TECHNOLITHIC (definition): Using the latest, efficient, portable technologies to get through potential relapses into the Stone Age.
You probably haven't come across the term "technolithic", but it's just another way to describe those times when some of the fundamental elements of our comfortable lifestyle disappear for awhile, or more simply, a big chunk of civilization takes a holiday. You're likely to find yourself in the alarming twilight zone between our technologically advanced comfort-zone and something more akin to the simpler lifestyles of distant ancestors. Truth is, even if you do lose the lights -- and maybe the water and your wheels -- there are still plenty of innovative, practical devices (along with a dose of common sense) that might help you through the worst.
Before we go any further, let me introduce myself. I'll remain anonymous, but you should know that I'm one of those far-sighted souls (or a hopeless paranoid, depending on your point of view) who spent a large part of the last decade of the Cold War getting ready for Armageddon -- redoubt in the mountains, anti-radiation suits, shelves filled with immortal foods... you know the drill. While we never nuked ourselves back to the Stone Age (although some sorry excuse for a human may still set off a big one), I did learn quite a bit about what works and what's dumb. Some things have changed -- the curve for compact and efficient technologies is way up -- while others have stayed the same: threats, however far off, still abound.
Many of us have been through power outages and water main breaks; some have gone through evacuations due to floods, fires earthquakes, and hurricanes. All are part of life in the 21st-century, and for most of us, all are far greater likelihoods than getting stranded in the wilderness, going off a bridge in a car or getting stuck in quicksand. While it never hurts to be prepared for all eventualities, the best bet is to anticipate the most likely challenges to your safety and survival. My own take on what lies ahead has evolved away from the abrupt far-reaching catastrophe of the Cold War era to some version of James Kunstler's dark, powerful, The Long Emergency, a futuristic scenario of the prolonged decline of modern society. Read about it on Treehugger. But just when you're about to shrug off a renewal of superpower rivalry, along comes a saber-rattling Putin and a new Russia all pumped up on natural gas. Go figure.
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Unless you've been under a rock for the last decade, you can't help but sense that the world seems to be turning a tad more unstable, unpredictable and just plain dangerous. Anticipating assaults by both nature and man, communities and governments across the country are urging everyone to make a commitment to emergency preparedness. You may well have to do without the basics for awhile, but advances and innovations in all types of gear and gadgets have made facing the unknown a whole lot more manageable.
Interestingly, much of the research and development behind the most recent generation of ingenious, portable "off-the-grid" devices comes from a few global technology companies who have made a commitment to helping disadvantaged millions in the developing world. Good examples are the super-efficient woodstove and lighting systems produced by Philips Electronics. Although these superbly-designed devices are not sold here, their fundamental technology can be found in backpacking and survival gear readily available in our part of the globe. But let's go full circle. Take away our trusty power grid for an extended period and most of us might welcome a little corporate benevolence too.
Along these lines, here's a chilling take on what the future may hold -- from a 2006 article that's been making the rounds in survivalist circles: "What if calamity were predictable?"
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Before we get down to what I hope is some useful advice, here are a couple of points to consider:
1. As most of you know, the Department of Homeland Security, the Red Cross and thousands of state and local governments have all issued guidelines for emergency preparedness, including details on the contents of emergency kits. In response, a number of private manufacturers have produced prepackaged emergency kits based primarily on government recommendations for short-term eventualities (generally around three days). These kits are fine, and they're certainly better than nothing, but frankly you can probably make a few additions to what you already have around the house and be just as prepared.
2. What you'll find here are some suggestions for getting through emergencies with increased certainty and comfort. This information is by no means comprehensive, nor do I offer any guarantees. You will find an emphasis on portability, but generally not the ultra-light types since I'm emphasizing an investment in equipment and strategies that are flexible for a wide range of scenarios. Finally, I will be recommending products, but these are in no way sponsored endorsements. What I'm sharing is some practical advice that you may find useful if you choose to go to the next level of preparedness.
TIP: I will provide informational links about many of the products, but if you're interested in purchasing, search on product names to find the best prices.
In most cases, the information will be presented to address two distinct scenarios:
STAYING PUT: FACING A NON-EVACUATION EMERGENCY -- USUALLY AN EXTENDED POWER OR WATER OUTAGE ( POSSIBLY COMPLICATED BY FOOD AND SUPPLY SHORTAGES) -- YOU CAN PREPARE AT THE LEVEL THAT BEST FITS YOUR COMMITMENT, BUDGET AND STORAGE SPACE.
EVACUATION: THIS INVOLVES PUTTING TOGETHER AN EMERGENCY KIT THAT CAN BE TRANPORTED TO A SAFER LOCATION. ALTHOUGH THE BIGGEST CONSTRAINT IS THE AMOUNT THAT CAN BE CARRIED (DEPENDING ON WHETHER YOU'RE ON FOOT OR IN A VEHICLE) YOU SHOULD PLAN THE KIT AROUND SOME OF THE LATEST CAMPING/EXPEDITION GEAR WITH AN EMPHASIS ON PORTABILITY, SIMPLICITY AND EFFICIENCY.
Click on the title links below to navigate to the different sections. There's lots of reading, but there's also a lot of valuable info all in one place. So stick with it.
If you have any questions or comments, send an email to technolithic@discovery.com.
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