As our lives become increasingly intertwined with the digital world, a growing concern is emerging: what happens when that world disappears? From accessing vital information to coordinating emergency responses, we rely on the internet for nearly everything. But a confluence of factors – increasingly frequent extreme weather events, potential infrastructure failures and geopolitical instability – is prompting a reevaluation of our dependence on constant connectivity. A growing movement is advocating for a return to offline preparedness, emphasizing the importance of tangible resources and skills in a world that may soon experience prolonged periods without internet access.
The idea isn’t rooted in dystopian fearmongering, but rather a pragmatic assessment of risk. While most anticipate power outages lasting only hours or days, history demonstrates that extended disruptions are possible. The experience of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017 serves as a stark reminder: the island remained without power for an astonishing 181 days, 6 hours, and 45 minutes, according to The Washington Post. This prolonged outage underscores the vulnerability of modern infrastructure and the potential for cascading failures.
While events like Hurricane Maria are often considered outliers, other recent disasters demonstrate the fragility of the power grid. The February 2021 winter storm Uri in Texas left millions without power for three days, impacting all 254 counties, and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused outages lasting up to a week for some customers. Even Hurricane Katrina in 2005 resulted in power outages extending to 45 days for certain communities. Although most US municipalities currently have the capacity to restore power within a reasonable timeframe, the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of this approach.
The shift towards offline preparedness isn’t about abandoning technology, but rather about creating a safety net. One individual, writing on Daily Kos, details a personal project to build that resilience. The author, preparing to return to a farmhouse in Iowa with a partner, plans to print out essential information – gardening guides, recipes, emergency protocols – from the internet while it’s still accessible. This includes instructions for cultivating “ancient perennial vegetables” like Good King Henry and Turkish Rocket, sourced from online research and platforms like YouTube.
The author’s preparations extend beyond gardening. They are collecting physical copies of local flood evacuation routes, researching wildfire preparedness, and stocking up on non-perishable food items. This proactive approach is driven by a recognition of privilege – the ability to afford supplies and dedicate time to preparation – and a desire to extend that benefit to others. The author acknowledges that access to resources and time for planning isn’t universal, highlighting the societal inequities that exacerbate vulnerability during disasters.
The Allure of Analog Resilience
This move towards offline resilience isn’t limited to individual efforts. The increasing popularity of homesteading, gardening, and traditional skills workshops reflects a broader desire for self-sufficiency. Resources readily available online – websites offering gardening advice, videos demonstrating food preservation techniques, and online communities sharing emergency preparedness strategies – are being supplemented by a renewed appreciation for tangible knowledge and physical resources.
In Iowa, Miss Effie’s Country Flowers and Garden Stuff offers a glimpse into this analog approach. Located in Donahue, Iowa, the farm provides a U-pick flower experience and emphasizes natural gardening practices, eschewing pesticides and herbicides. LocalHarvest details how the farm utilizes ducks for pest control and chickens for fertilization, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. The farm also hosts events and welcomes groups, fostering a sense of community and shared knowledge.
The Importance of Local Knowledge
The emphasis on local resources and knowledge is crucial. While the internet provides access to a vast amount of information, its utility diminishes rapidly during a prolonged outage. Knowing local weather patterns, understanding evacuation routes, and having connections within the community become invaluable assets. The author on Daily Kos plans to visit the county seat and City Hall to gather hard copies of emergency information, recognizing the limitations of relying solely on digital sources.
The coming El Niño weather pattern is also a factor driving this increased preparedness. El Niño is expected this summer, and could bring increased climate volatility.
Looking Ahead: Building a More Resilient Future
The growing awareness of the potential for prolonged disruptions is prompting a shift in mindset, from reactive disaster response to proactive resilience building. While the internet remains an indispensable tool, the need for offline preparedness is becoming increasingly clear. The simple act of printing out essential information, stocking up on supplies, and fostering community connections can significantly enhance our ability to navigate future challenges. The question isn’t whether another disaster will strike, but when, and how prepared we will be when it does.
What steps are you taking to prepare for potential disruptions to essential services? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.
