Published: July 17, 2026
Summary
- We know that even short outages can be disruptive to your daily lives, so it’s worth being ready
- Your preparedness plan should reflect your lifestyle, whether you live alone, with family or are often on the go
- Small steps go a long way: A basic emergency kit and simple habits (like having contacts written down and staying informed) can make outages much easier to manage
What would you do if you had no power for 72 hours? No lights, no Wi-Fi, elevators out of service.
For a growing number of people living in cities, even a short-term power outage can quickly become disruptive.
While we work to prevent outages, the reality is they still do happen. Summer storms, high winds or extreme heat can knock out power when you least expect it. And while most outages are resolved quickly, some outages could last longer.
That’s why it’s important to be ready to manage without power.
Preparedness looks different for everyone
What those 72 hours look like will vary depending on your lifestyle:
- In a condo or apartment: You may need to plan for limited water access, no elevators and reduced lighting in common areas
- On the go: If you’re commuting when an outage happens, access to real-time information becomes critical
- At home with family or pets: You’ll need to think about food, medications and comfort for everyone in your household
Preparedness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal and it should reflect your daily routine.
Building your 72-hour plan
Preparing for an outage doesn’t have to be complicated. A few basics make a big difference.
Stock an emergency kit
Think of this as your “just in case” box:
- Water and non-perishable food for everyone in your household
- First-aid items and essential medications
- A flashlight, extra batteries and a portable power bank for charging small devices
- Basic tools, including a manual can opener
Build a communication plan
During an outage, information is everything:
- Know where to find reliable outage updates
- Keep a list of emergency contacts written down (not just on your phone)
- Make sure family or housemates know how to reach each other
Small habits that make a big difference
Preparedness isn’t a one-time project. It’s a series of small habits, including checking supplies, replacing batteries and reviewing emergency contacts. These all may feel like minor steps, but together they can help disruptions feel more manageable and less stressful when they do happen.
To learn more and get started, visit our Emergency preparedness web page.