Lights Out? Prepare for Planned and Unplanned Blackouts

Photo by Mike Newbry on Unsplash

In early 2025, more than 4 million people were left without electricity as L.A. wildfires ravaged homes and destroyed businesses. This left many without adequate lighting, proper cooling systems, and threatened access to communication and water. As environmental catastrophes become more common, and unplanned blackouts increase with them, the importance of being prepared has never been greater. Here, we will outline tips for both planned and unplanned blackouts, giving you and your loved ones guidance on how to stay safe. ​

Understanding the Difference: Planned vs. Unplanned Blackouts
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Power outages are relatively common in a lot of U.S. states like Michigan, Texas,  Georgia, Maryland, Washington, and California who experience regular extreme weather events. They are also common in more rural areas, where weather can have a greater impact on small power grids. Understanding the difference between planned and unplanned power outages can help you to adequately prepare for both. 
Planned power outages are usually done for safety, maintenance, or infrastructure improvement, and typically last less than 2 hours. Rolling blackouts (also known as rotating outages) are the most common type of planned blackout. This is when electric companies temporarily shut off power to prevent total grid failure when electricity demand exceeds supply- often done during summer months when A.C. usage is higher. They help to avoid total and much longer blackouts for entire cities or regions. Electric companies will notify you when a planned outage will take place and provide you with tips to prepare. ​

Unplanned power outages are most caused by extreme weather events, equipment failures, or accidents, and have higher consequences. The severity of the unplanned outages can be unpredictable, and the timeline of restoring electricity is often unknown, making preparation all the more important. Electric companies will notify you when an unplanned power outage occurs, but having a plan for an unplanned power outage will help you and your loved ones manage it safely. ​

Photo by Michael D on Unsplash

Preparing for a Planned Blackout
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Most important for a planned blackout is to know the schedule! Make sure you sign up for utility alerts from your electric provider and check local government or utility websites for updates. ​

Ahead of the blackout you should: 

1. Fully charge phones, laptops, and power banks.  Download offline versions of important files or apps. 
2. Prep Your Fridge. Use perishables ahead of time, and freeze water bottles to extend cold time. 
3. Have flashlights and lanterns. Consider our Luke Light (reliant on solar power=not impact by blackouts) 
4. Alternative Cooking & Heating. Prep cold meals or safe non-electric cooking tools. If it's cold, gather blankets and other safe indoor heating options. 

Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash

Preparing for an Unplanned Blackout

Unplanned Blackouts can last for prolonged periods of time, making planning ahead even more important. Take a weekend to prepare by doing the following: 

1. Build an Emergency Kit. Make sure to keep it in an easy-to access place, and that all family members know where to locate it. This kit will ensure that you have essential items for a prolonged period of time, and will help you prepare for other types of disaster. 
2. Backup Power. Make sure that you have non-electric reliable sources of power, like solar powered sources of light and electricity. Lighting that doesn't run on electricity or flame will allow your household to function without the added risk of fire.
3. Communication. When the power goes out, it takes down everything connected to the electrical grid—your modem and router included—cutting off your internet access entirely. Therefore, it is important to create an emergency communication plan with your loved ones. This ensures that if a blackout happens, each member knows what to do and how to reach one another. Additionally, landline phones are less susceptible to power outages and may be a good investment for families.
4. Vehicle Preparedness. It’s important to know how to manually open garage doors in case you need to leave your home. Keep your car fueled, as gas stations may not be open during outages. If you have an electric car, you should have a minimum amount of power in your car at all times. 

During a Blackout

Planned or unplanned, blackouts can be frightening. When the lights go out, we suggest a few things to keep you safe.Unplug or turn off all appliances. This will prevent damage from power surges when electricity returns (especially electronics like TVs, computers, and microwaves).

1. Use caution with candles or open flames, strive to use alternative light sources.
2. Preserve phone battery. Limit use and turn on low power mode. 
3. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food can stay cold in a fridge for ~4 hours, and in a full freezer for ~48 hours.
4. Use water wisely. Some water relies on electric pumps (e.g., wells or apartment buildings), fill a few containers for drinking and flushing before reserves drop.
5. Don’t use outdoor stoves, grills, or generators inside. This risks carbon monoxide poisoning.
6. Stay home if it is safe. Traffic lights and streetlights may not work, increasing accident risk.
7. Leave on one light switch so you know when the power comes back on. 

​After a Blackout
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The small amount of effort it takes to prepare for a blackout will keep you safer and more comfortable during the event. It will bring you peace of mind and help to prepare you for other unplanned disasters. When power returns, wait a few minutes before turning everything back on, check food safety (when in doubt, throw it out), and report any electrical issues or damaged appliances to your utility. It is imperative that you re-stock whatever items you used from your emergency kit and evaluate the effectiveness of your plan, so you can be ready in the event of another blackout. Please use the comments below to share any tips you might have for other readers about preparing for blackouts. 

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