I found a free AI chatbot that works without Wi-Fi — and it could be incredibly useful in an emergency

In an emergency, the need for reliable information without internet access can be crucial. Survival LLM, a free, open-source AI chatbot, aims to provide this capability to Windows PC and Mac users. The chatbot operates entirely on the user's computer, without requiring an internet connection. It searches a library of reference material, including information from Wikipedia, MedlinePlus, FEMA, the CDC, and iFixit, containing roughly 1.5 million articles.

Users can also upload their own documents, such as emergency contact information or preparedness plans. The chatbot identifies sources it used for its answers, providing transparency and allowing users to review relevant passages. While the chatbot can be useful for various topics, including food safety during power outages and home repairs, it should not be relied upon for medical advice or life-or-death decisions.

Developer tests indicate the AI model's accuracy varies depending on the computer's memory, with larger models performing better. The chatbot is available for free download from its official website, compatible with Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 14 or newer and 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 PCs. The initial setup can take from 20 minutes to two and a half hours, depending on internet connection and system.

Users should ensure their computer is charged or have a portable power source during an emergency. Despite its limitations, Survival LLM can be a valuable addition to a household emergency preparedness plan, offering a wealth of information at the user's fingertips.