```html Blackout in Austria: How Well Are We Prepared ```
80 percent of Austrians have prepared for a possible power outage. This was revealed by the Blackout Readiness Check conducted by the consulting organization Ernst & Young (EY). The 60 to 65-year-olds are particularly well-prepared, with 82.9 percent stating that they have already taken precautions.
Younger People Consider Imminent Blackout More Likely
The assessment of blackout probability varies: On average, respondents estimate a 33 percent likelihood of a prolonged power outage. The 18 to 19-year-olds are particularly concerned – 37.6 percent of this age group expect a blackout within the next two years. There are regional differences: In Salzburg, the risk is considered highest, while Vorarlberg is the least likely to expect a widespread power outage.
The most frequently mentioned precautionary measure is the acquisition of backup lighting in the form of candles or flashlights. About half of the respondents have also stocked up on non-perishable food. Nevertheless, 13.7 percent have taken no measures – and do not plan to do so.
State Support in the Event of a Blackout Controversial
There is disagreement about the state's ability to respond in a crisis: 47.2 percent of respondents believe that Austria could adequately support affected households in the event of a widespread power outage. However, 52.8 percent see a significant need for improvement.
The population in Burgenland is particularly skeptical, with only one-third trusting in state assistance. In contrast, 56.8 percent of respondents in Vorarlberg expect state support.
Blackout Preparation: Authorities Advise Comprehensive Measures
To be well-prepared for a possible power outage, Austrian authorities recommend planning your own supplies as if for a "two-week camping holiday in your own home." Specifically, it is advised:
- Getränke: Pro Person sollten mindestens 35 Liter Wasser oder andere Getränke bevorratet werden.
- Hygieneartikel: Zahnbürsten, Seife, Binden oder Tampons sowie Reinigungsmittel dürfen nicht fehlen.
- Ersatzbeleuchtung: Kerzen, Feuerzeuge, Taschenlampen und Batterien sind essentiell.
- Kochen ohne Strom: Camping- oder Fonduekocher ermöglichen die Zubereitung von Speisen. Achtung: Der Umgang mit offenem Feuer birgt Brandgefahr!
- Heizmöglichkeiten: Kachel- oder Kaminöfen sowie Petroleum-Heizgeräte können Wärme spenden.
- Notstromversorgung: Ein Notstromaggregat kann elektrische Geräte versorgen.
- Kommunikation: Ein Kurbel- oder Batterieradio hilft, Informationen zu erhalten.
- Medizinische Versorgung: Wichtige Medikamente und ein Erste-Hilfe-Set sollten vorrätig sein.
- Bargeld: Die Österreichische Nationalbank empfiehlt, einen Betrag in Höhe des doppelten Wocheneinkaufs in kleinen Stückelungen gut gesichert zu Hause aufzubewahren.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.