10 Critical Disaster Items That Don't Use Electricity

Arm yourself with knowledge and training for every type of disaster. Increase your physical security tactics, medical prep, and food/water skills..

SECURITY

10/4/20245 min read

10 Critical Powerless Items for Long-Term Survival During a Disaster

In the face of a long-term disaster, ensuring survival without access to electricity and modern conveniences requires careful planning. Whether the power grid is down for weeks, months, or even longer, having essential items that don't rely on power is crucial. Here's a comprehensive list of the top 10 critical powerless items you should have ready for long-term survival, covering everything from food and water to warmth and medical care.

Real quick! If you haven't already, take advantage of these FOUR FREE PDF guides that are 100% free, download and print them all out in case of power or internet loss:

https://readyresourcesupply.com/free-guides

Finding Food Anywhere Anytime:

https://readyresourcesupply.com/find-food

Off-grid Forever ebook:

https://readyresourcesupply.com/off-grid-forever1

1. Long-Term Food Storage (6 Months or More)

When it comes to survival, food is a top priority. For extended disasters, you need a food supply that lasts 6 months or more and has a long shelf life. Ideally, look for food that lasts up to 30 years. Freeze-dried meals, dehydrated foods, and bulk items like rice, beans, oats, and wheat are great options. Stock up on non-perishable items that are nutrient-dense and require minimal preparation, such as:

Canned meats, vegetables, and fruits
Powdered milk and eggs
Grains and legumes
Freeze-dried meals (just add water)

These foods are typically packed in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, ensuring their long-term viability. Rotate your stockpile regularly, consuming older items and replacing them with fresh ones to maintain a constant supply.

2. Wood Stove

Without electricity, heating your home and cooking meals can become a challenge. A wood stove is an essential item that not only provides warmth but also doubles as a reliable cooking surface. Make sure to have a sturdy wood stove installed in your home, with proper ventilation and safety precautions.

A wood stove can burn various types of wood and biomass, allowing you to generate heat and cook even in the coldest months. It’s an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution that’s critical for maintaining warmth during power outages or off-grid living situations.

3. 1 Cord of Firewood Always Ready

To keep your wood stove operational, you'll need a sufficient supply of firewood. Having at least 1 cord of firewood ready at all times ensures that you’re prepared for a long-term disaster. A cord of firewood measures 128 cubic feet (4 feet high x 4 feet deep x 8 feet long) and can last for months depending on usage.

Properly seasoned wood burns cleaner and more efficiently, so ensure that your firewood is dried for at least 6 months before use. Having a well-stocked supply ensures you can maintain warmth and cook food without relying on electricity or gas.

4. 6 Months of Water Supply

Water is essential for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, and during a disaster, access to clean water may become limited or non-existent. To ensure survival, it's important to store enough water for 6 months. A general rule is to have 1 gallon of water per person per day. For a family of four, that amounts to around 720 gallons of water for a 6-month period.

Store water in large, durable containers or barrels, and keep them in a cool, dark place. Additionally, rotate your water supply every 6 to 12 months to ensure it remains potable.

5. Water Filtration System with 1-Year Supply of Carbon Filters

While stored water is crucial, you may also need to access natural water sources such as rivers, lakes, or streams. A high-quality water filtration system with solid carbon filters provides a reliable way to purify water. Carbon filters are effective in removing harmful contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.

To ensure you can filter water for an extended period, stock up on enough filters to last at least 1 year. Look for filters that can purify thousands of gallons before needing replacement, and always have backup filters on hand.

6. Portable Water Filter

In addition to a larger home-based filtration system, having a portable water filter is essential for when you’re on the move. Portable water filters, such as straws or hand pumps, allow you to drink directly from natural water sources like lakes, streams, or rainwater.

These filters are lightweight, compact, and can be carried in your backpack during emergencies or survival situations. Look for portable filters that can remove at least 99.9% of bacteria and protozoa, and always keep one in your bug-out bag or survival kit.

7. Large Family Medical Trauma Kit

In a long-term survival scenario, medical assistance may be limited or unavailable. Having a large family medical trauma kit is vital for treating injuries and preventing infections. A well-equipped kit should include:

Bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape
Antiseptic wipes and ointments
Scissors and tweezers
Trauma dressings and splints
Tourniquet and hemostatic agents for bleeding control
Pain relievers and fever reducers
Basic medications for infections and allergies

Make sure everyone in your household is familiar with basic first-aid procedures, and consider taking a trauma care course to prepare for more serious injuries. Regularly check and update the medical supplies in your kit.

8. Manual Tools

Without electricity, you’ll need manual tools to handle various tasks such as cutting wood, building structures, and making repairs. Essential tools to have include:

Axes and saws for chopping wood
Hammers, nails, and screwdrivers for building and repairs
Shovels and gardening tools for growing food or digging trenches
Wrenches and pliers for mechanical repairs

Hand tools allow you to perform necessary survival tasks even when power tools are unavailable.

9. Solar Lanterns and Hand-Crank Flashlights

Lighting is a necessity when the grid goes down, especially during the night. Solar lanterns and hand-crank flashlights provide reliable light sources without needing batteries or electricity. Solar-powered lanterns can be recharged during the day, while hand-crank flashlights use mechanical energy to generate light.

These tools ensure that you have a dependable source of light in emergencies, allowing you to work, navigate, and stay safe after dark.

10. Cooking Supplies

In addition to a wood stove, you’ll need a way to prepare meals without electricity. Some essential powerless cooking supplies include:

Cast iron pots and pans that work well with open flames or wood stoves
Dutch ovens for baking and roasting
Outdoor camp stoves with a propane backup
Fire starters such as matches, lighters, or flint and steel

Being able to cook safely and effectively without power is crucial for maintaining health and morale in a disaster situation.

Conclusion

When planning for long-term survival, having the right powerless items can make all the difference. These ten essentials—ranging from food and water storage to medical kits and tools—ensure that you and your family can weather a disaster for months on end. Preparedness is key, so start stocking up on these critical items today to ensure your survival tomorrow.