Do you think severe storms and associated power outages are becoming more frequent?  Add in the effects of Space Weather and things could get worse.  Beginning in 2012 a new 11-year solar cycle will commence, bringing with it magnetic storms that could disrupt power supplies, transport and communications systems, causing widespread disorder around the world.  A new report by Lloyd's 360 Risk Insight and RAL Space, "Space Weather: It's impact on Earth and implications for business", examines the threat to business as the weather in the space around Earth nears its 'solar maximum' period, when its effects are likely to be most severe.  Lloyd's warns that this imminent threat could set society back at least 100 years.  I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but individuals and businesses should give some thought to what they would do in the event of a widespread power failure.  The most recent event of this nature was 2003.  Worse though, was the winter of 1989 when 5 million people in Quebec were without power for 9 hours due to a magnetic storm that shut down the power grid in 90 seconds.  Have we learned anything?  This article refers to the Lloyds report :  http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2010/11/08/114673.htm