Tuesday, 06:03.

As I was reading through the latest analyses on grid security this morning, one thing became painfully clear to me once again: the civilisation on which we blindly rely is a wafer-thin layer of ice. According to current performance data, around 87% of people in Germany completely underestimate the critical 72-hour mark of a nationwide power cut. They trust that, in an emergency, someone will take responsibility. A fatal mistake.

Let’s do a quick, honest thought experiment: it’s Friday evening, 9.14 pm. You’re sitting down to dinner when suddenly the lights go out. The familiar hum of the fridge falls silent. You look out of the window – the whole city is pitch black. No mobile network. No heating. Not a drop comes out of the tap because the electric pumps are in the basement. Outside, it’s a bitterly cold winter’s night at minus six degrees.

At this very moment, it is decided whether you frantically search the darkness for an old candle – or whether you calmly pull out this checklist because you have protected your family. This list is not scaremongering. It is the result of years of research – your relentlessly honest roadmap for staying in control when everything around you descends into chaos.

Short on time? Get the ready-to-print 72-hour emergency checklist now – delivered straight to your inbox:

Pillar 1: Warmth & shelter – the underestimated priority #1

Germany has an average annual temperature of approx. 8.2°C. In winter, temperatures quickly drop below freezing – and without heating, a standard house cools down to below 10°C within just 6 to 8 hours when the outside temperature is minus ten degrees. For the elderly, the sick and, above all, children, this situation becomes life-threatening within a very short time.

It is not hunger. It is not thirst. In Central Europe, the freezing cold is by far the greatest risk in the first 48 hours of a winter blackout. Anyone who fails to act immediately here loses control.

Heat without electricity

Experienced crisis and survival experts such as Thomas Gast recommend the so-called ‘one-room concept’ in this scenario: everyone in the household moves to a single room, preferably one facing south. Your collective body heat is your strongest and most reliable source of warmth in the first few days.

• Seal windows airtight: use blankets, sleeping mats or aluminium foil to seal them from the inside to stop heat escaping.
• Break cold bridges on the floor: Lay out sleeping bags or woollen blankets on the floor as a thick insulating layer.
• The ‘tent-in-the-room’ principle: Pitch a camping tent right in the living room – the confined space traps body heat for an extremely long time.
• Block door gaps: Consistently seal cracks and gaps with rolled-up towels.
• Apply the layering principle: wear functional clothing in layers (merino underwear → fleece → windproof outer layer).

Blackout checklist: Warmth

• ☐ Sleeping bags (comfort rating down to at least –5°C) for every family member
• ☐ High-quality thermal underwear + thick fleece jackets + woollen hats
• ☐ Sleeping mats or thick camping mats (protection against the relentless cold of the ground)
• ☐ Heavy woollen blankets (at least 2 extra blankets per person)
• ☐ Aluminium foil, duct tape or emergency blankets for window insulation
• ☐ Compact camping/trekking gas stove with sufficient screw-in cartridges
• ☐ Kerosene heater or lamp (only under the strictest safety conditions!)
• ☐ CO detector (Essential for any alternative combustion method!)
• ☐ BIC lighters + candles + waterproof matches

Pillar 2: Water supply for 10 days

After just 24 hours without clean drinking water, your cognitive function and physical stamina will decline drastically. After 72 hours, there is a risk of irreversible organ damage, and death will occur after three days without fluids at the latest. Drinking unfiltered, contaminated water from unclear sources is the quickest route to severe gastrointestinal illnesses in a crisis.

As soon as the power grid collapses, municipal waterworks fail simultaneously in almost all regions – because pumps, filtration stages and sewage treatment plants are 100% electrically powered. Never plan your emergency provisions with the naive belief that water will still come out of the tap during a blackout.

How much water do you really need? Exact facts rather than estimates

The Federal Office for Civil Protection (BBK) recommends an absolute minimum of 2 litres of clean drinking water per person per day. If you factor in cooking and basic emergency hygiene, a realistic figure is 3 to 4 litres. This structured overview shows the crystal-clear minimum requirement for your household:

The honest prepper truth: storing hundreds of litres of water in a city flat often comes down to a lack of space. That’s why, alongside filled HDPE plastic canisters (food-safe, 10–20 litres), a self-sufficient method of water treatment should be on your checklist.

Water treatment in an emergency

When your stored supplies run low, you need to be able to turn rainwater, river water or seepage water from the surrounding area into completely germ-free drinking water. A robust 0.1 µm hollow-fibre water filter blocks 99.99% of all dangerous bacteria and parasites. For you, this means: you protect your children from illness and don’t have to leave your home in the chaos to queue at overcrowded distribution points.

