Blackout and urban survival

Materials

• Headlamp / flashlight – One light per person
• Battery lantern / LED light(optional) – To light a room
• Battery or crank radio – For official announcements
• Spare batteries
• Power bank – Keep charged
• Cash reserve – Small notes and coins
• Wool blanket / duvet(optional) – In case the heating fails too

Steps

1. 1

   List your dependencies

   Walk through your home: what stops working without power? Heating, cooker, fridge, phone, router, electric shutters, garage door, water pump, medical devices. Note what you need a substitute for.

2. 2

   Light without a flame

   Keep a torch or headlamp for every person in a fixed place you can find in the dark, plus spare batteries or a charged rechargeable light.

3. 3

   Secure a source of information

   A battery, crank or solar radio receives official announcements even when the internet and mobile networks fail. Note the frequencies of your regional stations.

4. 4

   Power for the phone

   Keep at least one power bank charged and charging cables ready. A car charging adapter is a supplement – only run the vehicle for this outdoors, never in a garage.

   Never run an engine in an enclosed space.

5. 5

   Keep cash at hand

   Card payments and cash machines usually do not work without power. A small cash reserve in small notes helps when shopping in stores that may still open.

6. 6

   Contact plan on paper

   Write important phone numbers, the address of a meeting point and a contact person outside the region on paper. The phone may be flat, and stored numbers are then out of reach.

7. 7

   Check supplies

   Keep drinking water, food that can be eaten without cooking, medication and warm blankets in stock – according to your authority's guidance.

8. 8

   Check regularly

   Check batteries, power-bank charge and expiry dates at fixed intervals, for example when the clocks change.

Common mistakes

• ×Relying only on candles for light
• ×Storing power banks empty in a cupboard
• ×Having all phone numbers stored only in the phone
• ×No radio – relying only on internet and apps
• ×No cash at home
• ×Running a generator or grill indoors

Limits and risks

• –No quantities – your own authority's recommendations apply
• –No guidance on backup-power systems in household wiring (qualified electrician)

Sources

1. [1]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-outage-preparation

Materials

• Headlamp / flashlight – Keeps hands free
• Battery lantern / LED light – To light a room
• Spare batteries
• Power bank(optional) – To charge USB-rechargeable lights

Steps

1. 1

   One light per person

   Give every person a torch or headlamp. Headlamps keep the hands free, for example on stairs or when cooking.

2. 2

   One room, one lantern

   Use one lantern for the shared living room. A headlamp shining into a bottle filled with water also spreads light around the room.

3. 3

   Save energy

   Use low brightness settings and switch lights off when not needed. Keep batteries and rechargeables ready, sorted by type.

4. 4

   If candles are used: firm rules

   Only in stable, non-flammable holders on a fire-resistant base, with distance to anything flammable, never unattended. Put them out before leaving the room or going to sleep.

   Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.

5. 5

   Extinguishing means at hand

   Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket within reach if naked flames are used. If a fire is not out immediately: get out, close doors, call the emergency number.

Common mistakes

• ×Letting candles burn while falling asleep
• ×Placing tealights directly on plastic or wood
• ×Candles on windowsills with curtains
• ×No spare batteries
• ×Having to search for lights in the dark

Limits and risks

• –No product recommendations
• –No fire-safety guidance beyond simple basic rules

Sources

1. [1]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-safe-lighting

Materials

• Portable generator
• Carbon monoxide alarm – Inside the home, especially near sleeping areas

Steps

1. 1

   Read the manual

   Read the manufacturer's manual before first use – not during the outage. Practise starting it in daylight.

2. 2

   Outdoor location

   Set the generator outdoors on firm, dry ground, far from windows, doors, vents and neighbouring buildings, with the exhaust pointing away from the house.

   Never in a garage, basement or carport – not even "just briefly".

3. 3

   Check carbon monoxide alarms

   Make sure battery-powered CO alarms in the home are working, especially near bedrooms.

4. 4

   Connect devices individually

   Connect devices directly to the generator using suitable, undamaged outdoor extension cords. Observe the generator's power limits.

