A power outage may also disrupt communications, water, and transportation. It may cause the closure of retail businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, ATM's, banks, and other services. Facing an outage without planning ahead could leave you unprepared to face an extended outage. You wouldn't want an outage to prevent your use of some medical devices, and even the possibility of having your food spoil.
It is imperative that you do all you can to be prepared in the event of an unexpected power outage.