Rep. Arlene Beckles Encourages Georgians to Prepare, Participate and Partner in BLACKOUT Atlanta Challenge

ATLANTA - State Representative Arlene Beckles (D-Norcross) is encouraging Georgians, businesses, nonprofits, community organizations and civic leaders to support and participate in the BLACKOUT Atlanta Challenge, an overnight community preparedness experience taking place September 18-19, 2026, during National Preparedness Month. Presented by Environmental Community Action, Inc. (ECO-Action), Rep. Beckles emphasizes BLACKOUT Atlanta is designed to move preparedness beyond talking about emergencies and give participants a chance to practice the skills needed when power, communications, transportation and routine services are disrupted.

"Preparedness isn't about panic; it's about power," said Rep. Beckles. "When an emergency happens, we don't get to choose the circumstances. What we can choose is whether we are prepared. BLACKOUT gives families and communities an opportunity to practice, connect and build confidence before they need those skills."

Rep. Beckles notes the citywide experience will involve teams navigating supervised challenges focused on navigation, communication, water and food readiness, first-aid awareness, emergency decision-making, teamwork and problem-solving. Rep. Beckles is particularly encouraging Georgia businesses and organizations to step forward as community partners.

"Preparedness is a shared responsibility," added Rep. Beckles "Government cannot do it alone. Businesses, nonprofits, schools, faith organizations, community groups and residents all have a role to play. I am asking those who have the capacity to sponsor, donate resources, provide expertise, volunteer or connect this initiative to their networks to step forward."

Rep. Beckles further notes support can include in-kind resources, technical expertise, public education materials, volunteer support, constituent outreach and connections to philanthropic, corporate, institutional and community partners. She adds that the BLACKOUT Atlanta Challenge also provides an opportunity to strengthen awareness of the systems communities rely on every day, including water, energy, transportation, communications, public health and emergency response.

"This is about building a Georgia that is ready for whatever comes next," concluded Rep. Beckles. "Whether it is severe weather, a power outage that can severely impact our water and power grid, flooding, extreme heat, transportation disruption or a man-made emergency such as a cybersecurity attack, the best time to prepare is before the emergency happens."

Rep. Beckles encourages businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, community leaders and residents that are interested in partnering, donating, volunteering, participating or providing resources are to connect with ECO-Action and the BLACKOUT Atlanta Challenge here.

Editor's note: Rep. Beckles has provided a flyer with additional information, which is included below.

Representative Arlene Beckles represents the citizens of District 96, which includes a portion of Gwinnett County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Special Rules, State Properties and Technology and Infrastructure Innovation committees.

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