5. 5

   Refuel safely

   Switch the generator off and let it cool, then refuel. Remove spilled fuel before restarting.

6. 6

   Watch for warning signs

   If the CO alarm sounds or symptoms such as headache and dizziness occur: everyone into fresh air immediately, call the emergency number, do not go back inside.

Common mistakes

• ×Running the generator in the garage with the door open
• ×Placing the generator directly under a window
• ×Feeding the generator into a house socket via a cable
• ×Refuelling while the engine is running or hot
• ×Using unsuitable or damaged extension cords

Limits and risks

• –No distance in metres – manufacturer's instructions and official guidance apply
• –No instructions for installing transfer switches or feed-ins
• –Fuel storage rules vary by region

Sources

1. [1]

   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

3. [3]

   World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe (2010): WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants (carbon monoxide chapter)

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-generator-safety

Materials

• Power bank – Store charged, top up every few months
• Mobile phone
• Battery or crank radio(optional) – Saves the phone battery for news
• Folding solar charger(optional) – Supplement for longer outages

Steps

1. 1

   Beforehand: keep power banks full

   Charge power banks fully and check them regularly, for example when the clocks change. When severe weather is forecast, charge all phones, power banks and rechargeable lights as a precaution.

2. 2

   Save power at once

   Switch on power-saving mode, turn down brightness, switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, close unneeded apps. If the network is gone anyway, constant searching for a signal uses a lot of battery – then use flight mode for a while and switch it off briefly at fixed intervals.

3. 3

   Divide phones in the household

   Do not use all devices at once: one phone stays on for emergency calls and warnings, others are switched off and kept as a reserve. Follow news on the radio rather than on the phone.

4. 4

   Keep the battery warm

   Cold reduces usable battery capacity. Carry the phone and power bank in an inside pocket close to the body, do not leave them on a cold windowsill.

5. 5

   Car as a charging station – outdoors only

   With a USB adapter the car can charge devices. For this the vehicle stands outdoors with a clear exhaust, nobody sleeps in it, and it is not left running unattended. With the engine off, do not drain the starter battery.

   Never run it in a garage or enclosed space.

6. 6

   Use public charging points

   In longer outages municipalities often set up contact points with backup power. Information comes via radio and notices. Bring your own cable and a multi-port USB plug.

Common mistakes

• ×Leaving power banks unused and empty in a cupboard for years
• ×Watching videos or constantly refreshing news apps during an outage
• ×Running the car in the garage to charge the phone
• ×Using all phones at the same time until all are flat
• ×No matching cable at hand

Limits and risks

• –No run-time figures – they depend on device, battery age and temperature
• –No product recommendations

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

2. [2]

   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance

3. [3]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-phone-charging

Materials

• Folding solar charger
• Power bank – As a buffer
• Cable ties(optional) – To fasten the panel

Steps

1. 1

   Test beforehand

   Check on a sunny and on a cloudy day how long your panel takes to charge a power bank noticeably. Then you know what is realistic in an emergency.

2. 2

   Position correctly

   Place the panel in direct sunlight without shade, outdoors rather than behind glass if possible, and face it towards the sun. Even shade on part of the surface can greatly reduce output.

3. 3

   Charge the power bank first

   Many phones stop charging when a cloud passes. A power bank usually copes better with fluctuating current; the phone is then charged from the power bank later.

4. 4

   Re-aim

   The sun moves. Re-aim the panel every one to two hours when you are at home.

5. 5

   Allocate energy

   Use what the panel delivers first for light, radio and one emergency phone – not for entertainment.

Common mistakes

• ×Calculating with the wattage printed on the label
• ×Leaving the panel behind a window or in partial shade
• ×Charging the phone in direct sun
• ×Unpacking the panel only in an emergency without ever testing it

Limits and risks

• –No output or charging-time figures – they depend on model, place and weather
• –No guidance on permanently installed solar systems (qualified installer)

Sources

1. [1]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-solar-charging

Materials

• Medication supply – As prescribed
• Insulated cool box(optional) – Only after checking with the pharmacy for medication that must be kept cold
• Document folder (waterproof) – Device list, contacts, plan
• Power bank(optional) – Only for devices the manufacturer approves for this

Steps

1. 1

   List devices and medication

   Note every power-dependent device with manufacturer, model, battery run time according to the supplier and hotline, plus all medication that must be kept cold.

