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Write a manual fallback for every powered system

For each powered system, write down what you do when its power, controller or pump fails. A plan on paper beats a guess in the dark.

How

1. Water pump: hand pump or bucket draw (continuity-14), gravity tank feed.
2. Water treatment: boil or chemical disinfection when UV is down (water-25).
3. Fridge and freezer: eat perishables first, then switch to preserved and dry stores; use a root cellar or cool store (living-13).
4. Lighting: rechargeable lanterns and torches, spare batteries; candles only with care.
5. Cooking and heat: wood stove, or an LPG burner outdoors only unless it is a fixed appliance rated for indoor use with a working CO alarm (thermal module). Never use charcoal, grills or camp stoves indoors (CDC).
6. Power tools: hand tools (continuity-11). Comms: battery or wind-up radio (UK Be Ready list, comms module).
7. Write each fallback on one laminated card stored next to the system, and practise it in drills.

Sources

1. Build a kit. Ready.gov (FEMA), accessed 2026-11
2. Get prepared for emergencies. UK Government Prepare / Be Ready campaign, accessed 2026-11
3. Avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accessed 2026-11
4. Pitcher pumps. InspectAPedia, accessed 2026-11

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