A power outage is any unplanned loss of electricity, whether it lasts five minutes or several days. Causes range from storms and equipment failure to high demand during extreme heat or cold.
Contrary to what many people believe, you don't need a generator or a fully stocked bunker to handle most outages well. A few basics, kept on hand and easy to find in the dark, cover most situations.
Outages tend to unfold in stages: the first confusion, a period of figuring out how long it will last, and then either a quick return to normal or a longer stretch that requires more careful management.
As a resident, your job is not to predict how long an outage will last. Your job is to handle the first few minutes calmly, conserve what matters, and watch for signs that the situation needs more than waiting it out.
It'll be back any minute. Some outages last minutes; others last days. Plan as if it could be longer.
Opening the fridge to check is harmless. Each time you open it, cold air escapes and food safety time shrinks.
A generator solves everything. Generators carry serious risks (carbon monoxide, fire) if used incorrectly.
If you're unsure how long an outage will last, prepare as though it could be extended. It's far easier to relax precautions once power returns than to scramble once supplies run low.