Blackout checklist: Water

• ☐ Water canisters (certified HDPE, food-safe) – enough for at least 14 days’ supply
• ☐ Portable hollow-fibre or ceramic water filter (e.g. Sawyer Squeeze)
• ☐ Water purification tablets (Micropur Forte with silver ions for long-term preservation)
• ☐ Sturdy stainless steel pot for boiling water (boil vigorously for at least 3 minutes)
• ☐ Clean tarpaulins or foldable wide-neck canisters for improvised rainwater collection

Pillar 3: Food & Barter Goods (The Real Basics)

Authorities recommend a food supply for at least 10 days. However, reality shows that once supply chains collapse, supermarkets are completely empty within 36 hours at the latest. Thomas Gast therefore recommends a solid stockpile for 3 months. Not because the grid will remain down for that long, but because logistical supply bottlenecks can persist for weeks after systems are back up and running.

Forget low-calorie diet foods or complicated luxury items in your pantry. Under psychological stress, your body needs one thing above all else: compact, reliable energy (2,500 kcal per person per day).

The unconventional shopping list for emergency supplies

• Pulses (red lentils, dried peas): The absolute number one source of protein. They have an almost indefinite shelf life, take up little space and are extremely versatile in preparation.
• Peanut butter: The ultimate survival power food. With over 600 kcal per 100g, it provides plenty of fat and protein, requires no refrigeration and does not need to be cooked.
• Carbohydrates with a plan: Rice, pasta and durum wheat flour. Using flour, water and salt, you can bake nutritious emergency bread over embers in just a few minutes.
• Fats & vitamins: Ghee (clarified butter) and coconut oil have an extremely long shelf life even without a fridge. Supplement with high-quality multivitamins to effectively prevent deficiency symptoms.

Barter goods: The hardest currency in a crisis

As soon as the banks close and the cash machines stop working, paper money turns into worthless metal and printed paper. In a real crisis, bartering flourishes. Anyone who then possesses luxury goods that other people are desperately seeking will have the strongest negotiating position.

Here’s my no-nonsense tip: Stockpile these items even if you don’t consume them yourself. A single packet of cigarettes or a pound of coffee can, in a crisis situation, be the key to securing urgently needed help or tools from your neighbour.

• ☕ Coffee (vacuum-packed or instant): Psychologically, the most sought-after luxury item of all. A hot brew brings warmth from within and boosts morale.
• 🚬 Tobacco & lighters: A classic, highly crisis-proof medium of exchange.
• 🍫 Dark chocolate: Provides instant energy and serves as emotional comfort for children under stress.
• 🔋 Branded batteries (AA / AAA): Power becomes a scarce commodity during a blackout. Batteries are desperately sought after everywhere.
• 💊 Over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen / paracetamol): Basic medical supplies are worth their weight in gold when doctors are no longer available.

Blackout checklist: Food

• ☐ Emergency supplies for at least 14 days (calculated consistently at 2,000–2,500 kcal per person per day)
• ☐ Free-standing camping stove with suitable pressure regulator and gas cartridges
• ☐ Sturdy, purely mechanical tin openers (make sure you have at least two!)
• ☐ Indestructible outdoor crockery and cutlery set made of stainless steel
• ☐ Thick, tear-resistant, black bin liners and plenty of string (your multifunctional emergency toilet!)
• ☐ Stock of barter goods (coffee, tobacco, painkillers, batteries) – store strictly out of sight

Additional: Energy, light & communication

Once your basic biological needs – warmth, water, food – are met, you must maintain your ability to act and keep the flow of information going.

The honest truth about emergency generators: Conventional petrol or diesel generators sound like the perfect solution. But in a real blackout, the petrol pumps at filling stations also fail immediately. Without electricity, there is no fuel – your generator is useless after a few hours. What’s more, they produce noise and exhaust fumes, which in a quiet city inevitably attract envious neighbours and uninvited guests.

The smarter, silent approach: portable power stations powered by foldable solar panels (photovoltaics). Fuel.

• ☐ Power station (minimum 500 Wh capacity) + foldable solar panel (100–200 W)
• ☐ Battery- or hand-crank-powered world receiver radio (FM/AM/LW) for official government announcements
• ☐ LED headlamps (keep your hands free) including plenty of suitable spare batteries
• ☐ Robust power bank (minimum 20,000 mAh) for emergency charging of communication devices
• ☐ Analogue road atlas and printed maps of the region (allow for the failure of GPS and digital maps)
• ☐ Cash reserve in small notes, kept safe on your person (ATMs and card payments are down)

The psychology of crisis: Why most people are unprepared

Statistics and studies paint a frightening picture: well over 60% of the population in Germany have no emergency supplies to last longer than three days. Not because the danger is unknown – but because our human brain systematically blocks out existential risks that rarely occur in everyday life.

