Offline preparedness
This scenario covers extended internet or power outages — whether from infrastructure failure, natural disaster, or deliberate disruption. The goal is to remain functional without cloud access or continuous power.
The problem
When power or internet goes down:
- Cloud storage becomes inaccessible (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive)
- Contactless payments fail; ATMs may go offline
- Devices relying on cloud sync stop working
- Communication apps that require a data connection go silent
Data: have a local copy
The most important step is done in Data backup: get everything off the cloud and onto a local drive before you need it. An encrypted external hard drive with your photos, documents, contacts and passwords works without any network connection.
Power
Short outages (hours)
- Power banks for phones and small devices
- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for routers and NAS devices
Extended outages (days–weeks)
- Portable solar panels + battery station (e.g. Jackery, EcoFlow)
- Car charger adapters
- Goal: keep phone, laptop, and a local server running
Communication
- Signal / DeltaChat — work over any data connection including mobile
- Walkie-talkies — no infrastructure needed, useful within a few km
- Offline mesh apps — Meshtastic (LoRa radio), Briar (Bluetooth/WiFi direct)
Maps
Download offline maps before you need them:
- OsmAnd — detailed offline maps using OpenStreetMap data
- Apple Maps — offline map download per region
- Google Maps offline — download regions in the app
Money
- Keep some cash on hand — card payments and ATMs can fail
- Hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor) for cryptocurrency holdings if relevant
- Physical documents of important account numbers
Storage
- Encrypted external drives — local copies of all important data
- Distributed storage — copies at different physical locations
- Printed documents — last resort for truly critical information (IDs, insurance, key contacts)
Medical & safety
- Physical copies of prescriptions and medical records
- Offline first aid guides (downloaded PDF or printed)
- Emergency contact list printed and stored at home
Checklist
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Local backup of all personal data | See backup guide |
| Encrypted external drive | |
| Second copy at another location | |
| Offline maps downloaded | |
| Power bank / solar backup | |
| Walkie-talkies | |
| Cash reserve | |
| Printed emergency contacts | |
| Offline copies of key documents |
Next steps
- Geopolitics scenario — internet is up but US services are unavailable
- Self-hosted alternatives — services that keep working from your own infrastructure