EU's Blackout Highlights Urgent Preparedness Call

By Elke Porter | Canadian German Business News | April 29, 2025

In an intriguing turn of events, just after the European Union called for citizens to prepare a "72-hour survival kit" in a March 28 announcement, a massive power outage struck Spain, Portugal, and parts of France on April 28, 2025. This timely occurrence underlines the urgency of civil readiness, especially as citizens faced an unprecedented blackout.

Trains are not operating and traffic lights are down, causing chaos. Many cities are completely dark,” reported Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen from Valencia Airport.

The blackout, the largest in Europe’s history, began around noon local time, leaving millions without power for hours. Major airports experienced over 500 flight cancellations, while essential services ground to a halt. Shops and ATMs succumbed to darkness, causing panic buying among residents as they scrambled for necessities. As power was gradually restored by April 29, questions arose about the resilience of the grid amidst increasing electricity demand.

In the wake of these events, the European Commission's initiative urging every household to prepare a “72-hour survival kit” has taken on heightened significance. This kit, as detailed in their guidance, includes basic supplies such as bottled water, non-perishable food, necessary medicines, flashlights with spare batteries, and a battery-powered radio for receiving information.

As Canadians, we would also highly recommend toilet paper. During the pandemic, this is one of the first things that sold out. It is hoped that EU citizens heed this important advice, ensuring they are equipped for any disruptions.

In Germany, civil protection is overseen by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), which manages civil defense during conflicts and coordinates response efforts across the federal states during disasters. The BBK emphasizes that self-sufficiency is crucial during emergencies.

Their main tasks are:

Warning
Preparedness
Risk management
Crisis management
Medical civil protection
Shelters
Protection of cultural properties according to the Hague Convention

As Europe navigates these unprecedented challenges, the importance of preparedness takes centre stage. By building an emergency kit and developing family safety plans, citizens across Europe can enhance their resilience against unforeseen emergencies.

The European Commission’s guidance highlights that such an emergency kit should include, at minimum, bottled water, non-perishable food, necessary medicines, flashlights (torches) with spare batteries, and a battery-powered radio for information. And toilet paper.

Here are five reasons you might need an emergency kit in Europe, including the consideration of potentially needing to survive on your own for at least 72 hours for a government official to reach you:

Geopolitical Conflicts: Ongoing tensions, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, raise concerns about potential military conflicts in Europe. An emergency kit can provide essential supplies during disruptions in public services or evacuations.
Flooding and Natural Disasters: Europe faces various natural disasters, including flooding, storms, and earthquakes. An emergency kit ensures you have the necessary resources to sustain yourself when immediate help may be delayed, as it may take up to 72 hours for government officials to reach you.
Terrorist Attacks: The risk of terrorist activities exists in many urban areas. Having an emergency kit on hand can help you respond effectively to sudden threats or evacuations, ensuring your safety and access to crucial supplies in a crisis where you might need to fend for yourself.
Pandemic Outbreaks: Health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the need for preparedness regarding potential outbreaks of infectious diseases. An emergency kit stocked with medications, masks, and hygiene supplies can help you navigate quarantine situations or healthcare access issues while maintaining self-reliance.
Power Outages: Severe weather events, grid failures, or cyberattacks can lead to widespread power outages. Having an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food ensures you can remain self-sufficient during such disruptions, much like a scene from an apocalypse movie—surviving independently until services are restored.

Preparing for these events with an emergency kit not only enhances personal safety but also promotes resilience within the community, as it underscores the reality that self-sufficiency may be necessary in uncertain times. The recent blackout serves as a reminder of the need for readiness, ensuring individuals and communities are prepared for anything that may arise.

#Emergency Preparedness #72 Hour Kit #Blackout Response #Stay Prepared #Civil Protection #EU Resilience #German Canadian Business News #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788