Experienced crisis preparedness expert Lars Konarek sums up this dilemma: “The crucial question is not whether a blackout will happen. The question is solely when it will happen – and whether, at that very moment, you will be a rock for your family, or whether you will have to helplessly hope that others will take responsibility for your life.”

The fact that you have read this guide carefully up to this point proves that you have already taken responsibility for yourself and your loved ones into your own hands.

When the lights go out and the grid collapses, you have exactly 5 minutes to grab the essentials. Anyone who starts rummaging through cupboards in the dark has already lost.

A proper emergency rucksack or a well-thought-out emergency kit at home isn’t just a gimmick for outdoor enthusiasts – it’s the ultimate life insurance for you and your family if the system grinds to a halt for days. But what really belongs in it, and what is just dead weight?

In this guide, Der Wolf debunks the most dangerous prepper myths and shows you the kit that makes the crucial difference between chaos and control in an emergency.

Pillar 1: Heat & Light – The Basis of Survival

If the power grid fails across a wide area, heating will fail in no time at all in winter. After just 24 hours, modern rented flats cool down to critical temperatures. Hypothermia is a creeping danger that severely limits your ability to act.

Your absolute essential kit should therefore include weatherproof clothing, a sleeping bag rated for temperatures down to freezing point, and ultra-lightweight emergency blankets. Light also provides psychological reassurance. A head torch is superior to any standard torch, as in an emergency you need to have both hands free to work or carry things.

Pillar 2: Water supply – portable self-sufficiency instead of heavy hauling

Water is your most critical resource. Without a supply, the human body collapses after three days at the latest. But anyone attempting to carry 30 litres of water in a rucksack during an evacuation will collapse under the weight after just a few kilometres.

The smart solution: opt for portable water filter systems (such as hollow-fibre or outdoor filters). This enables you to obtain absolutely safe and germ-free drinking water in a matter of seconds from almost any untouched freshwater source – be it a stream, a river or collected rainwater.

What should go in an emergency backpack?

The right equipment can be divided into six categories. Each category covers a basic need in a crisis — if you forget any of them, you’ll have a serious problem in an emergency.

1. Water and water purification

Water is essential for survival. You need at least 2 litres per person per day — for drinking and basic hygiene. You should keep the following in your backpack:

• At least 1.5–2 litres of drinking water (lightweight, sturdy bottle)
• Water purification tablets (e.g. Micropur) for at least 5 days
• Compact water filter (for longer scenarios)
• A foldable water bag as a backup

Remember: tap water can quickly run out or become undrinkable during a blackout. If you have a water filter with you, you can use almost any source — streams, rainwater, ponds.

2. Food and energy

Food in an emergency backpack must be light, high in calories and edible without cooking. No fresh fruit, no heavy tinned food. Tried-and-tested options:

• Energy bars (at least 2,000 kcal per person per day)
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Hard biscuits / crispbread
• Emergency rations (e.g. energy bars providing 3,600 kcal)
• Instant coffee or tea (psychologically important)

3. First aid and medicines

During a blackout, hospitals are overwhelmed and pharmacies are closed. A good first-aid kit is essential — as are personal medicines for at least one week:

• Dressing materials: gauze bandages, plasters, sterile wound dressings
• Disinfectant (iodine tincture or wound disinfectant)
• Painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Personal medication for at least 7 days
• Emergency blanket (double-sided, gold/silver)
• First aid guide (paper version)

Read more at Blackout-Ready

⚠️ Medical disclaimer & important notice

This guide is intended solely for general information on emergency preparedness. It is not a substitute for professional first-aid training or medical advice from qualified personnel.

Act immediately in a medical emergency: always try to call the emergency number 112. You can find a certified first aid course at the German Red Cross (DRK). Last checked: June 2026.

Supermarkets will be empty after a 48-hour power cut – including the pet food shelves.

This affects you and your four-legged friend directly, because in a crisis, hunger quickly turns to sheer panic. Whilst most people think primarily of their own supply of water and light, their most loyal companion is often left defenceless. Your pet cannot help itself during a blackout – it is 100% dependent on your foresight. In this guide, Wolf shows you how to ensure your pet is fully provided for using the tried-and-tested 3-pillar method.

