Is the winter blackout coming?
The Federal Office for Disaster Control provides tips for emergencies
Created: 08/09/2022 05:32
By: Lisa Mayerhofer
In the wake of the gas crisis, more and more people are concerned that there could be a power outage in winter.
The Federal Office for Disaster Control has tips for emergencies.
Berlin - A blackout in the middle of winter - that would be one of the most potentially dangerous consequences that could result indirectly from Russia's war against Ukraine.
So far, the power supply in Germany has been considered relatively secure.
However, no one can say for sure whether the gas crisis could lead to a shortage of electricity.
Gas crisis: Second stress test for German electricity supply
An analysis of the electricity supply published just a few days ago by the Ministry of Economic Affairs comes to the conclusion that "safe operation of the electricity supply network is guaranteed in the winter of 2022/23".
But you don't really trust it that much.
Because the house of Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) has already commissioned a second stress test, in which experts are to test and model the resilience of the German power supply under “further tightened conditions” – even fewer gas deliveries, even less nuclear power from France.
In Germany, electricity could become scarce in winter (symbol image).
© Roberto Almeida Aveledo/picture alliance/dpa/ZUMA Wire
Power failure: These things will help you in an emergency
The Federal Office for Disaster Control recommends making provisions for emergencies.
Because even storms or heavy snowfalls can damage power lines and possibly result in an electricity failure for several days.
A battery-powered radio or crank radio
is helpful
to stay informed in the event of a power failure .
This allows you to track important notifications and information from the authorities.
According to the Federal Office for Disaster Control, the following are also useful:
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A
camping
stove to be able to cook without a stove in the event of a power failure.
Alternatively, you can also use a (charcoal or gas)
garden or table grill
- but only outside.
It's worth stocking up on an emergency supply for ten days - here's the list.
A
flashlight
when the light goes out.
It should be battery powered or solar powered.
Crank flashlights are also suitable.
It is also worth keeping
candles
and matches or lighters on hand.
The same applies to battery-operated
camping or outdoor lamps
.
Depending on which model you choose, you should also have spare batteries on hand.
Charged spare batteries
, solar powered battery chargers or power banks can help you keep smartphones and laptops running.
If the heating fails,
warm clothing
(socks, sweaters, possibly a ski suit) and blankets are required
helpful.
A hot water bottle can also do a good job.
Cash
should always be available, as the ATMs will no longer work in the event of a power failure.
Gas Crisis: What else consumers can do
They should do one thing above all: save energy.
In winter, this becomes doubly important to keep the net stable and to protect your wallet.
Wherever and whenever lighting or continuous machines are not absolutely necessary in everyday life, they can be dispensed with.
Again and again there is the advice to completely unplug electronic devices or entertainment electronics that are not used regularly instead of leaving them in standby mode.
In addition, cogeneration – the parallel generation of electricity and heat from the same fuel – could increase efficiency.
For consumers, there are mini combined heat and power plants.
In industry, too, the excess amount of hot steam that is not required to move a turbine and then to operate a generator can be reused.
The efficiency is then higher.
(lma/dpa)
