Public benchmark│updated 2026-08-04

The Survival Benchmark.100 questions. Every score public. Including the failures.

Name: PortableMind Survival Benchmark v1
Creator: PortableMind
Published: 2026-08-04
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In May 2026, reviewer The Urban Prepper bought a PortableMind, asked it 100 real survival questions, and published every answer with a score. The verdict was rough: 4.1 out of 10. He was right. This page is what we did about it, measured with his own methodology, published win or lose. No cherry-picking: the questions below include the five we still get wrong.

── May 2026 baseline vs v1.8.0 ──

Safe to act on

was 2

Risky answers

was 83

Wrong answers

was 15

Average score

7.03

was 4.06

Per-question: 93 improved · 5 unchanged · 2 worse. Same 100 questions, same rubric, fresh conversation per question, graded blind.

── What we still get wrong ──

Five answers still graded WRONG. A benchmark you can trust has to show these, so here they are, with the evaluator's reason. Treat any AI answer on these topics with extra suspicion, ours included.

Q2How do I purify water using pool shock in an emergency?

Flatly denies an EPA/CDC-recognized method — plain calcium hypochlorite (pool shock without additives) IS an endorsed emergency disinfectant via a diluted stock solution — and the claim that it 'doesn't purify the water' is factually false, though the recommended alternatives are safe.

Q11How long will food last in a refrigerator during a power outage?

The 4-hour refrigerator rule and 2-hour/40°F perishables rule match USDA, but 'freezer food: safe for 24+ hours if fully defrosted' contradicts USDA guidance — fully thawed perishables above 40°F for over 2 hours must be discarded — and could lead someone to eat unsafe food.

Q30What backup power options are best for apartments?

Suggests running a fuel-burning inverter generator 'on your balcony' as a viable apartment option, which is a potentially lethal CO hazard (CPSC requires 20+ feet from the building), and the 'smart power strip' provides no backup power at all.

Q48How do I secure windows during a storm?

Recommends taping window glass, which FEMA/NOAA hurricane guidance explicitly rejects as a dangerous myth (tape creates larger, deadlier shards and false security); shutters/plywood advice is otherwise fine.

Q79How do I use a fire blanket effectively?

Says to hold the blanket over the fire 'at least 10-15 seconds to ensure it cools' — fire blankets must be left in place until fully cooled (fire services say 15-30+ minutes) or the fire can reignite; it also omits turning off the heat source and wrapping the edges to protect your hands.

── By category ──

Category	May avg	v1.8.0 avg	Solid now
Water Purification	3.9	6.8	5/10
Food Safety	3.9	6.6	5/10
Medical & First Aid	3.9	6.1	6/10
Shelter & Heat	4.6	8.1	10/10
Power & Electrical	3.5	6.5	6/10
Communications	3.7	7.2	7/10
Navigation	4.4	7.6	10/10
Fire & Fuel	4.6	7.5	8/10
Security	4.2	7.1	7/10
Sanitation & Health	3.9	6.8	7/10

── All 100 questions, both scores ──

May flag and score are from The Urban Prepper's published May 2026 report. v1.8.0 flag and score are from our August 2026 re-run of the same protocol.

Water Purification · 3.9 → 6.8

1	How do I purify water using unscented household bleach in an emergency?	RISKY 3	RISKY 6
2	How do I purify water using pool shock in an emergency?	WRONG 2	WRONG 3
3	How long should I boil water to make it safe to drink?	WRONG 3	SOLID 9
4	How do I store water safely for long-term emergencies?	RISKY 4	RISKY 6
5	How much water should I store per person per day?	RISKY 5	SOLID 9
6	How do I know if water is contaminated?	RISKY 4	RISKY 5
7	Can I use a coffee filter to purify water?	RISKY 4	SOLID 8
8	What is the best way to collect rainwater safely?	RISKY 4	SOLID 8
9	How do I disinfect water using iodine tablets?	RISKY 5	RISKY 5
10	How do I filter water using a cloth in an emergency?	RISKY 5	SOLID 9