Pillar 1: Warmth & shelter – Stop the psychological stress

Animals experience a power cut completely differently to us. Sirens, sudden darkness and the disruption of their routines put dogs and cats on high alert. If the heating then fails in winter, the cold becomes a deadly danger.

Small rodents, birds and reptiles in particular struggle to cope with sudden drops in temperature. Provide insulated places of refuge. A carrier lined with blankets retains your pet’s body heat far better than an open basket.

Wolf’s rule of conduct: if you stay calm, your pet will stay calm. Stick to your usual feeding times as closely as possible. Use familiar aids such as Thundershirts or calming sprays (e.g. Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats) as battery-free stress relievers.

Pillar 2: Water – The unvarnished truth about fluid requirements

The official BBK guideline recommends 2 litres of water per person per day. But have you factored in the extra water for your pets? When not a drop comes out of your taps, every millilitre counts.

A medium-sized dog needs up to 1 litre a day when stressed. Cats manage on 200 to 300 ml. For a safe 10-day scenario, you therefore need at least 10 litres of pure, uncontaminated extra water for a dog in your emergency stockpile.

Pillar 3: Food, Medicines & the ‘Ready’ Principle for Dry Food

An open bowl of wet food becomes a breeding ground for bacteria within a few hours in a flat without air conditioning or heating. That is why the honest recommendation for your emergency supply is: consistently opt for high-quality, dry food in airtight containers.

The situation becomes particularly critical for chronically ill animals. Whether it’s insulin for a cat or heart tablets for a dog: pharmacies and vets will be closed for days during a widespread blackout. A solid supply lasting at least two weeks is not a luxury here, but a lifeline.

The blackout pet bag: your 10-day checklist

• Dry food for at least 10 days (vacuum-packed)
• Extra drinking water (calculated for 10 days per pet)
• Foldable food and water bowls (space-saving)
• Sturdy carrier, as well as escape-proof harness and lead
• Essential medication (at least a 14-day supply)
• Waterproof document folder (vaccination certificate, microchip number, emergency vet contact details)
• Recent photo of the animal (printed copy + saved offline on your smartphone)
• First-aid kit specifically for animals (including self-adhesive bandages and tick tweezers)
• Hygiene supplies (bin bags, wet wipes, biodegradable cat litter)
• Familiar blanket or toy (important for the comforting familiar scent)

Note: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.

More helpful articles

→ Packing an emergency rucksack: What you really need to include
→ Building an emergency stockpile: The complete step-by-step guide
→ First aid without electricity: What you need
to know during a blackout → Preparing for a blackout with children: What families need to know

Read more at Blackout-Ready

Option 1: Power bank (available immediately)

For: Smartphones, tablets, small devices
Capacity: 10,000–30,000 mAh = 3–10 smartphone charges
Cost: €30–80
Advantage: Affordable, available immediately, low maintenance
Disadvantage: Must be charged beforehand, limited capacity

👉 Charging your mobile without mains power: Power banks and more →

Option 2: Portable power station

For: Laptops, lamps, small household appliances, mobile phones
Capacity: 300–2,000 Wh
Cost: €300–2,000
Advantage: Genuine 230V socket, high capacity
Disadvantage: Expensive, heavy, must be charged beforehand

Well-known brands: Jackery, EcoFlow, Bluetti, Anker

Option 3: Balcony power plant (long-term solution)

What it’s for: Daily power supply, charging
a power station Output: 400–800W depending on the module
Cost: €300–800
Advantage: Generates fresh power every day as long as the sun is shining
Disadvantage: Requires a balcony/roof, no power generation at night or when it’s cloudy

During a blackout: Combine with a separate storage unit (power station) → charge during the day, use at night.

👉 Balcony power station test: The best models of 2026 →

Option 4: Car as a power source

What for: Charging
mobile phones and power banks Capacity: Depends on fuel tank capacity
Cost: Car adapter: €10–30, Inverter: €30–100
Advantage: Immediately available if you have
a car Disadvantage: CO risk in garages, petrol consumption

Option 5: Generator (for homeowners)

What it’s for: Larger loads — heat pump, fridge, multiple appliances
Power: 1,000–10,000W
Cost: €500–5,000
Advantage: High power, can run
many appliances Disadvantage: Noisy, requires petrol/diesel/gas, must be operated outdoors

Not a practical option for most tenants.

How much electricity do you really need?

My recommendation depending on your budget

Budget under €100: 20,000 mAh power bank + car charging cable
Budget €100–500: + 300Wh
portable power station Budget €500+: + Balcony power plant for daily recharging
For homeowners: + Generator for emergency heating

👉 Power during a blackout: The detailed guide →
👉 Emergency backpack with power bank: Fully equipped →

What to do in the first few minutes?

