Unfortunately I live in a block if flats without a balcony so its not practical. Of course if I could persuade my neighbours to invest in a large generator we have a flat roof.

Exactly what I would suggest, best/worst case scenario is you have a few gas bottles you can take camping.

Just today it was announced that domestic UK energy prices are set to increase by 80%, absolutely staggering increase.

When I built my home the best part of 4? years ago now I was dead set on an off grid wood pellet/multi fuel boiler.
It was about €2000 cheaper to buy and install however long term it would have worked out more expensive to run.
Peer pressure, the convenience of gas & the fact I am running a B&B in 60% of my home made me drop the extra on a gas boiler.
Given my proximity to the war in Ukraine & the likelihood the Russians are going to switch off my gas supply this winter I am absolutely kicking myself.

So yeah go and buy some cheapo gas cylinders from your local camping shop, like I say if you dont need to use them you got some to go camping with.

Low wattage kettles designed for Caravans is also a great idea.

Edited by Ouzo Dan (26 Aug 2022 9.00pm)

Some good advice here.

Personally I prep as a hobby and it's always been something my family thought me a bit of a kook for, but in the last few months that dynamic has undergone a subtle change.

I don't see a civilisational breakdown this winter, but none of us really know what's coming and it's going to be tough for most of us.

A relation has an air rifle but for myself I'm well tooled up with legal stuff that I can quickly access if I ever had the need. I also have a shield, which will stop anything but bullets if the need arose....you can get yours here:

[Link]

A generator is the only effective alternative to heating during black outs. The problem is that it's noisy and if you live in a built up area you are literally advertising that you're doing alright when everyone else is suffering....never a good idea.

So I opted for an all power sonar panel generator, should be coming next week....it's never going to heat your home but I can use it to charge devices, torches and the fridge.

[Link]

But for heating I'm as buggered as the next man, get plenty of warm clothing lads.

As for food I have been storing and preparing for years on that front. For someone who is just starting I recommend a portable stove with compatible propane gas bottles and get in as much water, rich, pasta and pot noodles as you can....get wet wipes for hygiene and always have more water than you think you'll need for a couple of weeks.

Oh and honey, sugar and salt never go off.....canned stuff is usually ok for at least a couple of years, after that the nutritional value starts to go down.

Edited by Stirlingsays (26 Aug 2022 9.31pm)