Evaluating Self-Sufficiency: Off the Grid Living and Hurricane Experiences
Many of us strive for self-sufficiency, and living off the grid is not just a dream for some. While we may not produce our own food or have landlines, managing water purification, waste, and electricity can still be a viable way of life. In today's digital age, satellite internet and diesel fuel generator for backup power enable a level of convenience that supports this lifestyle. However, it's equally important to consider how well you could withstand a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, which can profoundly test your preparedness.
My Current Off the Grid Reality
Currently, I live in the most densely populated state in the United States, in a suburban setting with easy access to a state university. My home is powered by satellite internet and relies on a diesel fuel generator for electricity. We don't produce our own food or have landlines, but we handle water purification, waste management, and don't require scrubbing our clothes in a commercial laundromat. While it’s true that we don't grow our own food, we are confident in our ability to handle other aspects of life off the grid.
Confidence in Going Off the Grid
Despite this style of living, I am confident that I could go off the grid if needed. The last time I was tested, a hurricane caused power outages for about ten days. In this situation, the lack of electricity and landline phones meant relying on gasoline generators. While the furnace ran on natural gas, which remained uninterrupted, the freezer would eventually thaw when the fuel ran out. Poor city water and sewer systems, however, were supported by diesel backup power, which would only last 3 to 4 days before refueling was needed.
The Bad and The Good
Despite these challenges, there were also positive aspects. Without traditional utilities, the neighborhood transformed into a communal space where people shared meals, shared fuel, and joined in community efforts. We cooked frozen foods over backyard grills, used generators for warmth, and shared mobile phones. Neighbors also teamed up to clear fallen trees and branches, creating atmosphere with bonfires.
However, it also brought to light our heavy reliance on electricity. If the outage had been longer, access to clean water and sewage would have become a significant problem, potentially forcing us to leave the area.
Neighborhood Preparedness
Post-hurricane, some neighbors installed natural gas generators and solar cells. Notably, no one drilled a well or installed a septic field, which would have provided more self-sufficient water and waste management solutions. In the event of another severe outage, many homes would become uninhabitable due to the lack of these crucial infrastructure supports.
Lessons Learned
Throughout this experience, I gained valuable insights into the importance of a multi-layered approach to self-sufficiency. While modern conveniences like satellite internet and diesel generators are fantastic, robust and reliable alternatives must be considered. This can include installing space heaters with reliable fuel sources, preparing for water shortages, and planning for waste management in crises.
Our current situation reminds us that while we might not grow our own food, we can still handle water purification, waste, and electricity without dependant systems. By working together, neighbors can effectively manage challenges, redefining the notion of community and resilience in the face of natural disasters.