What Works Without Electricity?

Identify which everyday systems fail with power and establish low-tech backups for light, information, food, access and communication.

Start with the failure points

List the household systems you rely on: water, electricity, refrigeration, communications, transport, medication access and electronic payments. Then identify a simple backup for the failures that would affect you most.

Build in layers

• Information: know how you receive trusted alerts.
• Water and food: keep practical reserves you can safely store and rotate.
• Light and power: maintain safe lighting and charging options.
• Health: account for medications, first aid and household-specific needs.
• Communication: agree on contacts and meeting points.
• Evacuation: know routes, destinations and what would trigger leaving.

Keep the plan realistic

Small-space households benefit from compact, multipurpose supplies and clear decisions more than oversized collections of gear. Review your plan periodically as household needs, seasons and local risks change.

Continue building your plan

• Blackout Preparedness
• Communication During a Blackout
• Apartment Blackout Kit

City Ready Compass provides educational information, not individualized emergency, medical or legal advice.