Following the power outage that affected Spain, residents have returned to the “72-hour” emergency kit recommended by the European Union a few weeks ago.
The power outage lasted approximately 12 hours, depending on the geographical location in Spain. Although the situation is now under control, many are wondering what would have happened if the outage had lasted several days. In this case, households should be prepared with several items to be ready for a prolonged power outage.
Drinking water: Make sure you have plenty of bottled water. If possible, add frozen water to keep food fresh for as long as possible. Remember not to open the refrigerator unnecessarily; it retains its cold temperature for about 4 hours, and the freezer for up to 48 hours.
Non-perishable food: Store food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or cooked, such as canned goods, cookies, nuts, energy bars, and chocolate.
Essential medications: Keep a supply of essential medications for at least a month. A small first aid kit with basic supplies (Band-Aids, antiseptics, painkillers, etc.) is also essential.
Important documents: Keep important documents in a waterproof bag in case an evacuation becomes necessary. These include photocopies of your ID, health card, or health insurance card, a list of relatives’ contact numbers, and a family photo.
Flashlights, candles, and lighters: Opt for battery-operated or rechargeable flashlights and be sure to have spare batteries on hand. There are also practical options such as dynamo flashlights, which operate without batteries and are charged by cranking. Be careful with candles due to the fire hazard.
Battery-operated radio: This type of radio is essential for following the news in case mobile networks also fail.
Cash: During the widespread power outage, many ATMs were out of service, and card payment terminals did not work.
Portable chargers: External batteries for cell phones or tablets are useful, ideally with solar charging.
Stoves and camping gas: These don’t take up much space and can significantly increase comfort. Remember to bring multiple gas canisters.
Warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags: A power outage could also affect heating, so warm clothing is important.
Not all emergency kits are the same. Families with young children, older adults, or pets may need to pack diapers, special medications, or pet food. In cold regions, bringing thermal clothing can be crucial. It’s also advisable to keep a portable version of the kit in a backpack for quick evacuation.
