a garden or growing your own food can be a rewarding and sustainable activity during an outage. It’s also a key aspect of self-sufficiency.
Conclusion
While internet outages can be a hassle, they don’t have to be a major disruption if you’re properly prepared. By following the tips outlined above, you can maintain a sense of normality, stay entertained, and ensure that you and your family are safe and informed during any outage. At UKSN, we believe in building resilience and self-sufficiency in all aspects of life, and preparing for an internet outage is just one part of that broader mission.
Be proactive, stay prepared, and ensure that when the internet goes down, you’re ready to thrive in an offline world.
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