Send us a text

Send us a text

Welcome back to Off-Grid Behaviors! After a lengthy hiatus where I focused on fully experiencing and documenting my off-grid journey, I'm returning with powerful insights from a life-changing event—Hurricane Helene's devastating sweep through Augusta, Georgia last September.

What began as preparations for a family visit to Florida quickly transformed into a disaster recovery operation when Helene tore through my homestead, destroying my pop-up camper and greenhouse. The scene resembled something from a disaster movie—tarps and belongings scattered across the property, trees down everywhere, and destruction that continues to require cleanup nearly a year later. Throughout Augusta and surrounding areas, power outages, water disruptions, and infrastructure damage affected thousands.

But here's where my off-grid lifestyle proved invaluable. While many scrambled for basic necessities, I had two generators (2,000W and 4,000W dual-fuel), multiple portable power stations, stored fuel, a portable shower, cooking equipment, and communication tools ready to deploy. This preparation allowed me to maintain refrigeration, communication, and even creature comforts like an ice maker while helping others. The experience wasn't without close calls—I nearly suffered carbon monoxide poisoning when a generator was positioned too close to my house, a mistake that has proven fatal for others during similar emergencies.

As hurricane season approaches again, I'm sharing crucial emergency preparedness takeaways: maintain at least a 1,500-2,000W power station, keep generators 20+ feet from structures, store adequate water and non-perishables, establish communication redundancies with devices like long-range walkie-talkies, and always keep "go bags" in your home and vehicles. Join me next week as we dive deeper into the pros and cons of off-grid living based on my year of experiences. Have you updated your emergency preparations lately? Subscribe now and share your own disaster preparedness stories in the comments!

Send us a text

Did you know that Puerto Rico was a strategic port during various wars?  My desire for over a decade to visit San Juan overshadowed the history embedded in this Caribbean safe haven.  Perhaps this is an example of how many of us take basic liberties for granted as if they couldn’t be lost or taken away.  Puerto Rico was devastated by hurricane Maria in 2017 and took nearly 11 months to recover, while nearly 200,000 people have left the territory in search of more stability in multiple areas of their lives.  The grid on this tranquil island has been less than efficient  and aging before Maria, but the  nearly 3,000 fatalities and $90 billion in damages was more than enough reasons to seek a better electrical infrastructure.  Prior to delving into this research, I noticed the vast number of houses with solar panels.  I asked the driver about this as he explained with excitement how the government assisted some families with this project.  The geographic location of Puerto Rico creates the ideal position for solar and surpasses four times more of residential needs.  

Without more details about climate change and how it is affecting the world, I recommend you continue to review your personal infrastructures at every level.  I didn’t expect to get a history lesson or reminder of how my Off Grid Behaviors are making more sense every day, but I am darn grateful for my daily experiences.

Send us a text

Ever wondered how to tackle the challenges of creating a self-reliant homestead? I'm Barry Smith, and on this episode of Off Grid Behaviors, you'll gain invaluable insights into everything from erecting a budget-friendly cabin to laying out a thriving garden. Tune in as I unfold my homesteading journey, detailing the highs and lows of cabin construction and the creative solutions I've employed to overcome unexpected hurdles. You'll learn why standard measurements are your best friend and how I turned camouflage tarps into a temporary fix for my unconventional abode. Plus, I'll take you behind the scenes of my podcast setup, revealing what makes this medium so uniquely captivating.

Roll up your sleeves for a deep dive into the art of gardening in Augusta, Georgia's unpredictable climate, where I’ll guide you through my color-coded seed planting experiment and the strategic design of garden beds to maximize harvests and prevent crossbreeding. We'll also explore the critical importance of water sources, alternative power options like solar generators, and food preservation techniques essential for a sustainable lifestyle. Whether you're raising livestock or just starting your first vegetable patch, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal tales to fuel your passion for the homesteading life.

Send us a text

Imagine standing amidst a thriving garden, the fruits of your labor bringing not just food to the table but also a profound sense of preparedness and community. That's the vision I, Barry Smith, unfold in our latest podcast adventure, where we traverse the path from a casual garden box project to a deep-dive into sustainability and self-reliance. We uncover the secrets of raised bed gardens, the alchemy of innovative composting, and the simple genius of rainwater harvesting—all inspired by lessons from the Augusta Locally Grown Homesteading Conference and a surprising muse, 'The Walking Dead.'

From the unsettling quiet of a 2014 ice storm to a confidently stocked survival toolkit, I recount the transformation into an emergency-preparedness enthusiast. Listen in for a toolkit of tips—from generators humming in the background to a neatly-packed go-bag—crafted for those moments when the grid blinks out. While balancing the demands of city life with off-grid aspirations, I walk you through savvy strategies to minimize your footprint and keep your space pest-free. It's a journey of foresight, blending the rugged with the practical, and a testament to the resilience we can foster within ourselves.

As the sun sets on another episode, we cast our gaze over the verdant promise of a Southern garden. Join our green-thumbed community as we chart out a season's worth of okra, squash, and heirloom tomatoes, and share in the sweet anticipation of planting fruit trees. We're rolling up our sleeves and getting our hands dirty, learning from past trials with berries and looking ahead to the homemade protein shakes they'll soon yield. So connect your earbuds, grab those gardening gloves, and let's embark on this growth journey together—where every seed sown is a step towards greater sustainability and community.

Send us a text

Escape the humdrum of modern life with me, Barry Smith, as I recount my transformative journey from a high school teacher to an off-grid homesteader on this episode of Off Grid Behavior. My story isn't just about leaving the city behind; it's about rediscovering the self-sufficiency of my grandparents and finding solace in nature's embrace. Nostalgia for the simplicity of their lives and the burnout of urban existence spurred me to seek sanctuary among the trees and streams—a quest that's renewed my spirit and skill set.

Throughout our time together, you'll hear how my naval background as an electrician equipped me with the knowledge to harness solar power and generators for my off-grid adventure. Watch the progression from tent to camper unfold, with practical advice on gear investment for sustained outdoor living. I'll share the pivotal moments that led me to prioritize light and life during my lunch breaks and the dedication required to convert passion into preparedness. No matter where you are on your own homesteading path, this conversation is an invitation to explore new horizons and the possibilities of a life less ordinary.