2. 2

   Talk to professionals

   Clarify with the doctor, care service and device supplier: are there spare batteries or a spare device? May the device be connected to a power station or generator? Where to go if the power is off for longer? How is medication stored without a fridge?

3. 3

   Register where possible

   Some grid operators, municipalities or care services keep lists of people with power-dependent devices. Ask whether this exists in your region – it is no guarantee of priority help.

4. 4

   Keep batteries charged

   Always keep device batteries and approved spare batteries charged and check them regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. 5

   Set a trigger point

   Set down in writing at which remaining run time you get help or move – early enough that transport is still possible despite traffic chaos and network failure.

6. 6

   Involve supporters

   At least two people nearby know the plan, know where the documents are and drop by during an outage, even if the phone does not work.

Common mistakes

• ×Not knowing the actual battery run time
• ×Waiting too long before getting help
• ×Connecting devices to a generator or inverter without approval
• ×Candles near oxygen
• ×The plan existing only in one person's head

Limits and risks

• –No medical instructions – therapy and medication only as directed by a doctor
• –No device or product recommendations

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

3. [3]

   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-medical-devices-power

Materials

• Power bank
• Portable power station (battery with inverter)(optional)
• Folding solar charger(optional) – For recharging during longer outages

Steps

1. 1

   List the need

   Which devices, how many hours per day, how many days? Note the power draw (W) from the rating plate or manual.

2. 2

   Rough calculation

   Watts × hours = watt-hours per day. Plan with a clear margin because not all of the rated capacity is usable.

3. 3

   Choose to match

   For phone and lamp one or two power banks are usually enough. For mains devices a power station whose continuous output exceeds the draw of the largest device. Check the outputs (USB, 12 V, socket).

4. 4

   Keep charged

   Store according to the manufacturer and recharge regularly, e.g. whenever the clocks change. Charge fully when severe weather is forecast.

5. 5

   Use sparingly in an outage

   Communication and light first, comfort later. Supply devices directly via USB or 12 V where possible – this saves conversion losses. Switch the inverter off when not needed.

Common mistakes

• ×Calculating as if the printed capacity were all usable
• ×Storing batteries empty for years
• ×Fan heater or kettle on a power station
• ×Leaving it charging on a bed or sofa

Limits and risks

• –No product recommendations
• –No instructions for connecting to house wiring

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

3. [3]

   Thomas B. Reddy (ed.) – McGraw-Hill: Linden's Handbook of Batteries

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-power-banks-stations

Materials

• Power bank(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Make saving a habit

   Enable autosave and save manually at short intervals, especially when severe weather is forecast.

2. 2

   Back up

   Back up important data regularly to a second medium and a second location. For work data follow the employer's rules.

3. 3

   UPS for the essentials

   Connect computer, network storage or router to a small UPS. Check whether the computer shuts down by itself in an outage.

4. 4

   Be prepared offline

   Keep important contacts, the employer's emergency contact and documents available on paper or offline too. Keep laptop and power bank charged.

5. 5

   Unplug during the outage

   Unplug sensitive devices and plug them back in one by one only once power has returned steadily.

Common mistakes

• ×Not saving for hours
• ×Backups only on the same device
• ×Treating a UPS as backup power for hours
• ×Switching everything back on at once

Limits and risks

• –No IT security advice
• –No product recommendations

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-devices-data-protection

Materials

• Fridge and freezer thermometer – Shows how warm it got after the outage

Steps

1. 1

   Beforehand: thermometers and cold

   Put thermometers in the fridge and freezer. When severe weather is forecast, frozen water containers or ice packs help as an extra cold reserve.

2. 2

   Keep the doors closed

   Open the fridge and freezer as rarely as possible. According to the USDA, an unopened fridge keeps food safely cold for about 4 hours, a full freezer for about 48 hours (about 24 hours if half full).

