What to do in the event of a power failure?
Tips for preparing for emergencies
Created: 08/10/2022, 16:44
By: Vincent Bussow
In the event of a long-lasting power outage, it pays to have a few things on hand.
(Iconic image) © Julian Stratenschulte/dpa
In Germany, a power failure is often quickly remedied.
In an emergency, however, the consequences are catastrophic.
So it pays to be prepared.
Kassel – The dependence on electricity in our society is constantly increasing.
This is obvious in many places: electrical devices such as laptops and mobile phones have to be charged regularly, lamps and kitchen equipment are permanently connected to the power grid.
In fact, electricity in Germany now affects almost all areas of life.
With this growing dependency, the consequences of a potential power failure are also becoming increasingly dramatic.
It is therefore more worthwhile than ever to be prepared for emergencies.
According to an analysis by the Office for Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag (TAB), a prolonged, large-scale power failure would be tantamount to a national catastrophe.
In such a case, the infrastructure for communication, health and food supply would no longer exist.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) therefore advises people in Germany to make preparations for the blackout.
What to do in the event of a power failure?
Federal authority gives tips for preparation
When it comes to heat, the gas supply situation is currently the main focus in Germany.
In this country, heating is still mainly done with natural gas and oil.
Anyone who thinks that a power failure would have no effect on the heat supply is wrong.
Most heaters work electrically and therefore fail in an emergency.
For this reason, the BKK recommends purchasing an alternative heating source if possible.
If you have a fireplace or stove, you should stock up on fuel.
Otherwise, of course, thick blankets and warm clothing also help.
Power failure: what should be in the household?
Warm blankets and clothes
Battery operated flashlights, candles or camping lamps
camping stove
Charged power banks/ spare batteries
Cash
Power failure in Germany: How likely is the disaster?
The first thing people notice about a power failure is that the lights go out.
Especially in winter, when there are few hours of sunshine, non-electric back-up lighting is therefore helpful.
The BKK recommends battery-operated flashlights, candles, matches or lighters and camping lamps.
Outdoor products can also be used for nutrition.
This is how smaller meals can be prepared on a camping stove.
Of course, it is also advisable to have a supply of long-life foods that can be eaten cold.
According to the TAB's analysis, a power outage lasting several weeks and affecting various federal states is very unlikely.
Interruptions in the network are usually corrected within a short time, although the power supply in Germany was only interrupted for just over 12 minutes per consumer in 2019, as the Federal Network Agency announced.
Nevertheless, natural disasters such as the floods in NRW and Rhineland-Palatinate last year can also paralyze the network for a long time, with climate change making such occurrences more and more frequent.
So it pays to be prepared.
(vbu)
