HOW TO SURVIVE
IN A WORLD GONE MAD
Before we dive into today's helpful hints, I wanted to talk about what it truly means to live off the grid (OTG).
At its simplest, OTG living means self-sufficiency without reliance on public utilities.
This means that you technically can live off the grid without escaping into the wilderness. It also means you don't have to go back to the "dark age" and give up all the comforts of modern living. As long as you have self-sufficient systems in place, you can enjoy electricity, plumbing, and even internet.
However, many people find it easier and simpler to "go back to the land" as they make the transition to OTG life.
The bottom line is, there are many ways and reasons for going OTG. Your definition should be based on what's right for you.
From a strict preparedness standpoint, living OTG in a remote or secluded environment has distinct advantages. If the rest of the world experiences a full-blown crisis, it may not affect your life at all. There's no need to "bug-out" which reduces your chances of getting caught in the chaos.
Yet, living remotely has distinct challenges. Your plans for self-sufficiency need to be effective and sustainable - no one will come to your rescue.
That's why we recommend that anyone who makes this jump to take proper supplies to get through the transition - and if anything goes wrong.
There are two items that come immediately to mind.
ONE: A Plan for Water
Ideally, a remote OTG location will have a source of fresh water.
Hopefully, the water is as pristine as the surroundings you may choose.
Yet, many "tiny things that kill" occur naturally in streams, lakes, and ponds. Parasites and bacteria are no joke, especially if you're far from medical help.
That's why we recommend water filtration for every off-the-grid setup.
A few things to look for in an off-the-grid filtration system:
- Gravity-fed and operated - no electricity required
- High filtration capacity to last you a long time without needing new filters
- Filters that can remove a wide range of contaminants at a very high rate
We built our Alexapure Pro precisely for the demands of off-grid living.
The Alexapure Pro never requires electricity.
Each of its up to 4 filters has a capacity to filter 200 to 5,000 gallons*. That's enough to last 2 people several months of off-grid living, assuming it's being used for cooking and cleaning as well. It can last even longer if used just for drinking, assuming each person uses 2 gallons a day.
And finally, we made sure the filters could reduce 206 contaminants* commonly found in water.
Of course, while the Pro is off-the-grid tested, it works just as well on public water supplies or private wells. We over-built it on purpose so that it could be used by all.
TWO: At Least 6 Months of Storable Food
If you're planning on moving to a remote off-the-grid location, chances are you won't be self-sufficient in terms of food for at least 3 months.
That's about how long it would take to harvest a full food crop and is the basis for our estimate. Of course, if you're lucky (and skilled), hunting, fishing, and foraging could tide you over.
But do you really want to take that chance?
That's why we recommend anyone heading off the grid take with them at least a 6-month supply of storable food.
You'll have food to eat for the first few months while you become self-sufficient. Then you'll have another few months in case your self-sufficiency plans ever fail (they will at some point).
So, you need both a start-up plan and a backup plan for food when you go off the grid. Cover both of these and your transition and continued OTG living will go much smoother.
Obviously, there are many "must-haves" when going off the grid, but I think we're able to boil it down to the essentials here.
What are your suggestions? We're always open to hearing them.
We hope you found this week's Survival Scout helpful, especially if you're considering going off the grid.
Have a great weekend and stay vigilant out there friends!
In Liberty,
Elizabeth Anderson
MPS Preparedness Advisor
*
*Chlorine reduction claims are not performance tested by IAPMO or NSF International or Envirotek Laboratories, beyond 200 gallons. Additional performance claims are based on independent laboratory and manufacturer’s internal test data. Actual performance is dependent on influent water quality, flow rates, system design and application. Results may vary. Keep the filter moist and from drying out at all times for maximum filtration capacity.
For the best results, store replacement filters at temperatures above 35°F. This system has been tested for the reduction of the substances listed in the provided product test data sheets. The concentration of the indicated substances in water entering the system was reduced to a concentration less than equal to the permissible limit for water leaving the system, as specified in NSF/ANSI 53. Minimum substance reductions are listed on the provided test data sheets for testing up to 200 gallons.
System and installation to comply with state and local laws and regulations. Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or unknown quality without adequate testing and/or disinfection before or after the system. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected waters that may contain filterable cysts. Manufactured from NSF/ANSI standard 61 and California Prop 65 Compliant certified coconut shell carbon and raw materials.
PERFORMANCE: Performance claims are based on independent lab results and manufacturer’s internal test data*. Actual performance is dependent on influent water quality, flow rates, system design and applications. Your results may vary. Performance claims are based on a complete system, including a filter, housing, and connection to a pressurized water source. This filter must be operated according to the system’s specifications in order to deliver the claimed performance. It is essential to follow operational, maintenance, and filter replacement requirements as directed for each application for this filter and system to perform correctly. Read the Manufacturer’s Performance Data Sheet accompanying the system and change the filter as suggested. The contaminants or other substances removed or reduced by this water filter are not necessarily in all users’ water.
WARRANTY: LIMITED LIABILITY: ALEXAPURE LLC makes no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, statutory or otherwise, and expressly disclaims all warranties of every kind, concerning the product, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, except that this product should be capable of performing as described in this product’s data sheet. ALEXAPURE LLC’s obligation shall be limited solely to the refund of the purchase price or replacement of the product proven defective, in ALEXAPURE LLC’s sole discretion. Determination of suitability of this product for uses and applications contemplated by Buyer shall be the sole responsibility of Buyer. Use of this product constitutes Buyer’s acceptance of this Limited Liability.