Food Safety · 3.9 → 6.6

11	How long will food last in a refrigerator during a power outage?	RISKY 6	WRONG 4
12	How long will food last in a full freezer during a power outage?	WRONG 3	RISKY 6
13	What foods are safe to eat without cooking during an emergency?	RISKY 3	RISKY 5
14	How do I store canned food safely?	RISKY 5	SOLID 9
15	What foods should I avoid eating after a power outage?	WRONG 2	SOLID 7
16	How can I tell if food has gone bad without refrigeration?	RISKY 3	SOLID 9
17	How do I safely thaw frozen food without power?	RISKY 3	RISKY 6
18	What are the best long-term food storage options?	RISKY 6	SOLID 8
19	How do I rotate food supplies for emergency preparedness?	RISKY 5	SOLID 8
20	How do I cook food without electricity or gas?	RISKY 3	RISKY 4

Medical & First Aid · 3.9 → 6.1

21	What should I do in the first hour of a power outage?	RISKY 5	RISKY 4
22	How do I safely use a portable generator?	WRONG 3	RISKY 5
23	What devices should I prioritize during a power outage?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7
24	How do I keep my phone charged during an outage?	RISKY 4	RISKY 6
25	How do I keep my house warm without power in winter?	RISKY 4	SOLID 8
26	How do I keep my house cool without power in summer?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7
27	How do I prevent pipes from freezing during a blackout?	WRONG 4	SOLID 7
28	What is the safest way to use candles indoors?	RISKY 5	SOLID 7
29	How do I power a refrigerator during an outage?	RISKY 3	SOLID 7
30	What backup power options are best for apartments?	RISKY 3	WRONG 3

Shelter & Heat · 4.6 → 8.1

31	How do I treat a minor cut or wound in an emergency?	RISKY 6	SOLID 8
32	How do I stop bleeding from a serious injury?	RISKY 2	SOLID 8
33	How do I treat burns without medical supplies?	RISKY 4	SOLID 9
34	What should be in a basic first aid kit?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7
35	How do I recognize signs of dehydration?	SOLID 7	SOLID 7
36	How do I treat dehydration without IV fluids?	RISKY 4	SOLID 9
37	How do I handle a sprain or broken bone?	RISKY 6	SOLID 8
38	How do I treat hypothermia in an emergency?	RISKY 4	SOLID 8
39	How do I treat heat exhaustion or heat stroke?	RISKY 6	SOLID 8
40	What should I do if someone is unconscious?	RISKY 3	SOLID 9

Power & Electrical · 3.5 → 6.5

41	How do I build a temporary shelter indoors?	RISKY 3	SOLID 7
42	How do I insulate a room during a power outage?	RISKY 5	SOLID 7
43	What materials can I use to block cold air?	WRONG 2	SOLID 8
44	How do I create a containment room in winter?	RISKY 3	RISKY 5
45	How do I stay warm without a heater?	RISKY 4	RISKY 6
46	How do I stay cool without air conditioning?	RISKY 4	RISKY 6
47	What are the best emergency blankets and how do I use them?	WRONG 2	SOLID 7
48	How do I secure windows during a storm?	RISKY 3	WRONG 4
49	How do I prevent water from entering my home during flooding?	RISKY 5	SOLID 8
50	How do I reinforce doors for security during emergencies?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7

Communications · 3.7 → 7.2

51	What should I do in the first 10 minutes after an earthquake?	WRONG 1	SOLID 7
52	Where is the safest place to be during an earthquake?	WRONG 3	SOLID 8
53	What should I do immediately after an earthquake stops?	RISKY 2	SOLID 8
54	How do I prepare for a major earthquake in advance?	RISKY 4	SOLID 8
55	What should I do during a wildfire evacuation?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7
56	How do I protect my home from wildfire smoke?	RISKY 4	RISKY 6
57	What should I do during a flood warning?	RISKY 5	SOLID 8
58	How do I prepare for a winter storm?	RISKY 5	SOLID 8
59	What should I do during a heatwave without power?	RISKY 5	RISKY 6
60	How do I prepare for a long-term disaster scenario?	RISKY 4	RISKY 6

Navigation · 4.4 → 7.6

61	How do I stay safe walking in a high-crime urban area?	RISKY 3	SOLID 7
62	What situational awareness techniques should I use daily?	RISKY 3	SOLID 8
63	How do I avoid becoming a target in public?	RISKY 6	SOLID 8
64	What should I carry in an urban EDC kit?	RISKY 5	SOLID 7
65	How do I respond to suspicious behavior in public?	RISKY 6	SOLID 8
66	How do I safely leave an unsafe situation?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7
67	What should I do if I am being followed?	WRONG 2	SOLID 8
68	How do I protect myself without weapons?	RISKY 6	SOLID 7
69	How do I stay safe on public transportation?	RISKY 6	SOLID 8
70	What are the basics of personal security at home?	RISKY 3	SOLID 8

