### Outage Essentials: Five Must-Haves for Surviving a Power Cut

Recent power outages in Spain and Portugal left millions scrambling for essential supplies, and residents shared five key items that helped them cope.

As the lights went out across Spain and Portugal, millions faced an unprecedented ten-hour blackout that disrupted daily life and left many grappling with the sudden absence of electricity. In the wake of the chaos, locals shared the essential items that helped them navigate this challenging scenario and manage their needs.

**Cash**
Modern payment methods faltered in the blackout, turning cash into a necessity. In many areas, residents formed lines at the few operational ATMs, with shops quickly switching to cash-only transactions. Ed Rowe, a 26-year-old from Madrid, noted the pivotal role cash played: “At first, we paid by card, but soon there was no option to do so. Without cash, we couldn’t buy anything at all.” Others echoed that sentiment, finding themselves counting coins to afford basic items and sharing money amongst friends to make purchases.

**Wind-up Radio**
The blackout also caused an information vacuum. With no internet or mobile communication, people were left in the dark about the unfolding situation. Fortunately, some individuals still had access to wind-up radios, like the Buschschlüters, who relied on one to stay informed. Christine Buschschlüter reminisced about her childhood during a wartime blackout, illustrating how the radio offered a vital lifeline to news during the outage: “It was a strange situation, reminiscent of trying to find out what was happening in difficult times.”

**Non-perishable Food**
With no means to cook, the demand for non-perishable food surged. Supermarkets witnessed scenes familiar from the pandemic, with customers stocking up on items like canned tuna. As panic set in, individuals tried to prioritize foods that could be consumed without preparation. “Finding food that didn’t need to be heated was tougher than anticipated,” said local resident Lesley Elder. Many resorted to simple meals, like ham and cheese, out of necessity.

**Candles and Torches**
Darkness descended across communities as streetlights went out, and residents turned to candles and torches for illumination. Richard, from Alcalá de Henares, described navigating his completely dark neighborhood with a flashlight. Candles not only provided light but also served as makeshift cooking means, as Sarah Baxter used a candle stovetop to prepare meals safely. Despite the warmth they brought, people remained cautious of the fire hazards posed by open flames.

**Power Banks**
With electrical devices dying, people flocked to tech stores to acquire power banks, hoping to charge their phones and maintain some connectivity. Sarah, equipped with a solar charger, was able to keep her and her neighbor's devices operational throughout the blackout. Conversely, Ed Rowe found relief in being disconnected, sharing that it prompted a sense of independence and appreciation for time without digital distractions.

As communities move forward from this remarkable outage, many are now reconsidering their emergency preparedness strategies. Alongside these essentials, it's also wise to consider bottled water, a first aid kit, and other emergency supplies to ensure readiness for future disruptions.