Washington, DC – Federal agencies and emergency management experts are urging nationwide readiness as the U.S. approaches the 2025 solar maximum, a peak period of solar and space weather activity that could temporarily affect power grids, GPS systems, internet connections, and aviation operations across the country.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and emergency management firm APTIM, the increase in solar flares and geomagnetic storms from the sun could cause widespread but preventable disruptions. Agencies emphasize that early preparation can reduce impacts to both households and critical infrastructure.
National Solar Storm Preparedness Checklist
For Households:
- Build an emergency kit: Include bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, first aid supplies, and necessary medications.
- Charge and back up devices: Keep phones, laptops, and power banks ready before potential outages.
- Use surge protectors: Protect electronics from sudden power surges linked to geomagnetic disturbances.
- Store extra batteries or solar chargers: Maintain options for recharging during extended blackouts.
- Backup important data: Save critical files offline or on secure external drives.
- Keep one non-cordless landline phone: It can still function during broadband or cellular interruptions.
- Create a family contact plan: Choose one out-of-town contact in case communication lines are disrupted.
- Keep extra water frozen: Helps maintain cold storage if the power grid fails.
- Know manual garage access: Ensure garage doors can open manually during an outage.
- Monitor official updates: Follow NOAA’s Space Weather alerts for real-time solar storm forecasts.
For Businesses and Facilities:
- Backup operational systems and data: Store essential digital records securely offline.
- Install surge and grounding protection: Safeguard IT systems and power infrastructure.
- Test backup generators: Confirm emergency power sources are functional and fueled.
- Develop contingency plans: Outline how to maintain operations during grid or communication failures.
- Coordinate with partners and suppliers: Prepare for temporary disruptions in data, logistics, and energy.
- Train staff on response plans: Ensure employees know emergency procedures and communication channels.
National Readiness Effort
The U.S. is one of several countries preparing for increased solar activity as the sun’s 11-year cycle reaches its peak in 2025. NOAA continues to track potential space weather threats and issue alerts for strong solar flares or coronal mass ejections. While most events cause limited disruption, emergency agencies stress that readiness now can help safeguard technology, infrastructure, and daily life nationwide.
