Emergency Plan: First Steps & Behavior in a Blackout

Imagine the power goes out right now, at this very moment. What would be your first steps, what would you do now?

For the scenario of a sudden blackout, it is advisable to have a concrete plan with initial steps on how to react in case of emergency. A few simple rules of behavior can prevent panic in an emergency and ensure that you are not overwhelmed by the already demanding situation.

Checklist

 ↓  Tip: If you check off individual items, your current progress will be stored locally on this device.

• 📍 Set a Common Meeting Point
  Decide on a common meeting point with your family where you can provide yourselves with water & food for about 14 days in case of an emergency
• 🗺 Navigation to the Meeting Point
  Together, consider how you can find the fastest way (if necessary, on foot and without navigation) from specific places (work, school, gym, etc.) to the agreed meeting point
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Bring Young & Elderly Family Members to the Meeting Point
  Concretely plan how you might pick up and bring your children, parents, or grandparents to the meeting point
• 📢 Learn Siren Signals
  Inform yourself about local siren signals that can give you important hints about the current situation in an emergency
• 🪪 Keep Documents Ready
  Create a folder with important documents & written information and place it collectively in one location to have everything ready in case of an emergency
• 🎲 Play Through a Blackout Scenario
  Practice a complete blackout scenario from A to Z over a weekend to go through important procedures and learn what things you might miss in a real emergency
• 🔧 Test Equipment
  Regularly test your equipment and keep it ready for use
• 🤝 Organize with Neighbors & Friends
  Discuss the topic of blackout preparedness with your neighbors and friends, and together consider how you can support each other in an emergency and who can take on which tasks or centrally manage the storage of supplies

Ideally, you have already prepared for a longer power outage by stocking up on drinking water, food, and important items at home. Therefore, it's crucial to immediately head to your home supplies once a power outage occurs. Additionally, it's important to establish and agree upon a central meeting point with your household members. This predefined location will serve as a reliable rendezvous in case of an emergency, particularly when communication devices may not be operational.

After you have prepared your personal emergency plan, you can proceed to the next topic: Water Supply →