How to survive one week

Between the threat of martial law and current snowstorms, the social contract and infrastructure is unreliable. The slightest disruption puts you at risk. We must all become more self-reliant.

I’m not talking about prepping for the collapse - save that for another day. Right now, let’s focus on getting through a week of snow or lockdowns. Start by building a base of stability that’ll get you through a power outage or empty store shelves.

This is a short-term guide for a one-week isolation. It is meant to keep you alive until conditions improve.

Here’s what you need:

1. Water

One gallon per person, per day. For one week, you need 7 gallons per person. When the grid fails or pipes freeze, water stops flowing. You need water for hydration, hygiene, and to prepare food.

The cost is approximately $25–$40 for bottled water and storage containers. It is $0 if you fill your own containers. No special skills are required. If you can anticipate the disruption, fill your bathtub and every pitcher you own before the storm.

2. Calories

Stock food that requires no cooking. Aim for 2,000 calories per day per person. For one week, for one person you could buy:

• 1 large jar of peanut butter.
• 10 cans of protein (beans, tuna, or chicken).
• 2 large bags of mixed nuts.
• 2 bags of dried fruit.
• 1 box of granola or protein bars.
• 1 bottle of olive oil (add a tablespoon to canned food for easy, dense calories).

In a lockdown, hunger causes panic. If gas or electricity fails, you cannot cook. You need energy to maintain body temperature in the cold. With current food inflation, the cost is roughly $80–$120 per person for the week. No special skills are needed; just buy what you will eat.

3. Heat

Use a "warm room" strategy. Have 1 sub-zero sleeping bag per person or 3-4 heavy wool blankets.

If the furnace stops, your home will get cold. You cannot heat a whole house without power. Pick one room, seal the windows with plastic or curtains, and stay there. Wool keeps you warm even if it gets wet. The cost for quality insulation gear is now $150–$300 per person. Hang blankets over doors to keep heat in.

To generate heat safely without a furnace, use chemical hand and toe warmers, or fill a sturdy bottle with hot water (if you have a way to heat it) and place it at the foot of your sleeping bag. Body heat is your most reliable resource; huddling together with family or pets significantly raises the temperature inside a confined space or tent.

Do not use a generator or outdoor grill inside the house. They produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and lethal. Never use candles or open flames for heat; in a cold, dry room with blankets, the fire risk is too high. If you must use a portable heater, ensure it is rated for indoor use and that you have a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in the room.

4. Light

Use hands-free LED lighting. Have 1 LED headlamp per person and 8 spare batteries (AA or AAA).

Darkness causes accidents. A headlamp keeps your hands free to work or fix problems. Candles are a fire risk when emergency services cannot reach you. The cost is $30–$60 for reliable lights and lithium batteries. Practice battery management by using light only when you must.

5. Communication

Maintain redundant information sources. Have 1 multi-power emergency radio (NOAA/AM/FM) and 1 large power bank (at least 10,000 mAh) or a portable solar charger.

You need information to know if orders have changed. When the internet fails, a radio is your only link to news. A power bank is best for immediate use, while a solar charger is useful if the skies are clear. To get both a reliable radio ($40–$70) and a high-capacity power bank ($30–$60), the total cost is $80–$150. You should know how to find local emergency frequencies and how to position a solar panel for maximum sun exposure.

6. Health and Sanitation

Maintain your medical needs and waste management. Have 30 days of medications and 1 standard first-aid kit.

Include 1 roll of heavy-duty trash bags and a bag of kitty litter or sawdust. If pipes freeze or the water is cut, do not flush the toilet. Line the bowl with a bag and use the litter to manage waste and odor. This prevents disease and structural damage.

During a lockdown, a small infection or a missed pill becomes a crisis. You must manage your health when roads are blocked. The cost is $60–$100 for basic supplies and kit restocking. You should know basic first aid, such as how to stop bleeding or manage a fever.

7. Morale

Isolation and darkness break the spirit. Have 1 physical book, a deck of cards, or a notebook.

Panic is as dangerous as the cold. Low-tech entertainment keeps your mind occupied and prevents the psychological decay that comes with total isolation. The cost is $10–$25. No skills are required beyond the discipline to stay calm.

The Reality Check

You can do this in an afternoon. One trip to the store is enough. You must act before a lockdown begins. Once it is announced, stores will be empty.

The cost of survival for one person is around $450 to $900. Unfortunately, safety is a luxury that many cannot afford. One step at a time. Start with water.

Of course, this is a temporary fix. This plan lasts for one week. It does not fix crumbling infrastructure, decline into fascism, or breadbasket failure. This is about making it to next Monday.

Stay safe. Stay hydrated. Stay sane.