“Grid Down” isn’t something many people have experienced – or want to experience. Imagine a day when mains electricity stops working. No phones, no internet, TV or radio, no water out of the tap, no electric cooker, no flushing toilet, but that is just the start. In a matter of days there will be no food in the shops and potentially violence in the streets as people realise the enormity of their situation. War, weather and other natural disasters can destroy critical power stations in seconds. A terrifying concept if you aren’t prepared for it.

Preparing to survive (prepping) is rapidly becoming a ‘mainstream’ interest as we begin to face financial ruin, possible war and climactic change. Each presented a unique set of challenges that needed to be faced without a book of instructions. However, Ted Riley has used his extensive knowledge and understanding to create a comprehensive handbook to alert people to the dangers and explain ways to combat them.

Although written ostensibly for a U.S. audience, IMHO, this book is appropriate for an intelligent British readership. It offers ideas that will work in almost any setting and even if it is ‘light on detail’ a little research will fill in any gaps. One book will never answer all the questions!

As a long term prepper (30 years and counting) I’m well aware of potential issues but I gleaned a huge amount from Ted’s book. All kinds of strategies and ‘hacks’ to cope with negative situations alongside lists, instructions and so much more make this an invaluable publication for newbies and experienced preppers alike. Don’t take my word for it, go and get a copy for yourself, you won’t regret it!

The book is very interesting as there is a list of necessities, recommendations and explanations for everything. Useful lists to include in prepping

Interesting book, gives basic ideals and products you can purchase. This is an American writer so not all products can be brought in the UK but you can find similar on Amazon and from other retailers. Overall a good book, especially for anyone wanting basic ideas and not an overload of info. Probably not for anyone looking for a more advanced and detailed info.

There is a lot of information in this book, however, he breaks it down in an easy to understand manner.

Awesome book.

Read it knowing there are some glowing errors, but on the whole it’s an invaluable guide book to help get ready for various grid down situations.
The author connects 2 solar panels to a 12v battery in reverse order. The negative wire is ALWAYS the last wire to connect.
He also advises having CO monitors; they don’t work without power.

Not impressed at all with this book. I was expecting some full-on essential knowledge for a grid down situation and chapter after chapter is just very basic camping-like skills. Also in almost every chapter the author starts in with “you’ll need to know xx about xx….but we’ll get more into that later”. Almost every chapter had that. So frustrating. I guess I was expecting something entirely different. For anyone who doesn’t know how to boil water or what kind of generator to buy this book will be great.