In July 2023, Phoenix shattered records with 31 consecutive days over 110°F.
The relentless heat stretched the city’s power grid to its breaking point — and entire neighborhoods suddenly found themselves without electricity.
Many communities were affected, enduring a blackout that lasted nearly 18 hours.
Some headlines from the papers – The Washington Post & The New York Times:
In the middle of it all, Jason Miller, an ordinary dad of two, didn’t panic.
Thanks to a small decision he made months earlier, Jason kept his cool — and became the guy everyone turned to when the lights went out.
While many scrambled to cope with the sweltering conditions without electricity, Jason had a solution: a device he purchased earlier that year.
“I didn’t buy it because I’m paranoid or anything,” he told us, laughing. “I just wanted to be a little more prepared. I had no idea it’d make me the guy people came to when things got real.”
This is his story.
Jason Miller, 38, from Phoenix, Arizona
Father of two, weekend camper, and self-proclaimed “accidental prepper.”
A Few Months Earlier…
A purchase Jason made 5 months earlier would become invaluable during the blackout:
“A friend of mine told me about a new device he’d bought. He’s a construction worker and used it on construction sites to power his power tools when grid power is not available.“
“It caught my interest because we go RV camping with the kids quite often and a device like that seemed very practical for that purpose.“
“Also, blackouts occur more often than before so it looked useful in those situations as well.“
“I did some research about which portable power station to get and finally bought one that matched with my needs.“
👉 Check out this TOP 10 Portable Power Stations in 2025.
The First Thing I Powered Up? My Community.
When the power first cut out, Jason didn’t rush to save his own day — he saved everyone else’s too.
He pulled out his portable power station from the garage and put it on the driveway in the shade, quickly charged his family’s phones, and after a while, some neighbors started showing up.
Phones were plugged in. Medical devices powered up. We put Maddie, a newborn from three houses down the street in front of the fan that kept spinning in the oppressive heat.
“I remember thinking — this little grey box isn’t just powering my house… it is keeping my whole street connected,“ Jason said.
People were texting loved ones, checking on elderly relatives, getting critical news updates — all thanks to Jason’s quick action.
Power outages on the rise in the US due to more severe weather.
Calm, When Everyone Else Was Panicking
Jason admits: when the lights first flickered and died, there was a spike of fear.
“Mainly because of the heat — and because of my kids,” he said. “Also you never know how long it’s going to last. What do we do with our food in the fridge and freezer if this lasts for hours or maybe days?“
But that fear didn’t last long.
Within minutes, he had the power station humming.
“Once I had it running, it was like this wave of calm rolled in.
I looked at my kids and knew — we’re good. We’re going to be okay.”
While some others scrambled, Jason’s family stayed calm, collected, and — most importantly — safe.
What other people are saying:
Had a power outage once that ruined everything in the fridge. Total mess. A friend suggested getting a portable power station ( work with solar ).
The longest outage we’ve had in this house was “only” 9 hours, but in our previous house, we had three outages lasting anywhere from 24-48 hours in 8 years. The realtor that found our current house was without power for six days during the outage where we were without power for 48 hours. I may never actually need this, but I do feel better knowing it’s available.
You Don’t Have to Be a Prepper to Be Ready
Jason never considered himself a “prepper” or survivalist.
He didn’t buy his portable power station out of fear.
He bought it out of simple responsibility.
“I didn’t want to be the dad who’s caught unprepared.
I just wanted to have a plan, even a basic one,” Jason explained.
That small step — investing in a portable power solution — made the difference when it mattered most.
Today, Jason jokes that he’s become “that guy” in his neighborhood:
The one people thank. The one people now say: “I should probably get one of those too.”
More Than Backup — It’s Freedom You Can Feel
Since that blackout, Jason’s power station isn’t just gathering dust:
- 🏕️ It comes with them on camping trips.
- 🍖 It powers lights and speakers during backyard BBQs.
- ☀️ It charges up clean energy from portable solar panels.
“It’s not just for emergencies,” Jason says.
“It’s freedom. It’s knowing that no matter what, we’ve got options.”
That sense of control — the ability to take care of your family no matter what —
Jason says it’s the best investment he’s made in years.
Why Being Ready Makes All the Difference
✅ Why blackouts are happening more often:
Severe weather events are on the rise, causing more frequent and longer blackouts across the country. Experts agree: it’s no longer a rare emergency — it’s a new reality.
✅ How a portable power station keeps your home safe:
From keeping communication lines open to powering critical medical devices, keeping food from spoiling, and keeping the AC running, a portable station protects what matters most when the grid goes down.
✅ What most people don’t realize about grid reliability:
Most cities’ infrastructure is aging and under strain. Backup power gives you a plan B you control — not one you wait for.
✅ How easy it is to have backup power:
Today’s portable stations are lightweight, easy to charge with solar or regular outlets, and simple enough for anyone to use — no engineering degree needed.
✅ How we found the best stations for off-grid peace of mind:
Our team tested the most reliable, efficient portable power stations — so you don’t have to guess.
👉 Check out the full guide here to find your perfect backup power solution.
The Bigger Picture: Blackouts Are the New Normal
Jason’s story isn’t unique.
Across the United States, power outages have surged 64% over the last two decades — and over 80% are caused by extreme weather fueled by climate change (Data by Climate Central).
The reality is: blackouts are no longer “if.” They’re “when.”
And when they happen, being prepared isn’t just smart — it’s essential.
🔥 Days Until the Next Heatwave Season Begins:
If you’ve been thinking about getting your own backup power solution:
👉 Check out this TOP 10 Portable Power Stations Guide made by Experts.
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