The “big blackout“It is one of the things that is being discussed the most on TikTok lately and that has also been echoed by the national media. And it is not for less, because even the Austrian defense minister, Klaudia Tanner, has referred to him as a “real danger”.
If you hadn’t heard of him, we we summarize it for you: it is the possibility that, from 2025, there will be a large-scale power blackout in Europe. Something that some countries like Austria defend as more than probable, saying that “The question is not if there will be a big blackout, but when“And of course, these statements They have revolutionized the networks and the general population a bit.
Catastrophism has never been with us and we do not know very well what to think, but after the 2020 that we have lived -and 2021 with eruptions included that we are experiencing-, one already expects anything. Because the truth that living a global pandemic changes your perspective a bit of what is possible and what is not. So we decided, just in case, to make a compilation of essential things to have at home in case this blackout really occurs:
Light sources
Not having electricity during the day is not, in terms of light, a big problem because we have the sun. But when it gets dark we need external light sources, such as candles or lineries. We have collected some ideas:
Candles
We start with something that may seem very basic but it is an authentic must if the electricity goes out: candles. They are an easy source of light and that, in addition, we can use as decoration and integrate them at home.
First of all we have chosen this set of six long-lasting candles, with a approximate burning time of 24 hours each. Which, rationing them, would give us for about twenty-four days (with an average use of six hours a day each). 22.93 euros.
Papstar 17,991 – Set of 6 candles, 60 x 115 mm, 6 pieces, colors: Cream
Nor could they miss the classic tea candles and, as we stockpile, it was better to bet on buying in large quantities. This package includes 100 units for 14.99 euros. What, with an average of 8 hours of combustion each, would give us for more than 100 days.
Pajoma – Unscented tea candles, 100 Units, Burning time: 8 Hours. Gastro tea candles.
Flashlights
Both battery models (below we leave you options) and rechargeable dynamo, flashlights are a must if the power goes out. We leave you some models that are good to have at home:
This flashlight is Small but bulky, with 2000 Lumens, five light modes and up to 250 meters of range (not for nothing is it the best seller on Amazon). Includes two units and battery operated. 17.99 euros.
FAGORY High Power LED Flashlight – Mini Powerful 2000 Lumens Hand Torch, 5 Modes, Zoomable, for Cycling Camping Mountaineering [2 Paquetes]
If we are looking for a larger lantern, this lantern style model is perfect. Since it has both a dynamo crank to make it work as a USB plug to charge it. 20.99 euros.
Duronic Hurricane USB and Dynamo Rechargeable Camping Lantern with LED Flashlight, Hand Lantern, 10 LED Lamp, Flashing Red Emergency Signal, 3 LED Flashlight
And finally, also in large size, we have this Rechargeable Flashlight (that we can charge both with the sun and through its USB port). 23.99 euros.
Rechargeable led flashlight, 4 light modes, solar charging, IPX4 waterproof, suitable for home emergency lights, outdoor camping lights, work lights
Communication sources
If the electricity went out, the telephone lines would last a while in operation, although they would surely collapse because everyone was calling at the same time. But radios, which have been in use for hundreds of years as communication source, would surely be used in the event of a super blackout. That is why it is essential have a battery-operated radio at home, to be able to listen to it without the need for electrical current:
Like this one from NK, an inexpensive model that works with four AA batteries, for 14.99 euros (before 15.99 euros).
NK-AB1904 FM / AM Radio – Portable Desktop Radio, LCD Screen with Light, Antenna, Speaker, 4 AA Batteries, DC5V cable, White (Alarm Clock Radio Function)
Energy sources
Solar panels
If the electricity were to go, the telephone lines would last a while in operation (although they would surely collapse because everyone was calling at the same time). But still it is important to have the mobile with battery just in case. How to charge it if there is no power? With solar panels:
They are devices that recharge automatically with sunlight and in which we can charge mobile phones, cameras or any device with the appropriate cable. We propose this one from Amazon, the best seller. 30.95 euros.
