The Nest Thermostat is a smart thermostat that is Wi-Fi enabled.
It allows users to control it from their smartphone, tablet, or computer – even when they aren’t home.
Unfortunately, Nest users learned how smart devices can fail the cold, hard way.
One evening, Nest’s thermostats suffered a software bug that drained the battery on the device.
To make matters worse, this coincided with low temperatures throughout much of the country.
One user said, “Woke up to a dead nest and a very cold house. Not good when you have a baby sleeping!”
For those with health conditions, or who have babies, a freezing house isn’t good. Or what about people who depend on the smart thermostat when they are out of town?
The company blamed the issues on a software update that introduced an unknown bug.
About two weeks later, devices around the country went offline.
Nest tech support helped customers restart their devices, which is not an easy process.
But this isn’t just about Nest.
From car key fobs to fitness trackers, we know technology can fail.
Now, obviously, technology isn’t always bad thing…
But, when you use technology instead of learning basic skills, it can be a problem.
Here are a few ways you can prepare yourself for technology failure.
Guides.
When it comes to things like generators, tents, or even water filters, you should be familiar enough to set them up without instructions.
As a backup, you should store the printed instruction manuals near your survival gear.
During a disaster you may not have the time to watch the instructional videos.
Or you may not even have internet access to get to the videos.
You need to be able to recall information about building shelters, hunting, fishing, first aid, etc…
But, you need to be able to do this without looking it up.
Tech gadgets are very susceptible to the elements, are easily broken, and are dependent on a power source and network connection.
If you want to survive, you need to know and remember the basics.
Go without the lifeline.
When I was a kid, I spent my time in the woods near my home running around with my friends.
We did a lot of stupid things such as shooting each other with BB guns.
And when things went bad (such as someone getting a BB stuck in them) we figured out how to problem-solve (which ended up getting us all grounded.)
These days, people always need to be connected to the internet.
They feel a certain sense of security knowing that help is just a few finger taps away.
But, what if it isn’t?
What will happen when that lifeline you always depend on is suddenly unavailable?
This is why you should learn to cut off that lifeline.
Go a day without using your smartphone or tablet.
Notice the little things it affects and how to deal with them without your technology.
This mindset will help you prepare to go without during a disaster.
Instincts and senses.
Consider how often you see people walking down the street with their faces buried in their phones.
Society’s addiction to electronics has us ignorant of the world around us.
How many people understand cloud formations and impending weather?
Or would most folks notice footprints in the dirt that show someone is following them?
Unfortunately, many people have lost touch with the wilderness and don’t know what they are getting into.
Take someone camping for the first time and you’ll get my point.
This is why is it so important to disconnect now and then from technology.
Next time you go camping or practice your survival skills, leave the electronics at home.
Tell others where you will be and give them the details in case something goes wrong.
Doing this will force you to spend more time thinking about the little things, and following your instincts and senses.
And learning to problem solve and hone your instincts will make you more self-reliant.
