Blackout! Tips for the Next Outage
As recent blackouts in popular expat destinations like Bali, Spain, Portugal, and France have shown, it’s crucial for retired women living or traveling overseas to be prepared for unexpected disruptions—especially when essentials like electricity and internet access suddenly disappear. While power outages come with a range of challenges, one of the most pressing concerns—particularly for solo women living abroad or mothers far from their loved ones—is how to quickly regain contact with family and stay connected during emergencies. Planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to safety, peace of mind, and maintaining communication in uncertain moments.
The key to survival and maintaining contact in a power blackout, is redundancy; having multiple ways to stay connected and a variety of methods for acquiring food, water, and shelter. Regular communication with your loved ones and agreeing clear plans in advance will make it easier to cope if or when an emergency arises. I hope the following pointers help you to plan and feel less alarmed when a blackout happens in your region,
Regaining Contact with Loved Ones in Different Locations
Establish an Emergency Communication Protocol
Designate a Point of Contact (POC): Choose a trusted friend or family member who will act as the central point for communication in case of an emergency. Everyone in your network can check in with them.
Create a Contact List: Compile a list of phone numbers, email addresses, and social media profiles for all loved ones. Ensure that everyone has access to this list, including any physical addresses or other alternate means of communication.
Use a Multichannel Approach:
Phone calls (if possible)
SMS/Text messaging (they may work even when calls fail)
Email
Social Media/Digital Messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger)
Satellite phones (if the network is down)
Develop an Offline Strategy
Designate Meeting Points: In the event of a total communication failure, agree on several pre-determined locations where you can meet up (e.g., nearby parks, local libraries).
Manual Message Drop-off: If telecommunication fails, leave messages in public spaces or at designated locations to inform others of your whereabouts and status.
Radio Communication: Consider having a basic walkie-talkie, ham radio, or satellite phone, especially if you live in areas prone to major disruptions.
Emergency Alert Systems: Sign up for government or local emergency alerts. These systems often work even when phones are down.
Prepare for Long-Term Disruptions
Pre-arrange Check-in Times: Agree to a regular time for check-ins or updates (e.g., weekly, monthly) so that everyone is aware of when to expect contact.
Use Written Notes or Postcards: If digital means aren't possible, set up a postal plan (sending postcards, letters) to check in regularly.
Surviving Without Electricity
Food & Water
Stockpile Non-Perishable Food:
Canned goods (beans, vegetables, fruits, meats, soups)
Dried foods (pasta, rice, lentils, oats)
Freeze-dried meals (ideal for longer-term survival)
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruits)
Water Storage:
Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days (aim for 2 weeks if possible).
Invest in a water filtration system (e.g., LifeStraw or Berkey filters) to purify any nearby water sources.
Alternative Power Sources
Solar Power:
Purchase solar panels (portable or fixed) to power basic devices (phones, small appliances, lights).
Consider solar-powered battery packs.
Battery Backup (Power Banks):
Ensure you have charged power banks for critical devices like phones, radios, or medical equipment.
Invest in rechargeable AA/AAA batteries for essential devices.
Generators (Gas or Solar):
A generator can power essential appliances (refrigerators, heaters, fans, etc.) for short-term use.
Ensure proper fuel storage for gas-powered generators or consider investing in solar-powered generators for longer sustainability.
Heat and Light Without Electricity
Candles and Lanterns: Stock up on beeswax or soy candles and rechargeable lanterns to provide light. Be cautious with fire hazards.
Battery-Powered Lights: LED flashlights and headlamps with spare batteries can provide adequate illumination.
Portable Heaters: Invest in a camping stove or propane heater for warmth, but ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Thermal Blankets: Always have extra thermal or emergency blankets on hand to retain body heat during cold nights.
Health and Sanitation
Medications: Always ensure you have extra medications on-hand incase you are unable to access supplies for 2 months or more. Be sure to cycle supplies whenever you fill a new prescription, so medications do not become out of date. The same rationale goes for contact lenses if you don’t have back up spectacles,
First Aid Kit: Ensure a well-stocked first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, pain relief, and any necessary prescription medications.
Sanitation: Stock up on hygiene items (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and soap). If water supply is cut off, consider a portable toilet or a way to dispose of waste safely.
Security
Home Fortification: Consider basic security measures such as reinforced doors and windows, as well as a lockable storage area for your supplies.
Self-Defense Items: Depending on your location, it may be wise to have non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray, a stun gun, or even a firearm, if legal in your area.
Communication and Information
Battery-Powered Radio: A hand-crank or solar-powered radio will help you stay informed of local news and emergencies.
Offline Communication: Develop a set of hand signals, visual markers, or other methods to communicate with neighbors or loved ones without electricity.
Books and Paper Maps: Keep physical copies of important maps (local, regional) and survival guides to avoid reliance on electronic devices.
Psychological and Emotional Preparedness
Mental Resilience
Routine: Try to maintain a regular schedule even without electricity. Wake up, eat, and sleep at the same time every day.
Stay Connected: Remain emotionally supportive of your loved ones, even if you're isolated. Practice patience and provide encouragement.
Self-Care: Incorporate physical exercises, meditation, or relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
Entertainment and Activities
Books, Puzzles, and Games: Stock up on board games, card games, books, and other non-electronic activities to pass the time.
Creative Outlets: Bring along items like sketchbooks, musical instruments, or knitting supplies to engage in creative projects.
Emergency Communication Tools
Here’s a practical list of emergency communication tools to help you stay connected during a national power outage or communications blackout:
1. Emergency Radios
Hand-crank or solar-powered AM/FM radios
Example: Kaito KA500 or Midland ER310
Features to look for: NOAA weather alerts, flashlight, USB charging port, solar and hand-crank power
Shortwave radios
Receive international broadcasts even when local stations go down
Example: Tecsun PL-660 or Eton Elite Executive
2. Two-Way Radios / Walkie-Talkies
Good for local communication (0.5–2 miles, up to 35 miles in ideal conditions)
Look for ones with FRS/GMRS capability and long battery life
Example: Motorola T800 (with app-based location sharing) or Baofeng UV-5R (programmable, more advanced)
3. Ham Radio (Amateur Radio)
Offers long-distance communication; works with repeaters or directly with others
Requires a license (in most countries) but widely used in emergencies
Recommended: Baofeng UV-5R or Yaesu FT-60R
Join a local ham radio club for training and frequencies
4. Satellite Communicators / Phones
Bypass terrestrial networks entirely (pricey but reliable)
Satellite phones: Iridium 9555, Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
Satellite messengers: Garmin inReach Mini 2 (text and location sharing), Zoleo
Monthly service plans required
5. Signal and Location Tools (Low-Tech)
Whistles, signal mirrors, or air horns for short-range alerts
Paper maps and printed contacts (in case GPS/data are down)
Notebook + pen to leave physical messages or track communication
6. Power Sources
Power banks (20,000+ mAh)
Solar chargers or foldable solar panels
Hand-crank phone chargers
Small gas/propane generators or solar generators
