A Power Cut Is Not a Reason to Break Down and Cry. There Are 5 Important Things You Need to Take Care of during a Blackout
Growing prices of coal and gas stir some concerns in several European countries. Austria, Switzerland and Germany anticipate the so-called blackouts, that is temporary breaks in power supply.
Nov 19, 2021 | updated: 6:45 AM EST, November 19, 2021
Preparing for a blackout
One of Austrian TV channels broadcast a film showing what to do when the lights go out. The priority is to stay calm and have a supply of candles. You will also need a battery-powered radio and a gas-powered camping stove.
#1 Get some supplies
Of course such a situation can happen anywhere. We all need to know how to behave when most of our household appliances do not work. As you can guess, there are a few things you need to put on your shopping list so that you can always have at hand the following items:
• candles
• flashlights
• batteries
• matches
• tinned food
• a first aid kit
• a battery-powered radio
• bottled water
Of course buying a power generator is also a worthwhile option.
#2 Cooking
Gas or gasoline camping stoves are priceless when the blackout lasts very long. If you don’t have either of them, you can use a casserole dish and tea lights to heat a dish. In much the same way you can boil some water.
#3 DIY illumination
Making a lamp yourself is also an option. You will need two LED lamps. Put a large bottle or a jug filled with water on them. You will be surprised how much light you will get.
If you have battery-powered Christmas lights, they will do the job, too.
#4 Preserving food
A power cut in the winter is not that bad as you can put the quickly perishing food outside. If that happens in a warm time of the year, try to process the food that may go off. Of look for the coldest place in the house (basement) and store it all there.
#5 Fast charging
You can use your car to charge phones and power banks. Still, limit driving to absolute minimum during blackouts as with the traffic lights and lamps off, it could be really dangerous.