As power cuts become more frequent, learning to survive without electricity is crucial. From cash and radios to tinned food and candles, discover the essential supplies that can help you make it through the day.
When the lights go out, panic can set in. But with some essential supplies, you can make it through the day without too much trouble.
Power outages occur due to various reasons, including severe weather conditions such as hurricanes and floods.
Equipment failure is another common cause, accounting for approximately 50% of all power outages.
Aging infrastructure and high demand during peak usage hours also contribute to power outages.
Additionally, human error, animal interference, and cyber attacks can disrupt the power supply.
Cash: The King of Essentials
For many people, cash was the most important thing when the power went out. Without cards or mobile payments working, queues formed at cash machines as shops switched to cash-only transactions. This meant that those who didn’t have enough cash on hand were left struggling to buy basic necessities like food and drinks.
Cash has been a fundamental medium of exchange for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient civilizations.
Historically, cash was made from precious metals like gold and silver, while modern currencies are printed on paper or made from plastic.
According to the World Bank, in 2020, over 2 billion people worldwide lacked access to formal financial services, relying heavily on 'cash' for transactions.
The rise of digital payments has led to a decline in 'cash usage', with some countries adopting cashless societies.
Despite this, some people were lucky enough to have some cash with them, which allowed them to get by. For example, Jaime Giorgio was able to use his ‘cash’ to buy food and other essentials in ‘Madrid‘.
Radio: A Lifeline for Communication
When the power cut also led to an information blackout, radios became a vital source of news and communication. The Buschschluters, an elderly couple from rural Spain, used an old wind-up transistor radio to tune into local radio stations and stay informed about what was happening.
Radios have been a staple in communication for over a century.
Invented by Guglielmo Marconi in 1895, early radios used Morse code to transmit messages.
By the mid-20th century, AM and FM radio broadcasting became popular, allowing people to listen to music, news, and entertainment from anywhere.
Today, radios come in various forms, including portable devices, smart speakers, and online streaming platforms.
According to a survey, over 90% of Americans still use radios as their primary source of news and information.
For Daniel Clegg, who lived in ‘Barcelona‘, the lack of information was the most confusing aspect of the power cut. He had to rely on speculation and looking at the sky to see if planes were still flying.
Tinned Food: A Pantry Staple
When supermarkets ran out of fresh food due to the power outage, tinned goods became a staple for many people. Lesley Elder from south-eastern Spain bought tuna in cans just in case they wouldn’t go bad, and ended up having ‘ham and cheese’ for dinner.
However, finding non-perishable food that didn’t require heating or cooking was more difficult than expected. A little gas stove would have been a helpful addition to many people’s homes.
Candles and Torches: Lighting the Way
As night fell without streetlights, candles and torches became essential for lighting up dark spaces. Richard from ‘Alcala de Henares’ used his spare candles to see in the dark, while Sarah Baxter from ‘Barcelona’ even used a candle stovetop to heat up food.
Powerbanks: Keeping Devices Charged
With no power, people relied on their battery life to get by. In ‘Madrid‘, queues formed outside tech shops as people waited for their hands on a power bank. For some, like Lesley Elder, having access to devices was crucial for staying in touch with loved ones.
However, not everyone felt that way. Ed Rowe from ‘Madrid’ said that being disconnected from his devices was a welcome break from the constant need to be connected.
