You’ve probably seen the posts by now: dramatic all-caps warnings that the U.S. is planning a 90-day blackout. The rumor spread quickly across social media, but it doesn’t match what the Pentagon actually announced. On Sept. 30, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled FORTRESS America, a long-term military readiness strategy. The goal is to make sure every military department and defense agency could operate independently for at least 90 days with access to water, electricity, fuel and communications, even during a cyberattack or sabotage. It’s a preparedness plan, not an announcement of a blackout or an impending attack.
The initiative rests on five pillars, including energy independence and cyber resilience. Experts say the concern is legitimate: more nations are engaging in cyberattacks, and the plan is designed so the military can fight and win under any circumstances. The confusion likely comes from the 90-day number, which refers to how long agencies could sustain themselves, not how long your lights would be out.
Here on the Suncoast, we know a thing or two about preparing for the unexpected, from hurricane season to red tide summers. The lesson here is simple: read the plan, not just the post. Have your own emergency kit ready, and check a reliable source before sharing something scary. What’s your go-to way to verify a viral claim before you hit share?
