Power cut – what really helps
Most power cuts are over quickly. If you are prepared, you can get through a longer one calmly, too. The checklists of Germany's BBK and the Austrian Civil Protection Association mainly name four things: light, information, food and warmth.
Light
- A torch and spare batteries
- Candles and a lighter or matches
Information
When internet and mobile networks fail, the radio remains. The BBK recommends a radio that runs on batteries, solar power or a crank, a charged power bank, a warning app such as NINA and a list of important phone numbers on paper.
In Austria, sirens warn the population. According to the civil protection association, a steady tone for three minutes means: turn on the radio, TV or internet. There is a test alarm on the first Saturday of every October.
Food without fridge and stove
Good choices are foods that need no fridge and can be eaten without cooking – or cook quickly. As an alternative way to cook, the BBK mentions a camping stove, for example, plus fuel.
Warmth
Warm clothes, blankets and sleeping bags help a lot. If you have a heater that works without mains power, keep fuel for it and use it only as the manufacturer intends.
With Vorrio
In Vorrio you find these things as a checklist under "Also important" – tick them off and see what is still missing.