When the power goes out, staying calm is more important than acting quickly. Most mistakes happen in the first few minutes due to panicked behaviour.

• Assess the situation: Is it just your house or the whole street?
• Check the fuse box: Has a fuse blown?
• Notify the network operator: Call the fault line or use the app
• Switch on a wind-up radio: Listen to official announcements
• Unplug sensitive devices: PC, TV, stereo system — to protect against power surges when the electricity returns
• Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed: this will maintain the temperature for 4–8 hours

Reduce electricity consumption during a blackout

The less electricity you use, the longer your emergency power will last. You can reduce consumption to a minimum with simple measures:

• Set priorities: Lights, fridge, mobile phone — switch everything else off
• Eliminate standby mode: Every device on standby uses unnecessary power
• Use LED bulbs: They use 80% less energy than standard bulbs
• Only open the fridge briefly: this keeps the temperature stable for longer
• Unplug chargers: Disconnect them once the device is fully charged
• Create a schedule: Use certain devices only at specific times

How much power your car can provide

Almost every German has one in the garage or outside the front door: a car. And almost nobody knows that it can serve as an emergency power source during a blackout. No generator needed, no expensive power station — the car you already own is often enough.

Every modern car has at least:

• 12V cigarette lighter socket — for car chargers
• USB ports (in newer vehicles)

You can use these to charge:

• ✅ Smartphones and tablets
• ✅ Power banks (as a backup)
• ✅ Battery-powered devices via USB
• ✅ Laptops (with a suitable adapter)

Method 1: Charging via the cigarette lighter (without the engine running)

Many people don’t realise this: the cigarette lighter provides power even when the engine isn’t running — as long as the ignition is set to position 1 or 2 (depending on the vehicle).

Caution: This will drain the car battery. After 1–2 hours of charging, check whether the car still starts. Rule of thumb: Charge for a maximum of 30–60 minutes, then start the engine briefly to recharge the battery.

Method 2: Charging with the engine running

Engine running → alternator charges battery → you charge devices. In theory, you can charge continuously as long as there is petrol.

Efficiency: A running engine consumes approx. 0.5–1 litre of petrol per hour when idling. With a 40-litre tank, you have 40–80 hours of charging power.

Important: Always operate outdoors — never in the garage (risk of CO poisoning!)

Method 3: Inverter — a proper power socket from your car

A car inverter (12V → 230V) turns the car battery into a proper household socket. This allows you to run almost all standard devices.

• Small inverters (150–300W): Laptops, lamps, small appliances
• Larger inverters (1000W+): Also camping stoves, small cool boxes

Cost: €20–80 for a good car inverter.

Electric cars and hybrids: Special possibilities

Modern electric cars (e.g. VW ID.4, Ford F-150 Lightning, Hyundai Ioniq 5) have a ‘Vehicle-to-Load’ (V2L) function: they can supply household power directly from their large battery — up to several kilowatt-hours.

An electric car with a 60kWh battery can therefore supply a standard household with basic power for 2–5 days.

Full hybrids usually only have 12V systems, like normal cars.

What you should NOT do

• ❌ Run the engine in enclosed spaces (CO poisoning)
• ❌ Completely discharge the car battery — the car will then no longer start
• ❌ Run high-power appliances without an inverter
• ❌ Rely on the car as your sole source of power (you may run out of petrol)

The car as part of your blackout plan

Your car is a good addition — but not a complete replacement. The best combination:

• Power bank for everyday use
• Car for larger charging jobs
• Balcony power station for long-term power supply

👉 Balcony power station review: Continuous power without the mains →
👉 Power during a blackout: An overview of all options →
👉 Emergency backpack with power bank: The best models →

Ensuring communication and information

During a power cut, the internet often goes down before the mobile network. Anyone who relies on information needs alternatives:

• Hand-crank radio: Receives emergency announcements even without electricity or the internet — essential
• Power bank (fully charged): Keeps your mobile phone going for 2–5 days
• Important numbers on paper: authorities, family, doctor — in case your mobile runs out of battery
• Text messages instead of calls: still work when lines are overloaded

→ The best hand-crank radios for a power cut

Heating and warmth without electricity

One of the underestimated dangers during a blackout: the cold. Many heating systems require electricity to operate — including gas and oil-fired systems. What helps:

• Limit living space to one room (easier to heat)
• Layers of blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing
• Camping gas heater (only with adequate ventilation!)
• Seal windows with blankets or plastic sheeting
• Maintain body heat through movement

