Power outage: how to manage when the electricity goes
Updated · 6 min read
A power outage can strike without warning - in a storm, from a grid fault or during a larger incident. The authorities recommend that you can manage on your own for at least three days if supplies such as power fail.[1] With a few things ready in advance, an outage becomes a manageable situation rather than a crisis.
In short: Have light and a way to charge your phone ready, keep the fridge and freezer closed, hold on to warmth, and keep an FM radio and a little cash so you can stay informed and pay even when the network is down.[1]
Light and phone
When the power goes, you need to make light and keep your phone alive. The authorities point to a flashlight, spare batteries and a power bank or battery pack, so you can charge your phone during an outage.[1]
If you use candles, they must stand stably and well clear of curtains, rugs and anything else that can catch fire.[1]
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Spare batteries
- Power bank or battery pack
- Candles and matches (use with care)
Fridge and freezer food
The most important advice is simple: avoid opening the fridge and freezer unnecessarily, so food stays cold longer.[2] A short outage of a couple of hours usually does no harm to the food.[2]
Once power returns, the fridge should get down to a maximum of 5 °C. If the temperature is above 5 degrees, bacteria may develop in the food.[2] You can use your senses - look, smell and taste - to judge whether the food is still good; sensitive items like fresh fish and minced meat are affected more than, say, yoghurt and cheese.[2]
Also keep food at home that can be eaten without cooking, for example canned goods and crispbread that need neither a fridge, a hob nor an oven.[1]
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed
- Food that can be eaten without cooking
- Manual can opener
- Judge the food with your senses once power is back
Warmth
If the heating fails in winter, it comes down to holding on to your body heat. The authorities recommend using the household's blankets, duvets and warm clothing and gathering everyone in one room.[1]
Information
If the mobile network or internet is down, you still need to keep up. The authorities recommend a battery, hand-crank or solar-powered FM radio, so you can receive information if other channels fail.[1]
Paying without power and internet
If card payment isn't working, cash is good to have. The authorities recommend keeping one or more physical payment cards plus a small amount in coins and small notes.[1]
Ready for an outage
See flashlights, power banks and FM radios gathered according to the authorities' advice.
If you want the full list of what to keep at home, read on here: Emergency supply list: what to keep at home
Frequently asked questions
How long does food last in the fridge and freezer during an outage?
Keep the fridge and freezer closed and food stays cold longer. According to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, a short outage of a couple of hours usually does no harm to the food.
Can I eat the food after a power outage?
Use your senses - look, smell and taste. Sensitive items like fresh fish and minced meat are affected more than, say, yoghurt and cheese. Once power returns, the fridge should get down to a maximum of 5 °C.
How do I get information when the power is out?
Keep a battery, hand-crank or solar-powered FM radio so you can stay informed if the mobile network and internet fail.
How do I pay if card payment doesn't work?
Keep one or more physical payment cards plus a small amount in coins and small notes, so you can pay if the internet or card payment is down.
Sources
- [1]Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (samsik.dk): Sådan forbereder du dig
- [2]Fødevarestyrelsen: Køkkenråd ved strømbesparelse og ved strømafbrydelse