Must-Have Skills for Total Grid Down Scenarios?

[CrimsonWren145]

If the grid goes down long-term, what practical hands-on skills would you rank as absolutely non-negotiable? I’m thinking beyond basic firestarting—stuff like water filtration, off-grid comms, maybe small engine repair. Curious what’s at the top of everyone’s list and why.

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Water purification and safe storage is number one for me—without it, nothing else matters. Anyone here actually tried digging a well by hand?

 

[MarigoldBreeze]

Digging a well by hand is backbreaking work, but I’ve seen it done on a neighbor’s property ages ago. Getting potable water out of the ground safely takes more than just digging too—lining the well and keeping surface runoff out is critical. Honestly, for a lot of folks rainwater catchment with serious filtration is more doable. What systems are folks here leaning toward for long-term water storage if a well isn’t possible?

 

[PrepperLinda65]

Water filtration and first aid are always my top two—can’t do much if you’re sick or injured, and safe water is the baseline for everything else. Hand-digging a well just isn’t an option for most; rainwater catchment with proper filters feels a lot more realistic long-term. I’ve set up 55-gallon food-grade barrels off the gutters and rotate stored water about every six months. Has anyone tried those ceramic gravity filters for larger groups over months at a time?

 

[AquaFern1028]

Rainwater catchment has worked far better for me than the idea of hand-digging a well, both in effort and results. The trick is keeping everything clean—first flush diverters make a big difference, and I still run everything through a Berkey or DIY ceramic filter. L

 

[BlueMarigold]

If the grid goes down long-term, what practical hands-on skills would you rank as absolutely non-negotiable? I’m thinking beyond basic firestarting—stuff like water filtration, off-grid comms, maybe small engine repair. Curious what’s at the top of everyone’s list and why.

Water purification is an absolute must, I agree—can’t do anything else if you’re laid up from bad water. After that, I’d put food storage and preservation (like canning and dehydrating) right up there, especially if you’ve got a garden to make the most of. Small engine repair is a biggie