Following the blackout, interest in 72-hour survival kits has increased – and the price might surprise you.
What originally began as a somewhat odd recommendation from the European Union is now being taken seriously throughout Spain – especially after this week’s unexpected power outage that left homes, businesses, and even ATMs in the dark.
Back in late March, the EU urged citizens to prepare a 72-hour survival kit to help families survive emergencies without relying on outside support. This call was part of a broader European preparedness strategy. Although it caused some consternation at the time, Monday’s power outage – now known as the “Iberian blackout” – completely changed perceptions.
Why are survival kits suddenly so sought after?
Until this week, the idea of having a box full of batteries, canned goods, and a camping stove at home seemed more like something from a doomsday prepper blog. But when the lights went out and bank cards stopped working, many Spaniards quickly realized they weren’t as prepared as they’d thought.
With the power outage and no access to online services, those without cash on hand or alternative means of cooking and gathering information were left in a desperate situation. Suddenly, the EU’s proposal for a 72-hour kit seemed much more practical.
In the days following the blackout, online retailers saw a surge in orders for essential items—from radios to water filters to gas stoves. According to estimates by elEconomista, the total cost of assembling the recommended 24-piece survival kit is currently around €420. This doesn’t even include the suggested supply of small-denomination cash for emergencies—this is left to each household to decide.
What’s included in a €420 survival kit?
The list includes all the basics you’d expect: non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, batteries, candles, a flashlight, and a utility knife (which can cost up to €34 on its own). Particularly in demand is the humble camping stove or camping gas, which, along with its fuel cartridges, can be purchased online for around €50.
During the power outage, supermarkets quickly ran out of ready-to-eat items like bread, cold cuts, and cereal. Products that needed to be cooked or reheated—like soups, frozen meals, and pizza—remained on the shelves, highlighting how essential no-preparation food really is.
Another best-seller? The old-school battery-powered radio. Without Wi-Fi, streaming, and electricity, it was the only way for many people to stay informed. Prices for portable radios start at around €29, but batteries aren’t included. Journalists noted that “the radio was turned on when everything else was turned off.”
Other essentials like heated blankets, power banks (€28.50), and even hand-cranked USB chargers (€7) have also become top sellers. These simple tools can keep phones running if the power grid goes down—which, after Monday’s experience, no longer seems like an unrealistic scenario.
Why are survival kits becoming increasingly essential in Spain?
Of course, many Spanish households already have some of these items tucked away in drawers—torches, candles, matches, and a basic first-aid kit are quite common. But gathering them all into a ready-to-use box requires foresight—and, in many cases, some money.
Even canned goods, the price of which varies depending on quantity and type, can easily add €50 to your shopping list if you want to have enough for a few days.
In the end, the message is clear: preparedness is no longer just for worst-case scenarios. As the power outage demonstrated, even a brief disruption can be incredibly confusing when we rely so heavily on digital tools, electricity, and cashless systems.
Whether or not you’re willing to spend €400 on a complete emergency kit, recent events have definitely made many people think twice about preparing their homes for the unexpected.
