Call for Preparation: Generators and Cash Reserves

Faced with growing threats related to power outages and other infrastructure crises, both in Poland and other European countries, more and more experts are calling for households to prepare for emergencies. In Germany, the Federal Office for Civil Protection (BBK) has issued special recommendations that are gaining popularity among Polish crisis management experts as well.

72 Hours of Self-Sufficiency – The Key to Security

According to René Funk, Deputy Head of the BBK, every household should be prepared for at least 72 hours of operation without access to basic services such as electricity, water, internet, or ATMs. In Poland, where energy infrastructure is still vulnerable to failures, such preparation may prove crucial in situations such as power outages, natural disasters, or cyberattacks on energy networks.

What can happen in the event of a power outage?

Prolonged power outages are not just about a lack of lighting or the ability to cook dinner. According to data from the Government Security Centre (Rządowe Centrum Bezpieczeństwa, RCB), blackouts can lead to:

• Lack of access to drinking water – water supply systems operate on electricity.
• Problems with payments – payment terminals and ATMs stop working.
• Interruptions in communication – mobile networks, the internet, and cable television shut down.
• Disruptions in transport – traffic lights and timetables stop working.

What equipment should be in every home?

Experts recommend creating a basic emergency kit that will allow you to survive a crisis. Here’s what should be in every household:

• Generator – small, portable generators are an investment that can save lives during an outage. On the Polish market, the prices of such devices start from around PLN 800, and for more powerful models, you can pay up to PLN 3,000.
• Flashlights and spare batteries – will provide basic lighting in the event of a blackout.
• Drinking water – a supply of 2-3 liters per person per day is recommended. For three days, a family of four needs at least 24 liters of water.
• Long-term food – canned goods, crackers, pasta, or groats. The supply should last for 3-7 days.
• First aid kit – bandages, painkillers, and disinfectants.
• Cash – in the event of payment terminal failures, the only option will be to pay in cash.

Crisis Preparedness in Polish Conditions

Polish energy infrastructure, although constantly modernized, is exposed to various threats, including extreme weather phenomena, such as gales or heavy snowfall. In 2023, storms left tens of thousands of households without electricity.

The Government Security Centre (RCB) recommends similar preparatory measures as the BBK in Germany, taking into account the specifics of local threats. In addition, the Polish rescue services emphasize the importance of neighborly cooperation – in a crisis situation, mutual support between residents can be crucial.

What steps is Poland taking?

The Polish government is increasingly taking action to raise public awareness of preparedness for crisis situations. In 2024, the RCB launched the „Be Ready for Anything” educational campaign, which organizes workshops and training for residents of cities and villages.

In addition, local governments are starting to invest in emergency power sources for hospitals, schools, and offices. An example is Warsaw, which in 2023 allocated over PLN 12 million to purchase generators for key municipal facilities.

Are Poles ready for a blackout?

According to research conducted by CBOS (Public Opinion Research Center) in 2023, only 25% of Poles have any preparation for crisis situations, such as a supply of water or food. Even fewer, only 8%, have alternative power sources, such as generators or solar lamps.

Experts warn that this low level of readiness could lead to chaos in the event of more serious crises. It is therefore worth taking care of basic equipment now and learning how to cope in emergency situations.