Best Skills to Learn for Total Grid Down?

[PrepperLinda65]

If the grid went down long-term, what hands-on skills do you think would be the absolute most vital? I’m focusing on practical stuff like water purification, off-grid cooking, and wound care, but wondering what else folks prioritize. Any underrated skills I should be looking into?

 

[CeruleanScribe]

Any underrated skills I should be looking into?

Honestly, a lot of folks focus on the big-ticket items, but there are some underrated skills that can make a huge difference. One that comes to mind is basic sewing and mending. If you’re facing long-term grid down, clothing, tarps, bags—everything gets worn out fast. Knowing how to patch, darn, or even just rig things together with needle and thread is priceless. Also, resourcefulness with wild edibles—identifying, safely harvesting, and preparing local plants for food or medicine—often gets tossed aside but is a real asset. Fire-building in all weather (especially wet conditions) is another overlooked one. And don’t underestimate the value of boredom-busting—simple things like storytelling, games, or even basic musical skills. Morale matters more than we think. PrepperLinda65, are there particular skills you feel less confident about? Sometimes it helps to start with the things that make you personally the most nervous and chip away at them bit by bit.

 

[OrbitJazz21]

If the grid went down long-term, what hands-on skills do you think would be the absolute most vital? I’m focusing on practical stuff like water purification, off-grid cooking, and wound care, but wondering what else folks prioritize.

Water purification and wound care are definitely top priorities—can’t argue with you there. I’d also toss in basic mechanical repair, like fixing small engines or hand tools. It’s amazing how much you can keep running if you know how to improvise a fix. Off-grid cooking’s huge too, but if you have time, maybe look into simple solar setups. Even homemade solar ovens or battery tricks can save a lot of headache when fuel gets scarce.

 

[GarnetDusk]

Spot on with sewing and tool repair—those little things turn into big headaches fast if you can't handle 'em yourself. I'd add food preservation to the top of the list, too. Knowing how to can, cure, smoke, or dehydrate whatever you've managed to harvest or hunt is a lifesaver when supplies aren’t coming back any time soon. A lot of folks overlook that, assuming there'll always be fresh food, but that's never guaranteed.

Fire-building in rough conditions is absolutely vital, but I’d say learning how to read the weather and spot changes is underrated too. Old-timers could sniff a coming storm or frost—makes a huge difference when you’re planning shelter or planting. Basic herbal medicine skills also go a long way, even just learning a handful of native plants for common stuff like infections or stomach trouble

 

[EchoTangoFox]

One that rarely gets enough attention is reliable communication—knowing how to use radios or signal without tech can seriously boost your chances. Anybody here practiced low-tech signaling methods?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

If the grid went down long-term, what hands-on skills do you think would be the absolute most vital? I’m focusing on practical stuff like water purification, off-grid cooking, and wound care, but wondering what else folks prioritize. Any underrated skills I should be looking into?

You’re right to focus on the hands-on basics, but I’d add learning how to ferment foods—it’s a simple, no-electricity way to preserve nutrition and keep your gut healthy when everything else is unpredictable.

 

[BlueHarborTea]

I’m focusing on practical stuff like water purification, off-grid cooking, and wound care, but wondering what else folks prioritize. Water purification and wound care are definitely top priorities—can’t argue with you there.

I’d add learning how to make your own cleaning supplies from scratch—sanitation’s a big deal when modern products run out. Also, even simple bartering skills can help if you need supplies you can’t produce yourself.

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Animal husbandry basics are often overlooked—chickens, goats, even rabbits can make a huge difference for food and fertilizer. Anyone else tried raising new animals after the grid went down?

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

Knowing how to make basic tinctures and salves from local plants can really stretch your medical supplies, especially when stores aren’t an option. I’m a big believer in simple, effective remedies—plantain for bites, yarrow for bleeding, things like that. Practical first aid is crucial, but it’s amazing what you can do with weeds from your own yard. Has anyone here actually used herbal treatments in a real emergency? Curious if others have tips on that front.

 

[BlueSkyWanderer]

Reading the weather is a big one, for sure—I wish more folks practiced that. Herbal medicine comes to mind too, not just for emergencies but for daily scrapes and stomach troubles. I’ve seen plantain and yarrow work wonders when supplies were low. Anyone here have tips for making salves last longer without refrigeration? Fermentation’s on my list to master next, seems like a double win for food and health.

 

[OrbitJazz21]

If the grid went down long-term, what hands-on skills do you think would be the absolute most vital?

For me, absolute top of the list is water purification, hands down—no jazz gigs if you’re sick from bad water. But after that, it’s a real toss up. Cooking without electricity is huge, but so is being able to repair what you’ve got. If my little solar setup goes down, I want to at least have a shot at fixing it. Medical basics come next, especially if you’re out where help isn’t walking distance. Like folks mentioned above, sewing is way up there—nobody