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How to navigate a power outage? During the worst electricity blackout in recent history, millions across Spain and Portugal faced disruptions. This article examines how individuals managed during the Spain Portugal blackout, offering insights into essential items and coping strategies for future power outages. Discover what everyday necessities became crucial when the lights went out.
The Importance of Cash During the Spain Portugal Blackout
While phone and card payments have become commonplace, the reliance on them was challenged during the blackout. Lengthy queues formed at ATMs, with shops reverting to cash-only transactions.
- Ed Rowe, 26, from Madrid, stated that while card payments worked initially, cash became essential later.
- Grace O’Leary, 32, also in Madrid, recounted needing to pool coins to afford necessities.
- Jaime Giorgio, 28, fortunate enough to have cash, assisted his flatmate who didn’t.
“Cash, apparently, is in fact, king,” O’Leary said, highlighting the unexpected necessity of physical currency during the crisis.
Radio: A Lifeline for Information
The power outage resulted in an information void with internet, calls, and television services unavailable.
Daniel Clegg from Barcelona noted that “The complete loss of communication was the most confusing and concerning thing.”
Siegfried and Christine Buschschlüter relied on a windup transistor radio to stay informed, which reminded Christine of her childhood during wartime Berlin when accessing news was challenging.
The Resurgence of Radio
- The Buschschlüters believe the blackout will boost demand for battery-operated radios.
- Daniel Clegg plans to add a radio to his emergency kit for basic communication and information.
Tinned Food: Preparing for the Unexpected
With cooking appliances rendered useless, non-perishable food items became indispensable. Supermarkets saw panic buying, reminiscent of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Jaime Giorgio purchased canned tuna and other non-perishable goods in anticipation of a prolonged outage.
- Lesley Elder in Fortuna struggled to find prepared foods, settling for ham and cheese.
Elder suggested a small gas stove could be beneficial during such incidents.
Candles and Torches: Illuminating the Darkness of the Spain Portugal Blackout
Across the Iberian Peninsula, candles and flashlights became essential for navigating darkened homes and streets.
- Richard from Alcalá de Henares described the city as completely dark, with people using torches to find their way.
- Sarah Baxter from Barcelona used candles for limited cooking, safely heating food on a candle stovetop.
However, the use of open flames introduces fire hazards that must be considered.
Power Banks: Staying Connected
The Spain Portugal blackout highlighted the reliance on charged devices, with power banks becoming high-demand items. Shops in Madrid saw queues of people seeking backup power for their phones.
Sarah benefited from a solar charger, keeping her phone and her elderly neighbour’s charged throughout the ten-hour outage.
Lesley Elder mentioned her Kindle losing power "No TV, no Scrabble puzzle on my phone. So having a couple of books would have been helpful," she said.
The Unexpected Benefits of Disconnection
Paradoxically, some individuals appreciated the forced disconnection. Ed noted that it served as a reminder of independence from technology, while his flatmate Hannah Steiner valued the time spent with her roommates.
Sara Francisco from Leiria believes the experience raised awareness about over-reliance on technology and encouraged more conscious habits.