Scenarios
Five outages that can cut you off from your money, your news or your lights, and what to do about each.
Each scenario walks through what stops working, what still works, what to do in the first 24 hours, and how to get through a full week. They overlap on purpose. Prepare for one, and you've covered a lot of the others.
IllustrationCard networks down
Tap, chip, and phone wallets stop working at the register. Stores that stay open take cash only, often exact change.
Read the scenario
IllustrationInternet and cell outage
Home internet is out and mobile data is weak or gone. Maps, messaging, banking apps, and news sites won't load.
Read the scenario
IllustrationPower outage in an apartment
A blackout knocks out payment terminals, Wi-Fi, elevators and phone charging all at once, and your fridge keeps food safe for only about 4 hours.
Read the scenario
IllustrationAutomation cascade
A failure in automated software spreads across payment processors, logistics, and apps that all depend on it. This is a teaching scenario, not a prediction.
Read the scenario
IllustrationBank and ATM access
Your balance is fine, but the app is down, ATMs are empty or offline, and branches are busy or closed.
Read the scenario