Offline AI for disaster prep and outages
Disasters break networks first. An offline AI you can boot from a USB gives you planning, translation, and drafting tools when the cloud is unreachable.
Runs without internet or accounts during outages.
Small enough to keep in a go-bag with printed SOPs.
Works on loaner hardware if your primary machine is down.
Who this is for / not for
Built for households, emergency volunteers, and teams that plan for power or network loss. It is not aimed at always-on corporate stacks with redundant fiber links that rarely lose connectivity.
- Keep one in the emergency kit next to radios and chargers.
- If you rely on cloud AI SLAs, this is your fallback layer.
Specs that actually matter
You want a laptop with 8–16 GB RAM, a USB 3.0 port, and a way to keep it powered—UPS or battery bank. Network isn’t required. SSD speed helps but the balanced preset is tuned for mixed hardware.
- Test on your slowest laptop to know real performance.
- Keep a DC/USB-C power source to avoid throttling.
- Store at least one offline PDF map on the USB.
Pre-storm setup
Run the launcher once, bookmark localhost, and print the quickstart. Add your own checklists (meds, contacts, routes) to the USB. Verify it boots in airplane mode and without admin prompts.
- Cache critical docs and translations before weather hits.
- Label the drive so family can find it fast.
- Store it in a waterproof sleeve with a short cable.
Common pitfalls
Waiting until power is unstable to test. Skipping backups before updates. Leaving the USB in a desktop that may lose power during a surge.
- Test quarterly; replace the cable if loose.
- Avoid updating when power is flickering.
- Keep a second copy off-site if possible.
PortableMind vs DIY
DIY stacks need stable internet for installs and models. In disasters, that’s not realistic. PortableMind is preloaded; you plug in and have a working AI even when ISPs and CDNs are down.
- No dependence on package mirrors mid-storm.
- Consistent presets across any borrowed machine.
Keep it ready
Keep the drive charged? It doesn’t need power but your laptop does. Pair it with a charged battery bank and a laminated startup card. After each use, clear sensitive prompts and re-verify in airplane mode.
- Run on a battery-saver preset to extend runtime.
- Carry an extra cable and small flashlight in the kit.
- Back up logs to the USB only; avoid cloud sync until safe.
Quick cross-links
Hop to related guidance while you keep this page open.
FAQ
Can I run this on a battery bank?
Yes. The USB relies on your laptop’s power; use a bank to keep the laptop alive.
Do I need internet at all?
No. Everything runs locally. Only opt into updates when power and network are stable.
How do I prove it’s offline?
Launch in airplane mode and show the localhost address responding.
Can I lend it to neighbors?
Yes, if their laptops meet the basic specs and you trust the environment.
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