3. 3

   Use non-perishable food

   Eat food that keeps without refrigeration first, so the appliances can stay closed.

4. 4

   Check after the outage

   Read the thermometers. The USDA advises discarding perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and leftovers if it has been above 4 °C (40 °F) for more than 2 hours.

5. 5

   Assess frozen food

   According to USDA guidance, frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 4 °C (40 °F) or below can be refrozen; quality may suffer. Judge everything else by the rules for chilled food.

6. 6

   When in doubt, throw it out

   If you do not know how long or how warm something was, throw it away. Never taste it.

Common mistakes

• ×Repeatedly checking whether everything is still cold
• ×Using smell or taste as a safety test
• ×Putting food outside to cool where sun and animals can reach it
• ×Cooking with charcoal indoors

Limits and risks

• –Guide values from US agency guidance; national authorities may differ
• –No detailed guidance on the shelf life of individual foods
• –No guidance on medication

Sources

1. [1]

   United States Department of Agriculture – Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS): Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-food-fridge-outage

Materials

• Fridge and freezer thermometer – One each in fridge and freezer
• Ice packs – Or frozen water bottles
• Insulated cool box(optional)
• Wool blanket / duvet(optional) – Only lay over the outside, keep vents clear

Steps

1. 1

   Beforehand: fill gaps

   Fill empty compartments in the freezer with water bottles (not filled to the brim) or ice packs. They hold cold during an outage and later also serve as cooling elements or utility water.

2. 2

   Beforehand: order

   Store frozen food packed together with raw meat at the bottom so that meltwater does not reach anything else. A contents list on the door saves long searching with the door open.

3. 3

   During the outage: keep it shut

   Keep doors and lids closed. Use food from the pantry and the fridge first, not from the freezer.

4. 4

   Relieve the fridge

   If it is clear that the outage will last longer, move perishable food (milk, meat, leftovers) into a cool box with frozen bottles – deliberately and quickly, not by constant opening.

5. 5

   Insulate outside – with care

   A blanket over the freezer can help; vents and the compressor area stay clear, and the blanket comes off as soon as the power is back.

6. 6

   Record the temperature

   Note the time the outage began and read the thermometers at the end. Then decide about the food according to the rules in the food-safety entry.

Common mistakes

• ×Checking again and again whether everything is still frozen
• ×Running the freezer half empty
• ×Covering the vents and forgetting about it
• ×Refreezing thawed food without checking
• ×Not noting the time of the outage

Limits and risks

• –No guarantee of particular holding times
• –No food assessment – see the food-safety entry

Sources

1. [1]

   United States Department of Agriculture – Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS): Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-freezer-management

Materials

• Toilet bags and absorbent
• Hygiene supplies – Soap, toilet paper, hand sanitiser
• Disposable gloves(optional)
• Food-grade water container(optional) – For utility water to flush
• Soap / detergent

Steps

1. 1

   Clarify: water gone or sewer disrupted?

   Follow radio announcements and the utility's instructions. Water outage only: bucket flush. Sewer problem, flood or a request not to flush: bag toilet.

2. 2

   Bucket flush

   Pour a few litres of utility water (rainwater, used washing-up water) briskly into the bowl. Do not flush every time if water is short – as agreed within the household.

3. 3

   Set up a bag toilet

   Empty the bowl or bail out the water, put in two strong bin bags or line a bucket with them. After each use sprinkle in some absorbent (cat litter, sawdust). Close the lid.

4. 4

   Seal and store bags

   Change bags as needed, press out the air, knot them firmly and store them in a closable container in a cool, shaded, child-proof place outside the living area. Dispose of them according to the municipality's instructions.

5. 5

   Organise hand hygiene

   A wash station next to the toilet: canister or bottle of utility water, soap, a catch bowl. Hand sanitiser supplements soap but does not replace washing when hands are visibly dirty.

6. 6

   Personal hygiene with little water

   A flannel wash instead of a shower, brushing teeth with a cup of drinking water, wet wipes in between. Collect used washing water for flushing the toilet.

