Blackout: Less than half consider themselves well prepared

Experts have long warned that the risk of blackouts in Europe is increasing. At the beginning of January 2021, there was a near blackout (futurezone reported). A large-scale power failure could just be prevented, the fault was a chain reaction. The more systems are networked with one another, the more likely it is.

The market research agency Marketagent carried out a representative survey of 500 Austrians on how well the population saw themselves as prepared for such an event. It turned out that the majority of Austrians had already thought about the consequences of a blackout. More than half of the respondents (57 percent) consider Austria to be well prepared, according to the survey. Around 42 percent see themselves and their own household as well prepared. A blackout in the next five years is considered likely by 46 percent.

A third don't know anything about the consequences

The near-blackout of January 8th, however, completely passed one in five Austrians. A good eight out of ten respondents know the term blackout. However, just under two thirds of the local population was aware of the fact that everyday life would actually stand still for up to two weeks – from lighting, cell phones and internet to traffic lights and ATMs to sewage disposal – as it says in a marketing agent broadcast.

Around 42 percent are confident that the preparations in their own household would be enough to survive up to two weeks without electricity. Overall, the respondents estimate that they can get by without electricity or outside help for an average of ten days and be able to supply themselves with essential things. However, half of the respondents expect a maximum of one week. Just over a third would hold out for up to two weeks or more.

Candles and torches

When it comes to equipment, 93 percent said they had alternative lighting such as a candle or flashlight to hand, and almost nine out of ten also store sufficient hygiene items and a first aid kit or an emergency pharmacy. The supply of (non-perishable) food would only be sufficient for a good six out of ten for two weeks, of drinking water for less than half. 56 percent said they had enough cash in the house. Every second person said they could cook without electricity; around 46 percent of them used heating. 17 percent have an emergency generator or an emergency power supply.

Better crisis preparation thanks to Corona

A good 70 percent of those who still have deficits in supply want to upgrade their food and drinking water supplies. 65 percent would like to expand their cash holdings and six out of ten want to store sufficient hygiene items.

The corona pandemic has raised awareness of impending crises in a good four-tenths. More than a third have been making better preparations for such exceptional situations since Covid-19, which could be an advantage in the event of a blackout, according to Marketing Agent Marketing Director Lisa Patek.