Nearly a week after the first report on the blackout that severely affected the Iberian Peninsula in April this year was released, it has also been revealed that Spain has detected “sudden voltage variations” in recent weeks.
The Spanish electricity system operator, Red Eléctrica, reported that the recorded variations “can cause consumption and production disconnections that eventually destabilize the electricity system.” These conclusions are part of a document submitted to the National Commission on Markets and Competition, in which the company also outlines some changes that need to be made, suggesting, however, that they be subject to public consultation before final approval.
After the power blackout on April 28 in Portugal and Spain, the system operator emphasizes that the observed tensions in the last fifteen days occur “within the established limits.”
It is important to recall some of the warnings issued at the time of the blackout—and subsequently. Both the European Commission and several Portuguese entities issued alerts about what to have prepared in the event of a new blackout. Remember, below, what should be prepared.
According to the European Commission, a well-prepared citizen should have at home emergency reserves, including water and canned food, sufficient for at least three days (72 hours).
What to Have on Hand
After the blackout, the director of the Civil Protection Municipal Service of Lisbon City Council, Margarida Castro Martins, stated that “everyone should have an emergency kit at home that allows for [their] survival in situations” like a blackout, or similar.
In the backpack, you should include the following items:
- Water;
- Dry or canned food;
- Flashlight;
- Whistle;
- Battery-operated radio and spare batteries;
- Thermal blanket;
- Personal hygiene items;
- Essential medications;
- First-aid kit.
The European Commission also warned that a well-prepared citizen should have at home emergency reserves – including water and canned food – sufficient for at least 72 hours.
It is important not to forget about the animals, who, like humans, have their needs, notably in terms of medications. Below, we provide a first-aid kit for pets, which should be prepared not only in crisis situations but can also be used for vacations, for example.
And What About Money?
Apart from food and medications, money is also a matter to consider. In a world where increasingly more payments are made via cards and even mobile phones, it is important to keep some cash aside.
According to the Central Bank of the Netherlands, De Nederlandsche Bank, 70 euros per adult and 30 euros per child are the recommended amounts for citizens to ensure survival in emergency situations.
