The electricity in my city went off for about 5 hours because of a wildfire and it made me think,what would happen if it didnt come back on for a few days or even weeks. What would society look like?I know people might say well the electricity will come back on eventually and everything will be fine. That may not always be the case, in widespread events people can sometimes panic leading to a death spiral. Electricity goes out for a few days, grocery stores have to run generators sending the food price through the roof.Also businesses in the food supply chain rely on electricity to run so they will also have disruptions, this could lead to shortages then You will have people most likely robbing and looting. This will further exasperate the problem. Now the grocery stores need repairs and no one will work in them because its too dangerous. People will turn over food trucks and eventually there will be no food being delivered. It will every man for himself. Depending on how strong your society is, a simple blackout could be the end it just depends on how long it is.
Man, five hours is rough, but imagining it lasting weeks is a whole different level. You’re right—people underestimate how quickly things can spiral when basic systems fail. Even just a couple of days without power can cause chaos, especially in cities where food and water depend on constant supply chains. It really makes you think about having some backup plans in place—generators, food storage, or even just knowing how to function without tech. Society is more fragile than we like to admit.
I have a very large outdoor generator that flips on automatically when the power goes off. It has rechargeable electric functions as well as solar panels to keep the thing recharged. I have a 6 foot high stone wall and 2 very large dogs. (very mean/aggressive) I also maintain a contract with a security firm that regulary drives by and sometimes parks in front of my home. I have cameras everywhere and a well stocked basement. And....I will not admit online as to what I have hidden in my bedroom drawer.
Back in '98 the power in the centre of my city went off for 6 weeks. Residential areas were ok, but it must have sucked to be in an apartment in the CBD though. Every generator in the country got shipped in. As with most things, the wealthy will go and stay elsewhere - holiday homes etc - the poor will set up fires in their backyards, and the middle class will be stuck with BBQs every night.
A few years ago, we had power go out for a few days in the middle of winter. I sent the wife and kids to stay with relatives who had power and I stayed in the family room that had a fireplace for warmth. Usually, however, the power goes out for a few hours and is mostly inconvenient, sitting in the dark with no Internet. Last year, we bought a whole house electric generator and, fortunately, have not yet had the need for it to kick in as the power has not gone out since. The bigger issue is if a massive solar flare hits the earth and basically fries all electrical devices and wiring. Last time this happened was in the 1800's, I believe, so it was not a major event as electricity and electrical devices were minimal. This time, if it hits, we will lose all devices that utilize electricity, power lines, etc. Think satellites, planes, cars, phones, refrigerators, power plants, hospitals (their emergency generators will also be fried), etc., etc., all totally toast and not likely to be repaired for years.
I have zero percent fear by virtue of the fact that a few years ago I purchesed one of your Solar Flare Model tinfoil hats. I know that as soon as a solar flare hits, all I have to do is install said hat and I'll be 100% protected on all fronts. Your iron clad gaurantee tells me so.