Common mistakes

• ×Using up the drinking-water stock for flushing
• ×Continuing to flush when sewage backs up
• ×Storing bags open or in the living area
• ×Skipping handwashing because water is short
• ×Throwing wet wipes into the toilet

Limits and risks

• –No rules on waste disposal – the municipality decides these
• –No quantities for utility water

Sources

1. [1]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Water (emergency water supply guidance)

3. [3]

   Sphere Association (2018): The Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-toilet-hygiene-water-outage

Materials

• Wool blanket / duvet
• Carbon monoxide alarm(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Know your system

   Note heating type, location of the boiler and shut-off valves, the specialist's emergency number. Ask: does the system need power? Is there a wood stove that works without a fan?

2. 2

   Keep the heat in

   Close doors to unused rooms, gather in one room, close curtains and shutters at night, let in sun during the day. Air briefly rather than leaving windows tilted.

3. 3

   Keep people warm

   Wear layers, a hat, warm drinks, blankets and sleeping bags. Pay special attention to older people, the sick and small children.

4. 4

   Frost protection

   If the temperature in the building drops towards freezing, shut off the water and have pipes drained as agreed beforehand. Keep an eye on exposed pipes in cellar and garage first.

5. 5

   Restart

   When power returns, check whether the heating restarts by itself. If it shows a fault, use only the reset button the manual provides, otherwise call the specialist.

Common mistakes

• ×Assuming a gas boiler runs without power
• ×Heating with the oven
• ×Trying to keep the whole home warm
• ×Resetting a faulted boiler repeatedly

Limits and risks

• –No instructions for specific heating models
• –No substitute for a specialist

Sources

1. [1]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

3. [3]

   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Prevention guidance

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-heating-system-outage

Materials

• Food-grade water container – Food-grade, clean
• Collapsible water container or bag(optional)
• Galvanised bucket(optional) – Utility water only

Steps

1. 1

   Know your building

   Ask the management or caretaker: is there a booster pump or sewage pump? Does it have backup power? From which floor is there no water without the pump?

2. 2

   Stock in the flat

   Keep a drinking water stock for several days in food-grade containers and rotate it regularly. Also plan utility water for toilet and hygiene.

3. 3

   Fill immediately when the power fails

   If water still runs, fill containers, pots and a cleaned bathtub (as utility water). The remaining pressure often does not last long.

4. 4

   Save water

   Flush the toilet with a bucket only when needed; collect dishes, use wipes and hand sanitiser.

5. 5

   Organise fetching water

   Agree with neighbours where water still runs on lower floors or outdoor taps and who supplies older or sick people. Learn about official distribution points through radio and notices.

Common mistakes

• ×Collecting water only when the tap is already dry
• ×Drinking bathtub water without treatment
• ×Carrying full 20-litre cans alone up many floors
• ×Continuing to use a toilet without water until it blocks

Limits and risks

• –No quantities for individual households
• –No treatment instructions – see the water world

Sources

1. [1]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Water (emergency water supply guidance)

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-high-rise-water

Materials

• Battery or crank radio
• Power bank
• Spare batteries

Steps

1. 1

   Keep a radio ready

   Keep a battery, crank or solar radio with spare batteries and note the frequencies of the regional stations used for official information.

2. 2

   Know the warning channels

   Find out how your region issues warnings: sirens, radio, warning apps, mobile alerts (cell broadcast where available), loudspeaker vans. Set up warning apps while the network is still working.

3. 3

   Numbers on paper

   Write the most important numbers and addresses on a card for your wallet and go bag.

4. 4

   Messages instead of calls

   Short text messages need less network capacity and are often delivered as soon as there is a brief connection. Agree on short standard messages such as "Safe, at home".

5. 5

   Out-of-area contact

   A contact person in another region is often easier to reach than relatives in the affected area. Everyone checks in with that person and learns how the others are.

6. 6

   Save battery

   Turn on power-saving mode, lower brightness, close apps you do not need and switch the phone off at times when there is no network.

7. 7

   Local contact points

   Some municipalities set up contact points during longer outages where information and emergency calls are available. Find out in advance whether your municipality has such places.

