There is no indication that another nationwide blackout will happen anytime soon in Spain, but given that the cause is not yet known and that most of us were caught unprepared, it’s good to review which items you should have ready and how to act.
The truth is we have no idea if there will be another power outage in Spain or not. As Spanish authorities still don’t know the exact cause, it’s hard to tell if it could happen again.
What the electrical failure did highlight on Monday, however, was the need to be prepared and have items in place before events like this happen.
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Many of us in our homes and businesses were completely helpless without power, internet and phone signal, showing how vulnerable we are and how reliant our society is on energy.
Thankfully, experts across the world have already had the forethought to figure out what items are essential in this situation – should there be another blackout.
READ ALSO: Spain grid operator rules out cyberattack caused blackout
Here are some of the most common that you should have:
- Battery-powered flashlight and a backup in case one goes dead.
- Alkaline batteries
- A portable battery pack to charge devices such as smartphones or tablets – preferably one that is solar-powered.
- A battery-powered FM and AM radio
- Cheap long-lasting candles
- Matches and lighters
- Dry powder fire extinguisher with an ABC fire rating as using candles and matches increases the risk of fire.
- A gas camping stove, so you can at least cook food if only have an electric one.
- An electric generator if you have the space and depending on personal and professional requirements.
- Fuel can for safely storing gasoline or diesel.
- Fuel to fill the tank of your vehicles or electric generator
- A month’s supply of any regular medicines you take
- A first aid kit including bandages, antiseptic creams and painkillers
- A sleeping bag in case you need to evacuate your home
- Thermal blankets
- Cash, so you don’t have to rely on electronic card payments.
- A pen knife with various capabilities
- Non-perishable food such as canned items
- A stock of pet food if you have a pet
- Plenty of drinking water in case the water supply is affected.
- Protective, water-resistant clothing
- Comfortable footwear
- Waterproof backpacks
- Entertainment such as cards, books, board games etc to keep you entertained.
You’ll be able to buy many of these items at supermarkets or hypermarkets such as Carrefour, at your local hardware stores (ferreterías in Spanish) or bigger home improvement stores like Leroy Merlin or even outdoor and sports shops like Decathlon.
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READ ALSO: Which flights and airports have been affected by Spain’s blackout?
There are also some things you should do during a blackout to be prepared.
- Prepare an emergency kit with some of the items above such as candles, first aid items, batteries and battery packs.
- Disconnect large electrical items in your home to avoid damage from a power surge when the electricity comes back on.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed so that food can stay cold. Fridges can keep items cold for four hours without being switched on and freezers for between 24 and 48 hours.
- Call all your family in one room and try to stay together for safety and to stay informed.
- Fill your bath or buckets with water in case the supply is affected.
- Try to not to make unnecessary journeys outside of the house.
- Contact family and friends to check they’re ok.
