Is there a risk of electricity going out in German households in winter? Cities and municipalities are warning of this. They advise having water and food on hand. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) goes even further and has a list of emergency measures.
In view of the energy crisis, the German Association of Towns and Municipalities has warned of widespread power failures in Germany. “There is a risk of a blackout,” said managing director Gerd Landsberg of “Welt am Sonntag”.
Landsberg specifically warned of the risk of “overloading the power grid – for example if the 650,000 fan heaters sold this year go on line if the gas supply fails”.
Whether that will happen, no one can know at the moment. But if you fear an energy blackout, you should take precautions. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) gives advice on this.
The BBK advises consumers to be very clear before a crisis occurs:
The authority names specific incidents such as “storms, floods or power failures”. The advice of the BBK:
light
Here, the BBBK advises to have various emergency light sources ready. This includes:
Flashlights: There are numerous technical variants. If it is a battery-powered model, there should be enough spare batteries.
Candles with lighter
Camping or outdoor lamps: Sufficient spare batteries and/or suitable fuel should be available here.
To reduce the risk of fire, consumers should use fireproof containers whenever possible. Lanterns also help to avoid danger.
kitchen
Smaller meals can be prepared on camping stoves. However, the devices should never be left unattended, warns the BBK. If you have a table grill, you can also use it on your balcony or in the garden.
In addition, consumers can stock up on long-life foods that can be eaten cold.
The BBK has a consumer checklist on its website. In it, the authority specifies stock levels that a person needs for ten days. This includes:
Consumers should stock up more supplies depending on their own preferences – such as honey, jam, sweeteners and ready meals.
Batteries in laptops, mobile phones, landline phones should always be charged. Have spare batteries ready in case the ones you are currently using fail.
Solar powered chargers also help with power outages.
Battery-powered radios are also helpful – they enable official information to be heard in the event of a longer power outage.
Also important: keep some cash at home. Because in the event of a power failure, ATMs no longer work!
If you can heat with a fireplace or stove in addition to central heating, you should stock up on coal, wood or other fuels for emergencies. In the run-up to a possible blackout, consumers can check whether an alternative heating source can be installed in their property. Be sure to seek expert advice on this.
If the emergency has already occurred and heating alternatives are not available, then those affected should replace the failed heating “with warm clothing and blankets” for a while. According to the BBK, it makes sense to use a room and keep the doors closed – that keeps the heat in the room. Nevertheless, it is important to ventilate regularly.
