During power outages, what's included in the emergency survival kit?
In the event of a power outage, which can occur unexpectedly as evident in the large-scale collapse of power supply in Spain and Portugal, it is prudent for consumers to be prepared for such unexpected emergencies. The Consumer Advice Centre of Saxony offers some valuable tips for crisis situations.
The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) advises storing non-perishable food for ten days and having at least two liters of drinking water available per person per day for contingencies. Additionally, an emergency cooking device, such as a camping stove, can be useful for preparing meals even without electricity or gas during an outage.
Moreover, other essential emergency supplies include battery-operated radios, flashlights, hygiene items like moist towelettes and toilet paper, and a cash reserve. For families with infants, a camping stove and a reserve of baby food should be stocked in advance, as heating baby food hygienically can become challenging during a power outage.
Smartphones can be vital for staying reachable or obtaining information during emergencies. Small power banks can charge a smartphone once or twice, but for several days, a larger power bank with about 20,000 mAh is recommended. However, larger power stations with more capacity are often expensive and have limited applications.
Water supply can also be affected during power outages. It is advisable to collect water in bathtubs or buckets in advance for personal hygiene, flushing toilets, and other essential uses.
In summary, Lena Sudhoff, a nutrition expert at the Consumer Advice Centre of Saxony, emphasizes that a well-stocked food supply, a camping stove, and simple aids are enough to cope with longer power outages and ensure safety and comfort during such events. Preparing for a power outage involves planning for essential needs like food, water, cooking, and emergency supplies.
In light of the advice from Lena Sudhoff, a nutrition expert at the Consumer Advice Centre of Saxony, it's important to consider stocking up on non-perishable food and essential supplies for health-and-wellness, such as a camping stove for fitness-and-exercise purposes like preparing meals during power outages. Furthermore, it's beneficial to maintain a supply of bottled water, battery-operated radios, flashlights, and hygiene items for nutrition and overall well-being during emergencies.
