Pittsburgh Power Outage: A Week Without Power, and the Lessons Learned

A major storm hit Pittsburgh on April 29th, 2025, leaving the author's family without power for six days and incurring costs of around $2600. Despite having emergency food, a Jackery battery system, and solar panels, the storm exposed a gap in their preparedness: the possibility of cars being trapped. The family experienced power outages, fallen trees, and damaged vehicles, relying on batteries and a subsequently purchased gas generator. This experience prompted reflection on emergency preparedness, highlighting the value of community support and mental resilience. The author encourages sharing experiences to improve emergency planning.