Common mistakes

• ×Relying only on the internet and social media
• ×Phone numbers only in the phone
• ×Overloading networks with long calls
• ×Forwarding unverified rumours
• ×No meeting point agreed

Limits and risks

• –No radio-equipment or amateur-radio guidance
• –Warning systems and radio rules vary by region

Sources

1. [1]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Make A Plan

3. [3]

   European Commission: 112 – the European emergency number

   https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/112

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-communication-outage

Materials

• Battery or crank radio(optional) – To pass on information
• Labels and waterproof marker(optional) – For notices
• Headlamp / flashlight – For unlit stairwells

Steps

1. 1

   Get to know each other beforehand

   A chat in the hallway, a courtyard party or a notice is enough: who would like to take part during outages? Contact details on a paper list only with consent.

2. 2

   Clarify needs and skills

   Who lives alone, needs care, has small children or animals? Who has a radio, a stove for the garden, first-aid skills, a cargo bike? Voluntary and confidential.

3. 3

   Set up an information point

   During an outage put a notice in the entrance with date and time: current radio announcements, location of the emergency contact point, who in the building offers help.

4. 4

   Check regularly

   At fixed times ring or knock on the door of people who need support: warmth, water, medication, mood. Pass on concerns to relatives or authorities.

5. 5

   Share instead of hoarding

   Shared solutions save resources: one radio in the hallway, cooking together outdoors, sharing charging opportunities, pooling shopping.

6. 6

   Connect with official points

   One person goes to the municipality's emergency contact point, reports emergencies that cannot be reported otherwise and brings back information.

Common mistakes

• ×Trying to meet neighbours only during the outage
• ×Collecting or posting personal details without consent
• ×Passing on rumours instead of official information
• ×Putting yourself in danger while helping
• ×Visiting older neighbours only after days

Limits and risks

• –No legal advice on data protection or liability
• –No organisational rules for associations or initiatives

Sources

1. [1]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

2. [2]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-neighbourhood-help

Materials

• Headlamp / flashlight
• Battery lantern / LED light(optional)
• Spare batteries

Steps

1. 1

   Check the technology

   Check with the installer or manual whether the alarm, video doorbell and electric locks have a battery and how long it lasts. Keep a mechanical key ready.

2. 2

   Reduce opportunities

   Close doors and windows, do not leave basement windows or garages open, keep valuables out of sight. Close shutters as needed, keep the escape route clear.

3. 3

   Light without flame

   Solar or battery lights at the entrance and path help orientation. Headlamp for trips outside.

4. 4

   Neighbourhood

   Exchange phone numbers with neighbours, tell each other about absences and look out for each other. Note and report anything unusual factually; do not spread rumours.

5. 5

   Out in the dark

   Where possible do not go out alone, and only with a light; traffic lights fail – cross with extra care as a pedestrian.

Common mistakes

• ×Candles or torches in front of the house
• ×Barricading escape routes
• ×Approaching or following suspicious people yourself
• ×Assuming the alarm keeps running

Limits and risks

• –No legal advice
• –No assessment of security technology

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-outage-security

Materials

• Fridge and freezer thermometer
• Headlamp / flashlight(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Hazards first

   Check whether the cooker, iron, fan heater or other heating appliances are still switched on. Put out candles once the light is back.

2. 2

   Reconnect devices gradually

   First fridge, freezer and heating, then other devices one by one. Plug in sensitive electronics last.

3. 3

   Check heating and water

   Does the heating come back on? Some systems need a reset according to the manufacturer. In case of a fault, gas smell or error message, call a qualified technician or the gas emergency service. Follow the water utility's instructions, for example whether tap water has to be boiled.

4. 4

   Assess food

   Read the thermometers and estimate how long the outage lasted. Decide according to food-safety rules what stays and what is thrown away.

5. 5

   Reset clocks, alarms and devices

   Check alarm clocks, timers, alarm systems and routers. Check medical devices according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. 6

   Restock supplies

   Charge power banks and batteries, replace used batteries, water and food. Note what was missing – that is the most valuable lesson from the outage.

