The Pentagon and Britain are bracing for the power to go out. The ultrawealthy got there first, with backup generators, escape homes, and stockpiles

The Pentagon and Britain are preparing for potential power outages, with the ultrawealthy already ahead of the curve. The U.S. military aims to keep major bases in the 48 contiguous states operational for 90 days if the grid goes down due to a war. This is part of the FORTRESS program, which focuses on self-sufficiency in water, fuel, communications, and power. Meanwhile, the UK government's Be Ready campaign urges citizens to stock up on essential supplies for three days in case of service failures.

The ultrawealthy have been proactive in preparing for such scenarios, with many investing in backup generators, escape homes, and stockpiles of supplies. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is building a $270 million compound on Kauai, Hawaii, complete with an underground shelter equipped with its own energy and food supplies. Other tech moguls like Sam Altman and Reid Hoffman have also spoken about their preparations, detailing their own "apocalypse insurance" investments, which include firearms, gold, and remote retreats.

Real estate agents working with the wealthy report a growing emphasis on safety measures, including backup power systems, multiple properties, and even underground bunkers. In Palm Beach, Florida, the proximity of Mar-a-Lago to security concerns related to the Iran war has made this stretch of South Ocean Boulevard a selling point rather than a nuisance.

Similarly, Miami-based real estate agents report that buyers are increasingly asking about power grid reliability, property elevation, and generator availability when considering luxury properties.