QTshine Solar Charger with Type C & Mirco USB Inputs, Solar External Battery 26800mAh Solar Power Bank Quick Charge with 2 USB Outputs for iPhone Android iPad Camera, Outdoor Activities
Batteries
We couldn’t keep batteries out of “power sources,” of course. They occupy little, they are inexpensive and they serve us for many devices. So it is not bad to have quite a few on hand. We have made a selection of various sizes:
- The package of 20 units of AA batteries It comes out for 7.39 euros.
Amazon Basics 1.5 Volt AA Alkaline Batteries, Performance Range, 20-Pack (Appearance May Vary)
- The package of 20 pieces of AAA batteries It comes out for 8.99 euros.
Amazon Basics 1.5 Volt AAA Alkaline Batteries, Performance Range, 20-Pack (Appearance May Vary)
- If you are looking alkaline batteries, the package of 12 units costs 13.18 euros.
Amazon Basics 1.5 Volt Alkaline C Batteries, Everyday Range, 12-Pack (Appearance May Vary)
Duracell 2032 3V Lithium Button Cell Batteries, 4-Pack, with Baby Secure Technology, for Use in Magnetic Sensor Keys, Scales, Wearable Items, Medical Devices (DL2032 / CR2032)
How to cook if the power goes out
We already saw it when the pandemic started last March: the first days stores were out of stock in the blink of an eye. And in a blackout this is more than likely to happen too. That is why the ideal is have our pantry full of non-perishable productss, like jars of vegetables and preserves. In addition to a large number of carafes of water, something essential both to drink and to cook or wash.
These non-perishable foods will not have to be cooked as such to be able to eat them, but we may want to heat them. Also, it never hurts to have a cooking source in case we have perishable foods such as meat or fish at home:
Camping gas
An easy, fast and effective option. Very used in campsites or when we are going to camp in the mountains and that, in a blackout situation, it would be of great help. This is the Amazon best seller, for 20.25 euros:
Campingaz Camp Bistro 2, Gas Cartridge Cooker, Portable and Compact Camping Stove, 1 Fire, Power 2,200 W, For Camping, with Carrying Case
And just as essential as the camping gas itself are the spare parts. That is why we also leave you this pack of four cartridges for 9.20 euros.
ANGOPE Gas de 227Gr Pack, Multicolor, 4 x Cartridge
Fireplaces or barbecues
If you have fireplace or barbecue at home, get yourself wood and ignition pills to be able to use them and cook food in them. A real advantage compared to vitroceramics and gas cookers that would be disabled:
These ignition pads, in addition to being very cheap (3.38 euros), have quite a few units, 96, so we can use them for a long time.
FUEGO NET Fuegonet 231442N Tablets, White, 19.5 x 6.2 x 12.8 cm
And when choosing wood for firewood, it is best to choose trees with great calorific value, like oak. This Leroy Merlin pallet for 219 euros (shipping included) will last us a long time.
Pallet 500 kg oak firewood
If you do not have a large barbecue at home, this model laptop small size (44.5 x 29.5 x 24 centimeters) can be our great ally. The model for 4-6 people costs 19.99 euros.
Mbuynow Portable Charcoal Barbecue with Grills and Folding Feet for BBQ, Picnic, Camping, Camping (for 4-6 Person)
To clean up
The last topic we wanted to touch on is hygiene and cleanliness. Without a doubt we have to have soap and shampoos at home (something that beauty lovers as we have advanced). And if the water system fails, it is worth getting a portable shower like the ones used in the campsites:
One of our favorite options is this one from Amazon, with up to 20 liters capacity, which also allows us to heat the water. 19.90 euros (before 20.90 euros).
RISEPRO FBA_k8 Shower, Unisex Adult, Green, L
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Note: some of the links posted here are from affiliates. Despite this, none of the articles mentioned have been proposed either by the brands or by the stores, their introduction being a unique decision of the team of editors.
Photos | Unsplash, Leroy Merlin, Amazon