Medical skills are definitely right up there. In my experience, something as simple as knowing how to clean a wound properly can be lifesaving when there’s no ER a phone call away. Sterilizing instruments without power takes a bit of creativity—boiling, pressure cookers if you’ve got gas, even strong alcohols in a pinch. Infection control gets so much harder with no running water, so I keep a stash of soap, hand sanitizer, and even homemade disinfectants just in case.
Beyond first aid, I’d say food preservation skills are almost as critical. If freezers go out, it comes down to old-school methods—canning, pickling, drying. Not everyone realizes how fast food can spoil when the fridge shuts off. I also think basic sewing and repair skills get overlooked. Stitching a wound and stitching up a torn shirt aren’t all that different when your resources are tight.
Curious if anyone’s actually practiced going a week or more without electricity to test their skills? It’s got a way of showing you
