Preparing for a blackout

Stadt Salzburg has prepared plans for general power failure or blackout.

Although it seems unlikely, the pandemic showed the importance of thorough planning for major emergencies.

According to Provincial Councilor Josef Schwaiger:

“The energy supply in Europe is currently fragile, which will be particularly noticeable in the cold months. At the moment we are all saving energy voluntarily. If this is not sufficient, some large consumers have to be switched off, and planned regional shutdowns for a few hours are also possible. If these measures are not sufficient to stabilize the power grid, an unplanned blackout could occur. And that’s exactly what you have to be prepared for.”

This link provides information about being prepared for a blackout and stockpiling food: https://stadt-salzburg.at/news/blackout/

There is a leaflet (in German) about what and how much to stockpile: https://www.salzburg.gv.at/energie_/Documents/energiesparen/folder_bevorratung-1.pdf

In short:

Supplies for at least two weeks Just in case, every household should be able to survive for two weeks without shopping or electricity. Without food we can survive for a relatively long time, without liquid only a few days. The average daily requirement for an adult is 2.5 liters, of which about 1.5 liters is in the form of beverages. When stocking up, don't forget pet food, baby food, and medications! Check your supplies regularly!

Self-help in the event of a power blackout

Despite currently stable supply networks, a power blackout lasting several days cannot be ruled out. We know the problems from short outages during thunderstorms. Here's how to prepare:

Emergency list for power blackout

• Emergency cooker/camping stove (gas, spirit)

• Temperature-controlled room (tiled stove, emergency stove, Danish stove)

• Candles, matches/lighter

• Gas/petroleum lamp

• Torches (battery, wind-up, solar powered)

• Radio (battery, wind-up radio, solar powered)

• spare batteries

• Cash

To many people this might all seem too much, but it's here in case it's needed. (Admittedly in a blackout it won't help much!)