Spain is at risk of a new blackout due to “abrupt voltage fluctuations,” as announced on the morning of October 9 by Red Eléctrica Española. In fact, according to experts this blackout in our country could be imminent. But this time, it won’t catch us off guard and without a gas stove or battery-powered radio at home as on April 28.
Therefore, because we know what happened and how we endured it, and because we were also aware of the shortcomings we had in our homes of essential items that did not require electricity, this time we are going to prepare, really and in advance, our emergency kit for at least 72 hours. Just in case.
Amazon Basics for the Home in Case There Is a New Blackout in Spain
In addition to having non-perishable food in the pantry that does not need cooking, bottled water (let’s estimate about 5 liters per person), fuel and a full tank in the car, copies of the most important documents in a plastic folder, cash, matches or batteries, take note of what I, at least, have already bought on Amazon. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
A Gas Stove
Until we could turn on the microwave, the air fryer, or the ceramic hob, we didn’t realize that, on April 28, dinner would be complicated. So in addition to a well-stocked pantry, the first thing I bought was this gas stove, the famous Campingaz, which uses a liquefied gas cartridge (the small bottle is inserted on the side), has piezoelectric ignition, adjustable flame, and a double safety valve.
A Power Generator
When my husband told me, before the first blackout, that he was going to buy a solar-powered electricity generator for home, I yelled. When I saw on Amazon orders that he had spent almost 500 euros on it, I really cried out. When on April 28 power went out across Spain, I had to admit, “you were right.” This mini home power station runs on solar energy, although it can be pre-charged (it fully charges in 3 hours in a wall socket), it has 9 output ports that can be used simultaneously, allows charging mobiles, laptops, tablets and, also, to power small appliances. It is expensive, yes, but worth it.
A Power Bank Compatible with Various Devices
Whether there is a blackout or not, whether you have a power generator at home or not, a portable mobile charger (now called a power bank) is never a bad idea. This one, besides being cheap and light, is compatible with most phones on the market, supports fast charging (reaches 80% in less than an hour), and, moreover, has a small built-in flashlight, which never hurts.
A Powerful Battery-Powered or Solar-Charged Flashlight
Another essential that everyone should have at home, whether there is an imminent blackout or not, is a powerful flashlight. Or more than one. Or a portable lamp that doesn’t require electricity. This one, with a swiveling head and nine distinct lighting modes, has a long-lasting battery, solar charging, and power bank functionality.
A Battery-Powered Radio
When did we stop having battery-powered radios at home? On April 28, we were all trying to find the old grandpa’s transistor to learn what was happening. If there is another blackout, we will have it at hand. In this case, I chose this one which, in addition to AM/FM radio, has solar charging, a flashlight, a charger for the mobile, and an SOS alarm function. IMPORTANT: have batteries that work and of different sizes at home.
A Battery-Powered Radio
¿En qué momento dejamos de tener radios a pilas en casa? El pasado 28 de abril, todos intentábamos buscar el antiguo transistor del abuelo para enterarnos de qué estaba pasando. Si vuelve a haber un apagón, la tendremos a mano. En este caso, yo elegí esta que, además de radio AM/FM, dispone de carga solar, tiene linterna, cargador para el móvil y función de alarma SOS. IMPORTANTE: tener pilas que funcionen y de diferentes tamaños en casa.
A Battery-Powered Radio
¿En qué momento dejamos de tener radios a pilas en casa? El pasado 28 de abril, todos intentábamos buscar el antiguo transistor del abuelo para enterarnos de qué estaba pasando. Si vuelve a haber un apagón, la tendremos a mano. En este caso, yo elegí esta que, además de radio AM/FM, dispone de carga solar, tiene linterna, cargador para el móvil y función de alarma SOS. IMPORTANTE: tener pilas que funcionen y de diferentes tamaños en casa.
A Gas Stove
Entramos en otoño, llegan los meses fríos y esta estufa de gas es lo último que he incluido en mi kit de emergencia para casa. Funciona con gas butano, calienta superficies de hasta 80 metros cuadrados, tiene tres niveles de potencia, triple sistema de seguridad y sistema anti-vuelco. Por si acaso, he renovado también mi extintor de polvo seco.
Slow-Burning Candles
And we end with a classic staple: candles. Beautiful, decorative, romantic, aromatic… and a lifeline if the power goes out. In this case, make sure they are slow-burning to last longer, like these, which last up to 42 hours. And, of course, if you have candles, keep a lighter (that works) or matches handy.
