Get prepared! Just ask those in Jamaica...

Jamaica was hit by a category 5 Hurricane Melissa over the last 24 hours, but what should we learn from this natural disaster? Over 51,000 Jamaicans without power so far due to Melissa | News | Jamaica Star Firstly, you need to understand what might happen should you face something as large an event as this. And usually, like 99% of the time it's doesn't bring any benefit quite the opposite, it takes away from you what you rely on for every day life. In this case over 51,000 people on the island of Jamaica are currently without power. So think that through for a moment. I've just checked my mobile - it has 32% of power left. No biggy, I'll just pop it on charge... Exactly - what preps do you have in place should the power in the UK go out? And it could easily, a solar flare, an EMP strike, a natural EMP, an act of terrorism, a hacking incident - you name it and it could potentially happen. And that's the point- you need a plan. If the power is out for more than 24hrs all the food in your freezer will spoil too, let alone being able to get on line to check the status of what';s going on. And you might even be on-line on 2G or 3G without your router having any juice. So what can you do? I'm lucky as my camper van has solar panels and even on this overcast day it has a charge from 300W of solar going into the LifePo4 batteries. But that is not something everyone has - but you could get a Renogy, AllPowers or Ecoflow battery bank. For about £800 upwards you could replace the grid and run the router and freezer, simples. Oh and before I forget, make sure you have plenty of water stored. Just encase the power is off at the water plant too.

Wishing the very best to those in Jamaica and hoping the crisis you face diminishes soon.