The first hour
- Don't panic. Check trusted news or official sources for what's affected.
- Use cash for essentials if card systems are down.
- Don't click links in texts or emails about 'fixing' your account. Scammers use these events.
- Use what you have at home instead of rushing to stores.
The first day
- Delay big trips if gas stations are affected. Don't fill unsafe containers. In 2021, panic buying after the Colonial Pipeline attack caused more shortages than the attack itself.
- Write down or print key info: account numbers, phone numbers for banks, insurance and doctors.
- Check accounts once systems are back. Report anything strange.
The first week and beyond
- Keep using your pantry and stored water.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication and update devices.
- Rebuild your cash stash once things settle.
Get ready now: checklist
Your checks save on this phone.
Common mistakes
- Panic buying fuel or food.
- Storing gas in non-approved containers.
- Falling for 'urgent' scam messages.
- Keeping all records only online.
Keeping kids calm
- Teach kids about counting cash and making change; it's a useful skill.
- Explain: 'Sometimes computers have problems, but we have a plan.'
Gear that helps
- Small fireproof document box: my pick, ENGPOW Waterproof & Fireproof Document Bag, Two Pockets
- Cash envelope
- Printed address book
- USB drive with encrypted backups
- Paper map
- Approved gas can
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Sources
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Prepper tricks for this
Power and Communication (7)
Charge phones from your car
Cost: About $10 for a charger.
Why it works: Your car's alternator is a generator you already own.
How to do it
- Get a car USB charger that plugs into the 12-volt socket (about $10).
- Start the car OUTSIDE (never in a garage, even with the door open). Make sure the tailpipe isn't blocked by snow.
- Charge phones and power banks while the engine runs, about 20-30 minutes at a time.
- Fill the power banks so you can charge phones inside later.
Safety: Charging with the engine off can drain the car battery. Don't idle for hours if fuel is scarce.
Make your phone battery last days
Cost: Free.
Why it works: Phones burn the most battery searching for a weak signal and lighting the screen. Texts also get through more often when networks are jammed.
How to do it
- Turn on Low Power Mode (iPhone) or Battery Saver (Android) in Settings.
- Turn the screen brightness all the way down.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if you aren't using them.
- Switch to Airplane Mode when you don't need a signal, and turn it off a few times a day to check messages.
- Text instead of calling.
Safety: Keep your phone warm in cold weather; batteries drain fast when cold.
Keep power banks charged
Cost: About $15-30 each.
Why it works: Stored power is ready the moment the lights go out.
How to do it
- Buy one or two power banks (10,000 mAh charges most phones about twice).
- Charge them fully and set a reminder to top them off every 3 months.
- Keep the right cables with them.
Safety: Don't leave lithium power banks in a hot car in summer.
Source: Ready.gov: Power Outages
AA-to-D battery adapters
Cost: About $5-10 for a pack of adapters.
Why it works: You only have to stock one battery size.
How to do it
- Pick AA as your main battery size and stock those (rechargeable ones are great).
- Buy adapters that let an AA fit where a D battery goes.
- Use them in old flashlights, lanterns and radios that take Ds.
Safety: An AA holds only about 1/5 of the power of a D, so the device runs out much sooner. Carry extra AAs.
Source: Ready.gov: Build a Kit
Paper copies of everything important
Cost: A few cents for copies and a bag.
Why it works: Dead phones and down networks happen. Paper always works.
How to do it
- Write down key phone numbers: family, doctor, pharmacy, insurance, work, school, an out-of-town contact.
- Copy IDs, insurance cards, prescriptions and important papers.
- Put it all in a zip bag with a paper map of your area.
- Keep one copy at home and one in your go-bag or car.
Safety: Store copies of IDs securely; they're sensitive.
Source: Ready.gov: Make a Plan
Write your phone number on your kids
Cost: Free.
Why it works: Little kids often can't remember phone numbers when scared.
How to do it
- Write your cell number on your child's forearm in Sharpie.
- Brush a thin coat of liquid bandage or clear nail polish over it so it lasts.
- Or tuck a card with your info in their shoe or backpack.
- Teach them: 'If we get separated, show this to a police officer or a mom with kids.'
Safety: Don't write their name where strangers can read it; just your phone number.
Source: Ready.gov: Make a Plan
Pick an out-of-town contact
Cost: Free.
Why it works: Long-distance calls and texts often get through when local lines are jammed.
How to do it
- Choose a friend or relative who lives in another state.
- Everyone in the family checks in with that person after a disaster.
- Write their number on everyone's paper contact card.
Safety: Make sure the contact knows they're the contact.