What is a blackout? How to prepare and how long do they last?

A blackout, or power outage, can occur suddenly due to a power system failure. We are accustomed to constant access to information and services, so a power outage poses a real threat to us. Prolonged power outages can lead to complete disorganization of public order. From the following guide you will learn: what a blackout is, its causes and consequences, and how to prepare for it properly.

What is a blackout?

Blackout is a term that is borrowed from the English language. Under this term is a phenomenon that manifests itself as an unexpected and sudden interruption of power supply over a large area. This situation arises due to a loss of voltage in the power grid and can last from a few minutes to even a few days. 

A prolonged blackout can lead to the paralysis of many public institutions and facilities, such as government offices, airports, hospitals, stores or industrial plants. The proper functioning of urban transportation will be threatened. Streetcars and trains will be immobilized and means of transportation fueled by traditional fuel may be deprived of it when fuel pumps are turned off at stations.

Blackout – causes

Analysts who deal with the blackout phenomenon stress that there are many factors that can lead to it. Below we have listed the most important of them: 

1. Extreme weather conditions caused by climate change 

Unfortunately, due to climate change, we are increasingly experiencing gusty winds or sudden downpours, which consequently lead to blackouts. Weather phenomena are increasingly unpredictable. Long heat waves are also a problem for power plants and power grids. 

2. Overloading of the power grid

Overloading of the grid can occur as a result of people using more and more energy-consuming electronic equipment while power plants fail to increase their electricity production. An example of such equipment is air conditioners, which more and more people are using. 

3. Raw material deficits

Deficits of raw materials, especially coal, which has the largest share of the energy production process in Poland, can cause a blackout. Deficits can occur as a result of both the depletion of this raw material and problems with the supply of power plants. 

4. Terrorism

Terrorism is a very serious phenomenon, which we have seen a particular increase in the 20th and early 21st centuries. Potential terrorist attacks (cyber attacks, conventional attacks) on infrastructure related to electricity generation and transmission, can cause a long-term blackout. 

5. Wars and armed conflicts

Wars and armed conflicts can cause blackouts. Attacks on another country's critical infrastructure are a common occurrence during conflicts. 

6. Geopolitical factors

Geopolitical factors can include any decisions made by other countries, the effects of which can cause power shortages. 

7. Human errors

There are known cases where power plants have failed due to human error.

Blackout in Poland - can it happen and when?

Poland is one of the countries that face power grid failures quite often. Low power surpluses, which do not exceed 10%, make blackouts a real threat to us. In addition, we are struggling with a shortage of coal, and this is the raw material that, so far, has the largest share of energy production in Poland. 

Blackouts in Europe have occurred many times, with the largest ever occurring simultaneously in Italy and parts of Switzerland, where 57 million people were plunged into darkness. In Poland, on the other hand, a major blackout occurred in 2008 in Szczecin and the surrounding area, where the power outage lasted as long as three days. It was the largest blackout in Poland since World War II. Due to strong winds and snowfall, four high-voltage lines were shut down and about 500,000 people were deprived of electricity. During this difficult period, educational institutions and some workplaces did not function, streetcars did not run, and on top of this there were problems with water supply. 

How long do blackouts last and what are their effects?

The duration of a blackout depends on many factors. Power outages caused by minor malfunctions can last up to several minutes, but in the case of a major outage, the time can extend up to several days. In the worst case scenario, there will be no electricity for an extended period of time when the system is out of power. 

The electric power system is a number of interconnected components. Power plants, transmission grids, substations - each performs specific functions such as generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The delivery of electricity to households is made possible by the full efficiency of the entire system. It covers the entire country and is also linked to the systems of other countries. 

Thinking about a power blackout, everyone wonders what the consequences will be. In a world of rapidly developing technology, lack of electricity is a serious problem that can lead to many negative consequences:

• deprivation of access to water, which results from the lack of emergency power in water supply systems,

• closed educational institutions, stores, gas stations, 

• inaccessible cellular network, lack of Internet access, 

• limited ability to travel by public transportation,

• increase in crime, theft in stores (due to the lack of security measures that were in place, thanks to the power supply), 

• people will be out of work, children will not go to school, and production will come to a standstill,

• people will be out of work, children will not go to school, and production will come to a standstill,

• lack of access to heating, which could pose a major threat in winter.

How to survive a blackout?

A folk Polish proverb says that the prudent is always insured. That's why it's a good idea to be prepared for the arrival of a blackout. When the power goes out and darkness sets in, the most important thing is not to panic. Everyone should individually prepare for the risk of such a situation, so that at some point you are not caught off guard. 

