When the power goes out, you have several options for preparing meals:
1. Find a restaurant with power. (This may not always be possible especially in widespread disasters.)
2. Use a grill, hibachi, rocket stove, Dutch oven, or camp stove. (This must be done outside and can require special cookware except for the camp stove.)
3. Use a solar oven. (This can only be used during the day and when there is sun.)
4. Prepare “heat only” foods (like canned soup, stew, chili) or “just add water” foods (like instant soup or oatmeal) using a canned heat stove.
5. Prepare raw foods or canned foods that do not need heating.
6. Prepare easy-to-cook meals on a one burner butane stove.

All options are viable (except maybe #1!) if prepared for adequately. Choose more than one to always have a way to cook since the length of the power outage, the time of day, and the weather can all affect which method you use.