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Ready for Downtime: Preparing for Unexpected Internet and Power Outages

AMY MCCOY, DO
SOFIA MUENYI, MD
REETU GREWAL, MD, FAAFP
MISSY BROOKER, RN

FPM. 2026;33(2):21-26.

Author disclosures: no relevant financial relationships.

This content conforms to AAFP criteria for CME.

Cyberattacks and natural disasters can leave primary care clinics without power or access to key online systems. Here's how to keep operations going.

Dr. McCoy is a family physician in Jacksonville, Fla.

Dr. Muenyi is an assistant professor, a registered nurse clinical educator in the University of Florida's Department of Community Health and Family Medicine-Jacksonville.

Dr. Grewal is a professor, a registered nurse clinical educator in the University of Florida's Department of Community Health and Family Medicine-Jacksonville.

Missy Brooker is a registered nurse clinical educator in the University of Florida's Department of Community Health and Family Medicine-Jacksonville.

Author disclosures: no relevant financial relationships.

  1. 1.Olsen E. Change Healthcare data breach officially affects 100 million people. Cybersecurity Dive. October 25, 2024. Accessed Jan. 13, 2026. https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/change-healthcare-data-breach-exposure/731009/
  2. 2.Study: Storm-driven blackouts left thousands without care as clinics closed across Southeast. Direct Relief. Aug. 18, 2025. Accessed Feb. 4, 2026. https://www.3blmedia.com/news/study-storm-driven-blackouts-left-thousands-without-care-clinics-closed-across-southeast
  3. 3.Frieden M, Straw I, Kahl N, et al. Cybersecurity preparedness and resiliency in a family medicine clinic. Fam Pract Manag. 2025;32(3):26-30.
  4. 4.Fahrenholz CG, Smith LJ, Tucker K, Warner D. Plan B. A practical approach to downtime planning in medical practices. J AHIMA. 2009;80(11):34-38.
  5. 5.VFC Operations Guide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated July 1, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/media/pdfs/2024/08/vfc-ops-guide_version-4.0_july-2024_low-res-508-rev-2.pdf
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Identifying and Responding to Highly Manipulative Patients
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