Van Life, Off-Grid, and Unhoused Emergency Guidance¶

Living in a vehicle, off-grid in remote locations, or experiencing unhoused status creates unique vulnerabilities when extreme weather, mechanical breakdowns, utility failures, or medical emergencies strike. Accessible, non-judgmental guidance preserves safety, health, and dignity.

Select a guide below for step-by-step emergency procedures.

Van Life, Off-Grid, and Unhoused Guides¶

• Van Life and Vehicle Residence Emergencies: Handling vehicle breakdowns while living full-time in a van, diesel heater carbon monoxide safety, solar battery failures, and safe parking.
• Unhoused Survival and Extreme Weather Triage: Surviving freezing cold or extreme heat without permanent shelter, locating emergency shelters, hygiene, and safeguarding identity papers.
• Off-Grid Power, Water, and Waste System Failures: Emergency repairs for off-grid solar inverters, deep-cycle battery banks, well pumps, rainwater filtration, and waste sanitation.

Core Principles for Mobile and Off-Grid Safety¶

1. Prioritize Thermal Regulation: In extreme freezing or scorching weather, seek public cooling or warming centers (libraries, community centers) during peak hours.
2. Never Use Unvented Combustion Indoors: Do not operate open-flame propane heaters, charcoal stoves, or unvented heaters inside enclosed vehicles or small tents without active ventilation and carbon monoxide alarms.
3. Keep Critical Documents Waterproofed: Store birth certificates, government IDs, social security cards, and medical records inside double-sealed waterproof bags.