10 Steps to Take When the Grid Goes Down and You Don’t Know for How Long

Real Blackout Playbook

July 6, 2026
Rob Benson

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Step One: Fill Everything.

Fill the bathtub, pots, buckets, and bottles. You may have only 45 minutes of water pressure left. That might be the cleanest water you’re going to see for a while.

Step Two: Confirm the Scope.

Is it just your house, your block, or your entire region? A battery-powered radio or car radio can tell you what you’re dealing with. Listen for updates or use your Starlink Mini to get more information.

Step Three: Send One Text to Your Family.

Send one text message to your family or loved ones, especially those who are important to you. Let them know your status. Then put your phone in low-power mode to conserve its battery.

Step Four: Keep the Fridge and Freezer Closed.

Your refrigerator and freezer need to stay shut. Consider taking a quick picture of the inside of both so you don’t have to guess what’s in there or open them unnecessarily.

Eat your food in order. Start with the refrigerator food, then the freezer food, and finally your pantry. You don’t know how long this situation is going to last.

Step Five: Stay Out of the Stores.

Whatever you have in your pantry right now is the plan. If this is a major event, everyone may start to panic. Avoid the crowds and unnecessary trips outside.

Step Six: Shrink Your Living Space.

Concentrate your activities in one small room. Use blankets to cover windows and doorways.

This recommendation may be more applicable during the dead of winter, but heat waves have many similarities when it comes to conserving energy and managing your living space.

Step Seven: Keep Combustion Outside.

This step could be a matter of life or death.

Generators, grills, and camp stoves must remain outside. Carbon monoxide kills more people during blackouts than just about anything else.

Never operate fuel-burning equipment inside your home, garage, or enclosed space. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can be deadly.

Step Eight: Run Dark and Quiet.

You don’t need to be the brightest or loudest house on the street. That could make you the most interesting house on the street.

Run your generator during the day, if necessary, and use blackout curtains at night.

Step Nine: Get Your Communications Up and Running.

Cell towers might stop working within a day or two. A battery-powered radio brings information in, while GMRS radios can help keep family members connected within a small area.

Have your communication equipment ready and know how to use it before an emergency happens.

Step Ten: Prepare for the Possibility That No One Is Coming.

Remember, during a major blackout, it’s possible that no one is coming to help you.

Have your emergency supplies and preparations ready ahead of time. Don’t wait until the power goes out to start preparing.

Prepare ahead of time, and prepare seriously.