What to Do When the Lights Go Out

NIC COMPTON is the author of How to Survive a Lightning Strike, published by Ivy Press (aka Life Skills, Chartwell in North America). He is writer/photographer specialising in sailing - but with a keen interest in environmental issues. He has written 15 books and recently completed an MA in Global Political Economy at Sussex University, and co-wrote two books about economics. He currently lives by the River Dart in Devon, UK, from where he sails a Romilly 22 called Ramona. More information at www.niccompton.co.uk.

• Introduction: What This Book is ForWhat to Do Before the Lights Go Out: Be Prepared Before Anything HappensThe Modern Fragile Grid: Why Outages HappenMindset Before Materials: Calm, Not ChaosCreating a Preparedness Plan (That You’ll Actually Follow)Home Energy Basics: Understanding Your DependenceEmergency Kits that Make SensePreparing for ColdPreparing for Extreme WeatherPreparing against Fire and TheftOptimizing Your Health for Every EventualityPractical Skills that Will Improve Your Life NowFood Stockpiling and Storage for Real PeopleNutrition: Know What Your Body NeedsWater: Access, Storage, FiltrationSanitation Supplies: Keeping Clean with Limited WaterAlternative Toilets: The Scoop on PoopEmergency Energy Supplies: Keeping the Home Fires BurningAlternative Light OptionsStay Informed without the InternetSmall is Beautiful: Apartment LivingYour Neighbourhood Network: Mutual Aid and Community PreparednessPaying for Stuff: Why Cash is KingWhat to Do When the Lights Go Out: Coping in an EmergencyThe First Five Minutes: Staying Safe and CalmAn Action Plan for EveryoneStaying Safe During a StormLighting Your Space: Safe, Simple IlluminationStaying Warm without PowerStaying Cool without PowerFeeding Yourself: No-Electricity Cooking and Food SafetyWater Emergencies: What to Do (and What Not to Do) When the Tap Runs DryHygiene: Keeping Clean with a Limited Water SupplySecurity without ParanoiaLook After Older PeopleMake It Fun for the KidsDon’t Forget the PoochHow to Make Cake on an Open FireForaging: Nature’s BountyCoping with Medical NeedsWhen Nature Calls: An Honest Guide to Emergency ToiletsWhat a Load of RubbishMaking the Most of Apartment LivingSome Useful Life Hacks (That Don’t Need Electricity)Knowing When to Stay, When to GoCalculating Distances: How Far Can I Go? Where Should I Go?Best Bug-Out BagWhat to Do After the Lights Go Out: Reconnecting and Long-term PlanningThe First 72 Hours and BeyondLearning from the Blackout: What Worked, What Didn’tStaying Strong: Why It’s Already to CryStrengthening Community Ties after a CrisisCultivating Music and CultureLong-term Security: The Next LevelDigital Balance: Tech Use After DisruptionSustainable Simplicity: Living Better with LessPaying for Stuff: Why Bartering is BestThe Self-Sufficient GardenThe Self-Sufficient KitchenUnderstanding Natural MedicineThe Self-Sufficient WorkshopPower to the People: Generating Your Electricity at HomeOff-grid Curious? Small Steps Towards Energy IndependenceGetting About: Low-impact, Low-cost TransportPros and Cons of Home EducationPreparedness as a Lifestyle, not a ProjectLocation of Utilities and Emergency EquipmentEmergency ContactsGeneral ContactsFurther Reading and ResourcesIndex