How to prepare for a power outage?

At home, it is a good idea to gather adequate supplies that may be necessary in the event of a power outage. It's a good idea to make a list of necessary items, and then gradually accumulate them in one easily accessible place. The Militaria.pl store has created a special category with products useful for a blackout. What is worth preparing in case of a blackout?

Water and food supplies

At home, it's a good idea to stockpile supplies that will last at least a few days. Of course, the basics are drinking water and food that is simple to prepare, but provides the body with the necessary nutrients. A great choice is freeze-dried food, which is wholesome and full-calorie, as well as canned foods that are suitable for long-term storage. A stove, such as a solid fuel stove, will come in handy during a power outage. This is a great solution, since wood, leaves, grass, paper and other commonly available solid fuels can be used as fuel. The operation of the stove is independent of the electricity supply, allowing you to prepare meals on it or boil water during a blackout. 

Lighting

A source of light is crucial, as a blackout makes it much more difficult to function after dark. It is a good idea to stock up on flashlights, matches, batteries, candles and kerosene lamps. When we want to find something or go into the field, it is worth having a flashlight, as well as a dedicated set of batteries for it. The best choices are professional tactical and outdoor flashlights, which will provide a strong stream of light. Some of them shine continuously for up to 50 days in minimum mode.

Self-defense

Business owners, especially those involved in commerce, should take extra precautions as they can become easy targets for criminals. In single-family homes, it's a good idea to put up lights on the porch so people can see that someone is home. To increase your safety, you can stock up on self-defense tools such as pepper spray, kubotans or telescopic baton.

Emergency power supply

It's a good idea to have an emergency power supply on standby so that you can plug in electrical devices such as your phone, laptop or travel fridge.

Portable power stations, in particular, will work well during a blackout, as you can even charge several appliances through them at the same time. The device is equipped with an inverter that converts direct current into alternating current, and the stored electricity is stored in lithium-ion or lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. The power station will start up quickly in the event of a blackout and doesn't weigh much, so it can be easily moved to another location. 

A good option is to buy solar panels, which generate electricity using the sun's rays, allowing you to obtain energy at no extra cost. Photovoltaic panels can be used, for example, to charge power stations. 

A convenient source of power during power outages are also generators, which convert mechanical energy into electricity. At the same time, it is worth noting that the engines of gensets are powered by different types of fuel, such as gasoline, so it is worth being stocked with a supply of fuel in dedicated canisters. 

Warmth and lodging

When the power is cut off, you have to reckon with a lack of heating, so it's a good idea to be stocked with warm clothing, such as fleeces or jackets. With minus temperatures outside, the temperature in homes will quickly drop, and then an ordinary quilt will not suffice. So it's a good idea to buy a warm sleeping bag to keep us comfortable and protect us from freezing. 

First aid

In case of a blackout, it's a good idea to be stocked with a first aid kit, as emergencies can occur during a power outage. In such situations, having basic tools and bandages can make first aid much easier and reduce the risk of complications. Standard first aid kits usually consist of bandages, plasters, disposable gloves, bandages, scissors and disinfectant wipes. 

Radiocommunication 

A power grid failure can deprive us of access to the Internet, mobile networks, as well as television. In such a case, it is a good idea to stock up on walkie-talkies and radios that will provide connectivity and access to information during a crisis. 

Radios (walkie-talkies) provide wireless communication. They are not dependent on external power sources or the telecommunications network. In addition, it is possible to communicate with them at distances of up to several kilometers. Receiving radio signals will be enabled by AM and FM radios. In a situation where other means of communication are not available radio, will allow obtaining up-to-date information and emergency messages. 

Lack of electricity means no access to many popular entertainment activities, such as television and video games. In such a situation, it is worth stocking up on things that will provide entertainment without electricity like board games, card games and books. We especially recommend books in the field of survival, which will provide valuable information and knowledge on how to cope with difficult circumstances. In them you can find advice on how to start a fire, build a shelter or get food and water.

Summary

You already know what a power blackout is, how long it lasts, its causes and effects, and how to properly prepare for it. In the Militaria.pl we have a wide assortment of goods that may prove indispensable during this difficult period. We recommend flashlights that will illuminate the darkness that prevails everywhere, warm sleeping bags, canned and freeze-dried food that will ensure adequate caloric needs, as well as many other products that are available in the blackout category.