→ Heating without electricity: a comparison of the best solutions

Common mistakes in power provision

• Power station never charged: Must be charged and checked regularly
• Insufficient capacity planned: 300 Wh is enough for 1 night, not for 3 days
• No petrol supply: Petrol stations have no power during a blackout
• Generator operated indoors: Life-threatening due to CO poisoning
• Sensitive devices not disconnected: Power surges when the electricity returns can destroy everything

Read more at Blackout-Ready

What works and for how long

Method 1: Mobile phone with battery management

Keep it operational for as long as possible:

• Airplane mode when no active communication is required
• Use text messages instead of calls (less network load, higher delivery rate)
• Cache messages in offline messengers (Signal, Telegram)
• Keep your power bank fully charged as a backup

👉 Charging your mobile without mains power: The best methods →

Method 2: Hand-crank radio — information without the frills

The hand-crank radio is the most important communication tool during a blackout. It receives radio signals — completely without electricity, without the internet, without a battery.

Public service broadcasters have their own emergency generators and continue broadcasting even during a blackout. This is where official situation reports, evacuation instructions and supply points are announced.

The best hand-crank radio also has:

• A USB port for charging your mobile phone
• Integrated torch
• A solar panel as a second charging option

👉 The best hand-crank radio in the test →

Method 3: Pre-arranged meeting points

If all communication channels fail, a pre-arranged meeting point is the safest option.

Decide today:

• Meeting point 1: Home — when everyone is at home
• Meeting point 2: Someone you know nearby (parents, neighbour) — if you can’t be reached at home
• Meeting point 3: The other person’s school or workplace — in case no one is at home
• Time: e.g. “If we haven’t managed to contact each other after 4 hours, we’ll meet at 6 pm at…”

Method 4: Walkie-talkie / PMR radio

PMR radios operate on fixed frequencies — without infrastructure, without a mobile network. Range: 1–5 km in the city, up to 10 km in open country.

Ideal for families who are in different parts of the city. Affordable models are available from €30–50.

Method 5: Analogue landline

If you still have an old analogue landline (not VoIP), you can still make calls during a power cut — Telekom’s lines have their own power supply.

However: most German households have already switched to VoIP. Check whether your line is still analogue.

The most important tip: Plan ahead of the blackout

All these methods only work if you know about them and have prepared in advance. Call your family today and draw up an emergency plan.

👉 Hand-crank radio test: Which is the most reliable? →
👉 The complete blackout checklist: Communication and more →

Read more at Blackout-Ready

The Grocery Store Illusion

Most people rely on an invisible backup plan: If a real emergency hits, I’ll just quickly drive to the supermarket.

This plan is a deadly mistake. After just 4 hours of a power outage, the checkout systems are dead and the doors are locked. Within 48 hours, the shelves are completely bare — because modern supermarkets no longer keep their own back-stock inventory. Trucks deliver every single day. If they stop coming, nothing is left.

What happens next, hour by hour — and why the only real backup plan is the one you build today: that is exactly what this article will show you.

Most people think: “In an emergency, I’ll just pop to the supermarket.” That is a dangerous misconception. Here is what really happens — minute by minute.

Minutes 1–15: Chaos begins immediately

When the power goes out, the following happens immediately in the supermarket:

• Checkout systems fail — no card payments, no till system
• Automatic doors stop working
• Lighting: emergency lighting comes on (briefly), then it goes dark
• Refrigerated shelves start to warm up

Most supermarkets close immediately if the tills stop working — if only to prevent theft. No power = no security cameras = no tills = shop closed.

Hours 1–3: Panic buying and empty shelves

The few supermarkets that are still open (operating on a cash-only basis) or are just opening are immediately stormed.

What sells out first (based on past events):

1. Mineral water — within minutes
2. Bread — within 30 minutes
3. Milk, eggs — within 1 hour
4. Tinned and dried goods — within 2–3 hours
5. Batteries, candles, torches — immediately

Hours 3–24: Supermarkets remain closed

After the initial panic buying:

• No further deliveries — logistics and warehouses need electricity
• Chilled goods (meat, dairy products) spoil and must be destroyed
• Supermarkets barricade themselves against potential looting
• Staff are sent home

Reality: Anyone not in the supermarket within the first 30–60 minutes will come away empty-handed.

What if you have cash? Some supermarkets have emergency generators and accept cash. In the first few hours, these become the destination for hundreds of people at once. Even with cash and a shop that’s open: the most essential items (water, tinned food) are sold out within minutes.

