🚨 A large-scale blackout can last for weeks.
Germany is extremely dependent on the power grid. Without electricity: no water, no ATM,
no gas station pumps, no supermarket. Infrastructure collapses.
1. What NO Longer Works?
| Infrastructure | Outage Time | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Immediate | Crank radio, Solar, Generator, Candles |
| Water (City) | 2-48 hours | Supply, Rain barrel, Well |
| Internet/DSL | Immediate | Radio, SMS, Messenger (Mesh) |
| Mobile network | 2-72 hours (backup power towers) | SMS, Radio, SAT-Phone |
| Gas stations | Immediate | Fuel canisters (full!), Bicycle |
| Supermarkets | Immediate (cash registers, cooling) | Emergency supply, Cash, Barter |
| ATMs/EC | Immediate | Cash, Barter |
| Heating (Gas) | Immediate (electric burner) | Wood stove, Fireplace, Heater |
| Refrigerator | 4-12 hours (stays cool) | Don't open! Consume perishables first. |
2. The First Week in Blackout
Day 1-2: Confusion
- Check power: Just your house or neighborhood/city?
- Turn on radio: Crank radio, emergency apps for info
- Collect water: Bathtub, buckets, water storage, rain barrel
- Refrigerator: Don't open! (stays cool 12h). Eat perishables first.
- Check on people: Neighbors, family, elderly – offer help
Day 3-7: Adaptation
- Water supply: Tap water fails → Supply, rainwater, well
- Food: Cans, dry rations, preserved food
- Cooking: Gas stove, camping stove, wood fire (in garden!)
- Heat: Multiple clothing layers, wool blankets, sleeping bag, foil (emergency blanket)
- Security: Darken houses, hide supplies, organize neighborhood
Day 8+: Long-term Operation
- Filter + disinfect water: Rainwater, river water, well water
- Energy: Solar panel, Generator, Car battery, Dynamo radio
- Communication: Radio (CB, PMR), Messenger apps, Message chain
- Hygiene: Wet wipes, Sponge bath, Wash basin (5L water can)
- Medicine: Pharmacies closed → First aid kit, Home remedies, Herbs
3. Long-term Strategies
- Solar Setup: 100W-Panel + Charge controller + 100Ah-Battery + Inverter = self-sufficient mini-system
- Heating: Wood stove/Fireplace (supplies!), Ceramic heater (gas)
- Money: Cash (500-1000€ in various bills). Barter: Food, Water, Tools.
- Food: Potatoes, onions, apples (shelf-stable), own planting (balcony/garden)
- Security: Organize neighborhood help (watch duty, shared meals)
4. Checklist: Blackout
- ☐ 14-day water supply (42L/person)
- ☐ 14-day food supply (cans, dry, preserved)
- ☐ Cooking option (gas + cartridges, 10+)
- ☐ Lighting: Candles, LED lamps, Flashlights + batteries
- ☐ Crank radio + emergency apps
- ☐ Heat: Wool blankets, Sleeping bags, Emergency blankets, warm clothing
- ☐ Solar panel + Powerbank (20,000mAh+)
- ☐ Cash (500-1000€)
- ☐ Fuel canisters (full, stabilized, safely stored)
- ☐ Extended first aid kit + personal medications (4 weeks)
- ☐ Hygiene items (wet wipes, soap, cat litter)
- ☐ Communication: Radio devices (PMR/CB), Messenger apps tested