What Is a Blackout and How Can You Prepare for It?

A blackout is a complete loss of electrical power that can affect a single building, an entire neighborhood, or even a large region. Blackouts may be caused by severe weather, equipment failures, natural disasters, or excessive demand on the power grid.

While many outages are brief, prolonged blackouts can disrupt communication, transportation, healthcare, food storage, and water supplies. Preparing an emergency kit, developing a family plan, and knowing how to respond safely can significantly reduce the risks associated with power outages.