By Dariusz Borys
Last Fourth of July turned into an unexpected disaster for the Rye Playland fireworks.
We were just about to enjoy the show when a powerful storm swept through the area, knocking down trees and forcing officials to evacuate everyone who had gathered to watch the fireworks. The storm also caused a major power outage in Rye, especially around the Playland area, leaving many residents without electricity for more than 24 hours.
The outage happened at night, and suddenly we had to figure out how to manage without power. Most of us are not prepared with battery-powered lights or emergency supplies, even though we know we should be.
We rarely expect the unexpected until it happens.
When the lights go out, everything changes.
There is no internet, cell service may become unreliable, and everyday routines come to a stop. We have become so dependent on our phones and online connections that we are constantly checking the news, scrolling through social media, or communicating with friends. For many people, losing that connection can feel overwhelming.
Experiences like this remind us to slow down and focus on what truly matters. As the saying goes, “Keep calm and carry on.” There is no benefit in blaming the weather or dwelling on bad luck. Instead, we should concentrate on making the best of the situation with the resources we have.
Fortunately, I remembered that I still had battery-powered candles from Christmas, a couple of camping lanterns, a portable speaker with a full charge, and enough battery remaining on my phone. We lit the candles and lanterns, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere while listening to calming music on Spotify. We gathered as a family, and even our neighbors stopped by to check on us. Before long, we were all enjoying great conversation and each other’s company.
We made it through the night and the following day, although we worried about the food in the refrigerator. In the end, the experience reminded us that life can change without warning. We may not always be prepared for every emergency, but the most important thing is not to panic.
Stay calm, make the best of the situation, and keep looking for solutions until the lights — and the sunshine — return.
