Should there actually be a power outage in winter, it is advisable to make some preparations.
We show what things you should have in the house.
The German Association of Towns and Municipalities has warned of widespread power failures in winter 2022/23.
Specifically, City Day boss Gerd Landsberg fears an "overload of the power grid - for example, if the 650,000 fan heaters sold this year are connected to the grid, should the gas supply fail," he was quoted as saying by
Welt am Sonntag
.
In his opinion, the danger of a blackout in Germany is definitely given.
The Federal Government has revised this scenario with a reference to a stress test recently carried out - even if "crisis situations from time to time" cannot be completely ruled out.
Energy experts like Christoph Maurer from the consulting firm Consentec see Germany well armed: "The fear is largely scaremongering," the expert said
ntv
.
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For a possible power failure in Germany, everyone should have food supplies for at least 10 days at home.
© Jochen Tack/Imago
If you still want to be prepared for an emergency, you should take precautions.
We show what effects a power failure can have on the supply of food, heat and light and what items can help you in an emergency.
You will also find out which emergency supplies should be in the house to get through a blackout.
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What happens if the power goes out in Germany?
If there is a so-called blackout or a large-scale power failure in Germany, not only the apartment remains dark.
In addition to refrigerators and freezers, the heating can also fail and it gets very cold.
Drinking water often no longer comes out of the tap.
The ATM no longer spits out money, card payments don't work, supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations remain closed.
Food and beverages can quickly become scarce.
But not only the supply of food, light and heat threatens to fail in the event of a long-lasting power failure.
Communication also succumbs when the mobile phone battery is empty, WLAN, laptop and landline telephone no longer work and TV and radio sets are idle.
You forget these spots all the time when cleaning
You forget these spots all the time when cleaning
Tips for preparing for a power failure
However, you can prepare well for many of the situations mentioned.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) provides recommendations on its website as to which items and food can be useful in the event of a blackout:
Stock up on emergency supplies:
The BKK recommends storing food and drink supplies for at least 10 days.
This also includes 2 liters of liquid per person per day.
If you have pets, also think about stocks of feed, bedding, etc. We show a checklist for a sufficiently large emergency stock here.
Batteries:
Have charged replacement batteries or power banks for mobile phones, laptops and telephones ready for emergencies.
Solar powered battery chargers can be of real help.
Cash Reserves:
Remember to have cash on hand in case the ATMs stop working.
Emergency
radio: Get yourself a crank radio or battery-powered radio with spare batteries to keep track of communications from authorities in an emergency.
Camping stove, garden or table grill:
If the power goes out, you can
You can also prepare dishes on a camping stove or grill (outdoors!).
Have gas and charcoal ready for this.
Flashlight, candles and matches/lighter or camping lamp will
provide you with light during the power outage.
Think of batteries or fuels such as petroleum.
Flashlights are also available in solar or crank versions, which work independently of batteries.
Wood, coal, briquettes
for stoves.
Blankets and warm clothing will
keep you warm for a while.
Always good to have in the house: a well-stocked medicine chest and an emergency backpack with the most important documents and clothing.
List of rubrics: © Jochen Tack/Imago