You cannot go shopping in an emergency

That is the most important sentence in this article. In the event of a serious power cut, the supermarket is not an option.

The only solution: be prepared in advance.

What you need:

• Food supplies for at least 72 hours → Emergency food supplies: The complete list
• Water supply + water filter → Water filter test
• Cash at home

👉 Blackout checklist: How to be prepared before it’s too late →
👉 Download the free instant checklist as a PDF →

Read more at Blackout-Ready

This list shows you what should be in a well-stocked home first-aid kit.

Dressing materials and wound care

• ☐ Plasters in various sizes (at least 30–50)
• ☐ Wound dressings / sterile compresses (5×5cm, 10×10cm)
• ☐ Gauze bandages (5cm and 10cm wide)
• ☐ Elastic bandages (for sprains)
• ☐ Triangular bandage (arm sling, improvised bandage)
• ☐ Wound disinfectant (Octenisept or Betaisodona)
• ☐ Scissors (blunt/sharp)
• ☐ Tweezers
• ☐ Disposable gloves (at least 20 pairs)
• ☐ Emergency blanket (gold/silver)

Medicines (over-the-counter / OTC)

Note: If in doubt, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package leaflet.

Pain and fever:

• ☐ Ibuprofen 400mg (adults)
• ☐ Paracetamol 500mg (also suitable for children / pregnant women)
• ☐ Aspirin (additional — not for children)

Stomach and gut:

• ☐ Loperamide (diarrhoea — important if water quality is uncertain)
• ☐ Electrolyte powder (rehydration)
• ☐ Activated charcoal tablets (if poisoning is suspected)
• ☐ Anti-nausea medication (for nausea/vomiting)
• ☐ Magnesium / antacid (heartburn)

Skin and eyes:

• ☐ Hydrocortisone cream (insect bites, irritation)
• ☐ Wound and healing ointment (e.g. Bepanthen)
• ☐ Eye wash
• ☐ Sun cream (SPF 50) — also important during summer blackouts

Miscellaneous:

• ☐ Antihistamine (for allergy sufferers: appropriate for the allergen)
• ☐ Cough syrup / tablets
• ☐ Nasal drops
• ☐ Blister plasters (long walks during the blackout)

Personal medication — the most critical point

Anyone taking regular medication (for blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, mental health, thyroid, etc.) must have a supply of at least 4 weeks’ worth at home.

Here’s how:

• Ask your doctor for a repeat prescription in good time (not just when the pack is empty)
• Print out a list of your medicines: active ingredient, dosage, indication
• For temperature-sensitive medicines (insulin, etc.): draw up a cooling plan for power cuts

Storing your emergency medicine kit

• Store in a cool (max. 25°C) and dark place
• Not in the bathroom (humidity)
• Keep under child-proof lock if there are children in the household
• Check expiry dates once a year
• In a sturdy box or bag — within easy reach, not scattered about

30 minutes of preparation can save lives

A complete home first-aid kit costs a one-off sum of €50–100 and half an afternoon’s shopping. In the event of a blackout, it can be crucial.

Combined with a good emergency rucksack, you’ll be prepared for almost any situation:
👉 Emergency backpacks with first-aid kits: The best models →
👉 Emergency kit for a power cut: The complete guide →

Read more at Blackout-Ready

⚠️ Strategic safety advice for the workplace

This guide covers self-sufficient emergency preparedness in urban areas and in the workplace. It is based on the evacuation and safety standards of civil protection.

In an emergency, follow your employer’s fire safety and evacuation plans first and foremost. Last technical review: June 2026.

Most blackout guides focus on the home. But what if the power goes out whilst you’re at the office — or working from home? A compact office emergency kit can make all the difference.

Scenario 1: Power cut at the office

A power cut in the office building means:

• Computers and screens are off
• Lifts are out of action
• Air conditioning / heating off
• Security systems on backup
• Coffee machine cold (tragic but true)

In most cases: working day over, time to go home. But what if that isn’t immediately possible?

The compact office blackout kit (fits in a desk drawer)

• 🔦 Small torch (pen torch) with spare batteries
• 🔋 Power bank (10,000 mAh) — for mobile phone and laptop
• 💧 1 litre of water — for the first day
• 🍫 Energy bars / nuts — for 1–2 meals
• 💊 Small basic first-aid kit
• 🗺️ City map / map (printed) — for the journey home without GPS
• 💶 €20–50 in small change — for public transport, taxis
• 👟 Comfortable shoes (in case you need to walk home)

Scenario 2: Working from home during a power cut

Those who work from home are more severely affected — because work and private life share the same infrastructure.

