We often think of power outages during the winter months, but they can happen at any time. With forest fires and severe weather, entire communities can suddenly lose power. We need to be prepared before it happens.

When the lights go out, and your phone battery drops to 12%, preparedness suddenly feels very real. In those first dark moments, every parent wishes she’d done just a little more to get ready. The truth is, you don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to your level of preparedness.

When the Power Goes Out: The Real Panic

The first thing most families worry about isn’t the fridge or the TV - it’s keeping the kids calm and figuring out how long the batteries will last. I’ve seen it happen: the sudden darkness, the scramble for flashlights, and the sinking feeling when you realize you don’t know where you put the backup charger.

What Matters Most in a Power Outage

1. Keep Calm—Especially for the Kids
Kids take their cues from us. A calm voice and a quick plan can turn a scary moment into an adventure. One mom I know made shadow puppets on the wall while they waited for the lights to come back on. It made all the difference.

2. Backup Power Saves Stress
Invest in a few portable chargers and keep them charged. If you rely on medical equipment, consider a backup power source. Remember: small steps make a big difference.

3. Food, Water, and Medication
Have easy-to-fix meals (think peanut butter, crackers, shelf-stable milk) and at least a gallon of water per person, per day. Don’t forget a supply of any essential medications—disasters are stressful enough without trying to figure things out in the moment.

4. Communication and Connection
Know how you’ll get updates if cell service is down. A battery-powered radio or a group text plan with neighbours can keep you in the loop.

Simple Action Steps for Next Time

• Charge portable power banks now and store them where you can find them in the dark.

• Put together a basic Grab & Go kit: flashlights, extra batteries, snacks, water, and medications.

• Practice a quick family “lights out” drill so everyone knows what to do.

• Update your emergency contacts and print them out just in case.

Preparedness Changes Everything

You don’t need to be perfect - you just need to take one small step today. The goal is not perfection, it’s progress. When the next outage hits, you’ll be ready to protect your family and pets and keep stress under control.

“Families need disater plans, not panic.”

Ready to feel more confident? Try PrepBuddy or complete Mom’s Ultimate Disaster Plan and take the next step toward peace of mind.

Meet Jackie

True preparedness means knowing your family is safe, even when you aren't there. Jackie Kloosterboer helps families and communities build simple, practical disaster plans that bring ultimate peace of mind.

Click here to know more about Jackie