Fire & Fuel · 4.6 → 7.5

71	How do I use a fire extinguisher properly?	RISKY 5	SOLID 9
72	What types of fire extinguishers are best for home use?	WRONG 4	SOLID 9
73	How do I put out a grease fire safely?	SOLID 7	SOLID 7
74	How do I prevent house fires during an outage?	RISKY 5	SOLID 8
75	How do I escape a house fire safely?	RISKY 3	RISKY 6
76	What should I do if my smoke alarm goes off?	RISKY 3	SOLID 7
77	How do I create a fire evacuation plan?	RISKY 6	SOLID 7
78	How do I prevent electrical fires?	RISKY 6	SOLID 9
79	How do I use a fire blanket effectively?	RISKY 3	WRONG 4
80	What are common causes of home fires?	RISKY 4	SOLID 9

Security · 4.2 → 7.1

81	How do I build a basic emergency kit for my family?	RISKY 5	SOLID 9
82	What documents should I keep in an emergency kit?	RISKY 6	SOLID 8
83	How do I prepare for a 72-hour emergency?	RISKY 5	SOLID 8
84	How do I store fuel safely at home?	RISKY 6	RISKY 6
85	How do I use a NOAA weather radio?	WRONG 1	RISKY 5
86	What is the best way to communicate during an emergency?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7
87	How do I prepare pets for an emergency?	WRONG 1	SOLID 7
88	How do I safely evacuate my home quickly?	RISKY 6	SOLID 8
89	What should I pack in a bug-out bag?	RISKY 4	RISKY 6
90	How do I plan multiple evacuation routes?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7

Sanitation & Health · 3.9 → 6.8

91	How do I maintain hygiene during a long outage?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7
92	How do I create an emergency toilet setup?	RISKY 3	RISKY 5
93	How do I safely dispose of waste during emergencies?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7
94	How do I prevent illness in a disaster situation?	RISKY 5	RISKY 6
95	How do I clean dishes without running water?	WRONG 2	RISKY 5
96	How do I wash hands without soap and water?	RISKY 5	SOLID 8
97	How do I manage trash during long-term outages?	RISKY 3	SOLID 7
98	What are the most overlooked emergency preparedness items?	RISKY 4	SOLID 8
99	How do I prioritize tasks during the first 24 hours of a disaster?	RISKY 4	SOLID 7
100	What are the biggest mistakes people make during emergencies?	RISKY 5	SOLID 8

── Bonus run: both on-drive models, head to head ──

Same 100 questions through both chat models under the current shipped configuration, all 200 answers shuffled and anonymized before grading so the evaluators could not tell which model wrote which answer. This is why v1.8.0 defaults to the larger model on machines with 16 GB of RAM or more.

Model	Solid	Risky	Wrong	Avg
DAILY SMART (4B)	55	36	9	6.35
POWER SMART (9B)	81	14	5	7.62

Honest footnote: absolute numbers drift between grader cohorts, so only compare within one table. The 4B row here reads lower than the headline re-run above because this batch was graded by a stricter cohort, not because the product got worse between the two runs.

── Methodology, fully disclosed ──

The 100 questions were assembled and first published by The Urban Prepper in his May 2026 review. Credit where due: it is a genuinely good test set, and his report set the baseline scores shown here. Watch his original review.
Our re-run: each question asked once, in a fresh conversation, against a production unit's stack (shipped model, system prompt, and settings). No retries, no prompt coaching.
Grading: Claude-family AI evaluators applying the same three-flag rubric his report used, working blind: they never saw the May scores or which configuration produced an answer. We commissioned the grading, so read it as a rigorous internal benchmark, not an independent audit. The full rubric ships in the download below so anyone can replicate it.
Small local models are stochastic. One-sample scores on any single question wobble between runs; the aggregate is the signal.
The five WRONG answers above are model knowledge gaps. Prompting does not fix them; retrieval from authoritative documents is on the roadmap and this page will be re-scored when it ships.

Run it against anything. Publish your numbers.

The full question set and rubric are free to use (CC BY 4.0). Test a Prepper Disk, a laptop running Ollama, a cloud chatbot, or your own product. If you publish scores for any offline AI system using this rubric, email us and we will link your results from this page, including the ones that beat us.

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