How to prepare for disruptions

An important part of the security of supply of society as a whole is that households are also prepared for various disruptions.

When you are prepared for power outages, you are prepared for many different disruptions. A power outage can happen unexpectedly at any time, for example, due to a technical fault or natural phenomena. The recommendation of the authorities is that homes should be prepared to cope independently for at least three days.

Water in particular is one of the first things a person needs in a disruption situation, as it is essential for drinking, cooking and hygiene. Water outages can be caused, for example, by a power outage or water pollution.

Even though emergency water supply is often arranged in the event of water supply disruptions lasting more than a day, to be safe, it is recommended to have even a few litres of bottled water purchased from the shop at home. Bottled water or water canisters can be stored unopened in the dark and cool for a couple of years.

In the event of a power outage

• Turn off your appliances once the outage starts. The most important thing is to switch off the stove, iron and coffee machine.
• Avoid opening the doors of refrigerators.
• Close the windows and keep the entrance door closed to prevent heat from escaping.
• Water may come out of the tap. You can drink and use it, but avoid draining water into the sewer due to the risk of flooding the sewer network. It is recommended to place a bowl under the tap to collect any dripping water. Avoid excessive use of water (e.g. showering, bathing, washing up and using the toilet).
• Avoid flushing the toilet. If you need to use the toilet, only flush once the power comes back on.
• Only use cold water. On district heating properties, hot water can get extremely hot during an outage.
• Prepare food using a camping stove, grill or fireplace. Have first-aid extinguishing equipment close at hand.

In case of a long power outage

• Prepare any perishable foods (fish, meat, milk).
• In winter, food is better stored outdoors in a cool bag or a box lined with newspaper.
• With the exception of fireplaces, electricity is required for all heating. Wear warm and breathable clothing. Eat well and get enough rest.
• If the temperature in your home drops below +15 Celsius, try to keep one room in your apartment warm. Cover windows with thick curtains or blankets and block gaps from draft. Put more rugs on the floor.
• During a long power outage in winter, the water meter and pipes can freeze in a room where the temperature drops too low. The best way to prevent freezing is to use additional insulation and keep the room closed during the outage. After a power outage, make sure that the heating of the water meter room is working.
• A rubbish bag can be used on the toilet. Use toilet paper or shredded newspaper as litter. A used bag is sorted as mixed waste.

After a power outage

• Check that the stove and other electrical appliances are switched off.
• Severe pressure fluctuations can loosen precipitate from the water pipes, which can be seen in the form of cloudy water. Running the water clears it.
• Always check the temperature of the technical rooms, the heating system and its functionality after a power outage.
• Check the condition of frozen and refrigerated products.