Earlier this week, Spain, Portugal and parts of France endured a widespread electricity blackout, leaving millions without power.
Suddenly, people across the Iberian Peninsula were faced with hour-long queues at ATMS, escape lifts stuck between floors, and electronic security systems locking them out of their homes.
This has sparked many across Europe to consider preparing for the possibility of similar blackouts.
In March of this year, the Commission and High Representative launched the Preparedness Union Strategy to "enhance Europe's capability to prevent and respond to emerging threats".
Part of this plan included 'promoting population preparedness', a strategy that asked citizens to stockpile at least 72 hours' worth of food, water and other essentials to help them cope in a potential future crisis.
Here, we have listed some other helpful tips so you can feel prepared in case of an emergency.
Things to keep in your emergency kit
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food that is ready to eat
- Stocked-up first aid kit - easy access to medication such as an inhaler, insulin, etc.
- Torch and spare batteries
- Battery-operated LED lanterns or candles
- Charged power banks, charging cables, and car chargers
- Baby supplies - baby food, formula, boiled water, nappies, wipes
- Pet food
- Toiletries
- Hot-water bottle, blankets, warm clothes
- A crank radio - information and updates are usually broadcast on radio stations.
- Consider a battery-operated security system or motion-activated lights outside your home
Things to prepare
- Have your MPRN number readily available - this can be found on your electricity bill
- Have a list of emergency numbers available
- Know where your household fuses and trip switches are
- If you have electronic gates or keycodes, be sure to have a manual override ready
- If you are dependent on electricity for medical reasons, contact your supplier
Things to do during an outage
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Check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours
- Keep pets inside
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Keep fridges and freezers closed to help prevent food waste
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Unplug or turn off electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits when the power returns
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Leave a lamp on to alert you when power comes back on
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Lightly turn taps on to help keep pipes from freezing
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Stay indoors whenever possible
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Avoid fallen power lines. Call ESB networks (1800 372 999) immediately to report fallen lines or power outages.
