Stockpiling for disaster: What does the Pentagon know that it isn’t telling us?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Living off the grid is no picnic. While people may choose to unplug for the weekend and escape the noise of the city, the simple pleasures of a few days outdoors is very different from surviving when there are no utilities or modern amenities available.

That’s why it’s alarming that while the U.K. has instructed its citizens to stockpile food, water and cash for a possible massive disruption, the Pentagon has only advised military bases to plan to operate off the grid for up to 90 days. American civilian leaders have been left out of the loop.

It is no secret that we are in a war with Iran. Iran is not a backwater. It has been a pariah state for decades, but it does have the technical abilities and know-how to launch a cyberattack. Whether there is a specific threat that has raised concerns within the Department of Defense, or Secretary Pete Hegseth has just learned of his adversaries’ capabilities, we don’t know.

Either way, a cyberattack by Iran that could disrupt civilian life in the U.S. and in other Western countries is not outside the realm of possibility.

That’s why the Department of Defense’s handling of the threat is so troubling. If American civilians are at risk, they have a right to know. Just as important for managing the threat, America’s governors and mayors must be read in to the situation to begin planning for the worst.

When I managed the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, none of that effort was a one-man show. We organized people and resources from across the federal, state and local levels. That’s how we were able to get food, water and medical care to those in need. It’s also how we were able to restore safety and order and begin the long process of rebuilding after a major disaster.

If there is an attack, or if some other tragedy strikes, the situation cannot be handled solely from behind a desk in Washington. State officials and local leaders should be made aware of any threats to their people and be brought into the planning process as much as possible. They will be part of the disaster management and recovery regardless.

Three months without power isn’t a laughing matter. It would mean far worse than the temporary loss of creature comforts. Ninety days without an electrical grid would mean no heating and refrigeration, disruptions to food, water and fuel supplies and more. People, whether sick in the hospital or completely healthy, would die otherwise completely preventable deaths. While a sound plan for civilian leaders may not save every life, it would go far in maintaining stability and stopping countless additional tragedies from ever happening.

If there is an imminent threat, the least the Pentagon can do is read civilian leaders in as soon as possible, so that emergency plans can be updated and resources can be put into position. And if the threat is not imminent, or the concern is more general, then that should also be made clear. No one benefits from panic or confusion.

For those concerned about protecting their households during a disaster, my advice remains consistent. Purchase several days of nonperishable food. Keep multiple gallons of water for each member of the family for every anticipated day of disruption. Stock up on batteries, and make sure you have any and all prescriptions filled. And in case your phone cannot be recharged or cellular service is lost, keep a battery-operated or hand-cranked radio as well, so you can continue to monitor the situation.

With a few simple steps, you can help ensure your family’s safety, even when the lights go out.

Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré (Ret.) is the former commander of the U.S. First Army who led recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, he led the official review of Capitol security.