Power cut: preparation and behaviour

In short: Power cuts are rare and usually short in Germany but can last longer during storms or faults. Those who are prepared get through them without problems.

In more detail: Without electricity light, heating (often), internet, refrigeration and sometimes water supply fail.

In detail

• Check the fuse: First establish whether only your own flat is affected (steckdosen-und-sicherungen-im-haushalt).
• Light: Torches and batteries, candles only with care (rauchmelder-und-brandschutz-im-haushalt).
• Information: Battery or wind-up radio, warning apps such as NINA.
• Fridge: Keep it closed; food stays cool for about four hours (lebensmittel-richtig-lagern-kühlschrank-vorrat-und-tiefkühler).
• Communication: Power bank, use the phone sparingly.
• Heating and cooking: No grills or gas heaters in closed rooms (carbon monoxide).
• Appliances: Unplug sensitive devices to avoid voltage spikes when power returns.
• Neighbourhood: Help older and needy people (notvorrat-und-krisenvorsorge).