I used to live on an island with a pop of 5,000, power from cables from the mainland. Power cuts were a part of life, and we were well set up. We were on rain water with a pump, so had water stored in 20 litre containers, LPG single burner, kero hurricane lamps, candles. So when there was a power cut everyone knew what to do - one step from the kitchen and lift the lamps from their hooks, by then the kids would've lit the candles...who ever was cooking would transfer over to the gas cooker. We never use processed food...why have a can of beans when you have beans ? Flour, rice, beans, sugar, salt, whatever, we have it all. We can make all our meals and bread too...although you need an oven for that.