Common mistakes

• ×Switching all devices back on at the same time
• ×Switching on wet appliances or installations
• ×Continuing to use food without checking
• ×Forgetting burning candles once the light is back
• ×Not restocking supplies

Limits and risks

• –No guidance for work on electrical installations
• –No manufacturer-specific reset instructions

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

2. [2]

   United States Department of Agriculture – Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS): Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-power-restoration

Materials

• Headlamp / flashlight(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Explore beforehand

   Read the manuals for garage door, gate and shutters, find the release or crank and practise once in daylight. Check whether the front door opens with the key without the electric opener.

2. 2

   Keep keys ready

   Keep a mechanical key for front door, garage and letterbox at hand. If the car usually stands in the garage, consider parking outside when a storm is forecast.

3. 3

   If the lift stops

   Stay calm, press the alarm button and speak when someone answers. If the phone has signal, inform the building management or emergency services. Sit down, save light, wait for helpers.

4. 4

   Avoid the lift

   When outages are announced or the power flickers take the stairs. People who cannot use stairs plan with neighbours how they will be supplied instead of risking the lift.

5. 5

   Release the door

   Door closed, drive without power, manual at hand: operate the release, move the door slowly with both hands. If it is heavy or hangs crooked, stop and call a specialist.

Common mistakes

• ×Climbing out of the lift
• ×Looking for the release for the first time in the dark
• ×Walking under a half-open door
• ×Not owning a mechanical key

Limits and risks

• –No instructions for specific door or lift models
• –No technical maintenance

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-lifts-electric-doors

Materials

• Cash reserve
• Document folder (waterproof)(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Decide on an amount

   Consider what food, medication and possibly travel would cost for a few days. A modest reserve is better than none.

2. 2

   Small denominations

   Keep small notes and coins, split between two places (e.g. supplies cupboard and go bag).

3. 3

   Fuel and consumption

   Petrol pumps need power. Do not run the tank nearly empty when severe weather is forecast.

4. 4

   Key details on paper

   Keep bank details, card blocking number, insurance numbers and contacts in a document folder.

5. 5

   Check and refresh

   Check the reserve once a year and refill immediately after use.

Common mistakes

• ×Only large notes
• ×All cash in one place
• ×Trusting that cash machines work in an outage
• ×Spending the reserve on everyday purchases and not replacing it

Limits and risks

• –No financial or insurance advice
• –No recommended amount

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Build A Kit

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-cash-payments

Materials

• Battery or crank radio
• Non-perishable food
• Spare batteries
• Cash reserve(optional)

Steps

1. 1

   First hour

   Check whether only your own home is affected (fuses, neighbours). Switch on the radio, unplug sensitive devices, note the time for the fridge, fill water while it still runs.

2. 2

   First day

   Keep the fridge closed, eat perishable food first. Phone in power-saving mode, ration batteries. Keep heat in one room. Check on neighbours with special needs.

3. 3

   Days two to three

   Count supplies and water, organise toilet and hygiene without running water, keep a daily structure with set times for meals, sleep and news. Follow official information on help points and water and food distribution.

4. 4

   Decision point

   Check deliberately every day: heat, water, medication, health, energy. If any becomes critical, plan a move to relatives outside the area or to a help point – while there is still daylight, fuel and strength.

5. 5

   If you leave

   Leave a note on the door or for the family, shut off water and power as planned, take medication, documents, chargers and warm clothing.

Common mistakes

• ×Using up all light and batteries on the first day
• ×Opening the fridge constantly
• ×Holding out too long until fuel, light or health run out
• ×Following only rumours from the stairwell

Limits and risks

• –No fixed deadlines for when to leave
• –No substitute for official instructions

Sources

1. [1]

   Ready.gov – U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Power Outages

2. [2]

   Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK), Deutschland: Ratgeber für Notfallvorsorge und richtiges Handeln in Notsituationen

   https://www.bbk.bund.de

3. [3]

   U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness

Rev. 1 · Online version: https://survivebetter.com/en/explore/blackout/bo-multi-day-outage