Staying productive without power:

• 🔋 Keep your laptop battery fully charged: Always work with a full charge — don’t wait until the warning signal to charge
• 📱 Mobile internet (hotspot): If the router is off — use your mobile phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot
• 🔋 Power bank for laptop: Large power bank (20,000+ mAh) or portable power station
• 💡 Make the most of daylight: Position your desk by the window, prioritise working in daylight

How long can you work from home?

• Laptop battery: 4–8 hours
• 20,000 mAh power bank: A further 2–4 charges = 8–24 extra hours
• Portable power station (EcoFlow or similar): Days to weeks

For the self-employed and entrepreneurs: business continuity

A power cut can bring business to a standstill. What you should do to prepare:

• ✅ Important data in the cloud (not just locally) → no data loss
• ✅ Offline copies of critical documents printed out
• ✅ Customer contacts printed out (not just in the CRM)
• ✅ Always carry your laptop charger with you (even in the office)
• ✅ Mobile data plan with sufficient data allowance
• ✅ UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for critical servers/NAS

Getting home during a power cut: How to get home safely

If the power cut happens during the day and you’re at the office:

1. Inform your manager/team and assess the situation
2. Switch your mobile to flight mode (to save battery)
3. Public transport: Trains are usually at a standstill, buses may still be running for a short while
4. Taxi / rideshare: These get booked up quickly — try to book early
5. Walking: Use a city map, wear comfortable shoes
6. Never go into dark buildings alone — always go with colleagues

To prepare at home:
👉 Blackout checklist: Fully prepared for any emergency →
👉 Emergency backpack: Also for your commute →

Read more at Blackout-Ready

⚠️ Strategic safety advice for the neighbourhood

This guide addresses social dynamics and self-protection in crisis situations in urban areas. It is based on criminological experience and de-escalation standards.

In an emergency, your primary concern should be your own physical safety and that of your family. Last reviewed by experts: June 2026.

Most blackout guides focus on equipment: water filters, gas cookers, power banks. Important — no question. But the most important thing is often overlooked: your neighbours.

Studies following major disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, blackouts) show time and again: people in well-connected communities cope with crises far better than well-equipped individuals acting alone.

What neighbourhood support actually means during a blackout

Imagine this: your neighbour has a gas hob but no water. You have water but no hob. Together, you have everything.

Real benefits of a connected neighbourhood during a blackout:

• 🔋 One person has a power station → charges mobile phones for 5 households
• 🍲 Sharing resources instead of letting them go to waste individually
• 👴 Elderly and sick neighbours can be looked after
• 🔒 Community safety — more eyes, more protection
• 🧠 Shared knowledge: Who’s a doctor? Who has tools? Who knows the area?

What you can do NOW — before the blackout

1. Get to know your neighbours

Sounds trivial — but it’s the most important step. Who is the doctor in the building? Who has a car? Who is a single parent and needs help? Who has special skills (electrician, paramedic, handyman)?

An easy way to start: Introduce yourself briefly the next time you bump into someone in the hallway and exchange contact details.

2. Create an emergency contact list

Create a simple list of your key neighbours, including:

• Name and flat number
• Mobile number
• Special resources or skills
• Special needs (elderly person, young child, medication)

Print it out — don’t just save it digitally.

3. Initiating a conversation about emergency preparedness

You don’t need to be a prepper evangelist. A simple: “I’ve been thinking a bit about emergency supplies — have you got anything sorted yet?” is enough to get the conversation started.

During a power cut: How to organise yourselves

1. Meeting point: Outside the house / in the hallway to discuss the situation
2. Taking stock: Who has what? (Water, food, medicine, equipment)
3. Vulnerable first: the elderly, the sick, families with babies — who needs help?
4. Assign tasks: One person listens to the wind-up radio, one coordinates food, one checks the building
5. Regular updates: A quick check every morning — how is everyone doing?

What if neighbours become panicked or aggressive?

Stress brings out the worst in people. Tips for difficult situations:

• Stay calm — panic is contagious, but so is calm
• Share information (hand-crank radio) — ignorance breeds fear
• Don’t flaunt your resources — help discreetly rather than making others envious
• De-escalate conflicts: “What do you need most right now?” focuses on solutions

The best preparation is still personal preparedness

Community complements personal preparedness — it does not replace it. Those who are well prepared can also help others. Those who have nothing are a burden on everyone.

👉 Blackout checklist: Your personal preparation →
👉 Emergency backpack: The basic kit for every household →
👉 Free instant checklist as a PDF →

Read more at Blackout-Ready