In recent weeks, publications have appeared regarding an alleged global power outage that is supposedly set to begin next Wednesday, November 17th, and last for 90 days. However, this is merely a theory that combines three unrelated facts: a test of the emergency alert system in the United States, recommendations for creating emergency kits, and an episode of 'The Simpsons.'
The origin of this theory is linked to the announcement of a national test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in the US. According to American media, this test will be organized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) next Wednesday, November 17th, closer to noon.
US authorities stated that this is a national test of the EAS conducted by FEMA and that it is only a test that requires no action from the public. This will be the first national test of the system since 2023, and unlike previous ones, the alert will not be sent to citizens' mobile phones.
The system is a national public warning system that allows the President of the US to address the nation within 10 minutes in case of a serious emergency. Furthermore, it is used to disseminate information about emergencies, including weather warnings, immediate threats, AMBER alerts (related to missing children), and local notifications.
Although this could be routine information, as the test is conducted every three years, many internet users began linking it to the fact that several countries recommended citizens prepare a 72-hour emergency kit. A recent example was Brazil's National Civil Defense, which shared tips on social media last week about how to prepare an emergency kit, reminding that in the event of major disasters, aid may take a long time to reach some settlements due to access issues.
Later, the same body clarified on social media that 'discussions about emergency kits are not a sign of danger, but a sign that prevention is part of the routine.'
The theory of a possible 90-day outage is connected to the 'Fortress America' program announced by the Pentagon at the end of September. The goal of this program is to make key US military bases and facilities completely self-sufficient for a period of at least 90 days in the event of major conflicts, cyberattacks, or collapse of civilian infrastructure.
Finally, the series 'The Simpsons' is included in this theory, an animated series often associated with supposed predictions of events. It refers to an episode of season 35, which aired on November 19, 2023. In this episode, titled 'It’s a Blunderful Life,' the character Lisa mentions a power outage that plunged Springfield into darkness shortly before Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on November 26th this year. Although it was not directly mentioned that the fictional outage occurred on November 17th, Lisa opens a diary to recall the event, and this date appears.
