Power failure: What to do?

A supply failure, also known as a "blackout", is a large-scale, long power outage. It affects a large number of people at the same time. Short power outages, e.g. due to construction work or cable faults, can occur repeatedly. They are regionally limited and usually only last a few minutes or hours.

It becomes more problematic when important power lines or high-voltage lines are damaged or destroyed and the power goes out across the board for long periods of time. This affects not only households, but also businesses, hospitals, schools and all other recipients of electricity.

Blackouts are caused in particular by bad weather conditions such as storms, thunderstorms or even heavy snowfall: power or high-voltage lines are damaged or destroyed. The result is a prolonged and widespread power outage. However, excessive consumption at certain points can also lead to a power cut: For example, if many households use fan heaters or electric heaters to save gas in the current situation.

In a special analysis ("stress test") commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, the four transmission system operators have examined the security of the electricity grid for this winter under tougher external conditions: Although an hourly crisis situation in the electricity system in winter 2022/2023 is very unlikely, it cannot be completely ruled out at present.

Here: Source and further information

In the event of a "blackout" or large-scale power failure, many things that we take for granted in everyday life are no longer available:

• Household: Many important household appliances no longer work: refrigerator and freezer, oven and stove. But lighting, central heating and hot water also rely on electricity and fail. The drinking water supply is also only guaranteed to a limited extent. In this case, it is extremely important to reduce water consumption. Restrictions on waste water disposal are also to be expected.
  
  
• Communication: Telephone, television and internet no longer work, cell phone networks only work for a short time at best and are quickly overloaded.
  
  
• Supplies: Supermarkets and petrol stations are closed or severely restricted. Cashless payment does not work.

In the event of a power failure, state and municipal authorities cannot replace private provision and neighborly help. In particular, it is essential to have an emergency supply at home.

The light is off or the refrigerator no longer works. This does not necessarily mean that there is a power failure. A power failure can also have other causes.

If the power has only failed in your home, you should check the power distribution box and switch any blown fuses or residual current circuit breakers back on. But be careful: fuses do not usually blow for no reason. First check the appliances that were in operation when the fuse tripped to see if you can detect any damage, such as defective cables. Switch on one appliance at a time to find out which appliance is faulty and caused the power failure. If you cannot find the cause of the failure, have the house installation checked by a qualified electrician. Electrical appliances should also be repaired by a specialist.

If the neighbors or neighboring apartments and houses also have no power, this does not necessarily mean that there is a widespread power outage. In the event of localized power outages, the municipal utilities will take care of the repair. They can be contacted on 09131 823-3333.

Keep calm! Check that the cause of the power cut is not in your home.

Most power outages in Germany are localized and quickly rectified. Disconnect all plugged-in devices from the power grid to avoid overloading the power grid when the power supply is restored.

If it is a major, widespread event, you will receive information on the radio.

Be careful with candles. Barbecues, open fires or gas stoves do not belong indoors and pose a serious risk of fire or suffocation.

Help people who may need assistance, for example people with a disability, minors, single people or people who cannot understand important information well.

Many information media such as the Internet or television that we use in everyday life are disrupted during a widespread power outage.

To receive information, you should have a battery-powered radio - ideally supplemented with a solar cell or crank - at home. If necessary, the car radio can also be used.

Depending on the situation, the city administration also provides information via mobile loudspeaker vehicles.

You can also contact contact points in the city districts to obtain information or make emergency calls.

Here: Contact points in Erlangen

The city administration's fire and disaster control department regularly carries out disaster control exercises and develops plans for major emergencies. An "energy shortage" crisis team has also been meeting regularly since summer 2022.

Even though experts believe that a prolonged, widespread power outage in Germany is rather unlikely, plans have long been developed and regularly updated for such an eventuality. The concept also includes contact points for citizens in the city districts, where they can make emergency calls or receive information in the event of a medical emergency (see previous question).

The University Hospital is generally supplied with emergency power and can continue to operate with restrictions.

In addition to a certain amount of household and food supplies (see separate question), you should always have a certain amount of cash at home. In the event of a power failure, ATMs and cashless payments will no longer work. A battery-operated radio or crank radio should be available to listen to messages from the authorities. Solar-powered battery chargers or power banks can help in the event of a power cut.

Talk to people in your neighborhood today who might need help. For example, blind, partially sighted or visually impaired people or single people. If you need help yourself, don't be afraid to approach neighbors or acquaintances directly.

Click here: Further helpful tips

Supermarkets are open around the clock, six days a week. Even on Sundays, petrol stations and kiosks offer food and drinks. There is also a wide range of delivery services. Nevertheless, it makes sense to stock up on food and drink.

Not only in the event of a power cut, but also in the event of

• a severe storm
• floods
• extreme heat or
• heavy snowfall and icy conditions

a supply can be helpful. This is because you may not be able to leave your home or you should not leave it. Planned purchases will then have to wait. The same applies if you need to take it easy and stay in bed due to an acute illness.

And last but not least, it may simply be a surprise visit. You will be happy to have something in the house that you can offer your guests.

So there are several arguments in favor of stocking up.

Here: More information

Sometimes things have to happen very quickly: If your home has to be evacuated, for example because a flood is imminent or a world war bomb has to be defused. Or you have to leave your home quickly because there is a fire. In this case, you should be able to pack your important documents in one go and take them with you so that they are not destroyed. This includes, for example

• family documents
• savings books
• securities
• certificates
• wills.

Here: More information