Blackout warning – that’s worse than a lack of electricity – Austria News
The temporary power failure is not the main problem, according to the surprising analysis by blackout expert Herbert Saurugg.
An impending blackout is causing ever-increasing dangers in Austria. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) recently stated that she is expecting a blackout in Austria in the near future: “The question is not whether it will come, but when it will come,” she said at the time.
READ MORE: “Blackouts in the near future” – now Minister unpacks everything
Emergency generator not required
Blackout expert Herbert Saurugg said on Tuesday that you have to prepare yourself in case of an emergency. In the ORF program “Aktuell nach eins”, the expert spoke about important preparations – and about what is not so urgently needed in an emergency. Somewhat surprisingly, the expert spoke out against emergency generators and “camping stoves”.
Because Saurugg explains in an interview with ORF man Stefan Gehrer that the temporary power failure would not be the main problem in an emergency. The electricity suppliers assure that, in an emergency, they will be able to supply electricity again after two days. In this relatively short time, it is not absolutely necessary to heat food. However, the expert restricts: “If I have small children, it looks different.”
Electricity after a maximum of two days – problem solved?
But even if there is electricity again within a few hours, that is no reason to give the all-clear. Because the problem is not the power failure per se, “but what comes after it”. After that, according to the expert, it would take “several days” for the telecommunications supply – mobile phone, landline, Internet – to work again. But that would have massive consequences for production, logistics and the distribution of goods. The fuel supply is also massively endangered in this scenario.
Here it sometimes takes up to the second week before something can start again. But: “Starting up doesn’t mean it’s working as usual again, it has to start up first”. It is therefore important to take precautions. What is the best way to prepare for an emergency? Everyone has to answer this question for themselves, says Saurugg. However, it is important to have food and medicine at home for at least 14 days.
READ MORE: Supermarkets closed, bags – the government’s blackout plan
Water supply secured in Vienna
How about the water? That varies greatly from region to region. The water supply in Vienna would probably be secured as far as possible, because it does not depend on electricity. Things sometimes look different in rural areas because pumps are used here. The expert advises asking the respective municipality and, if necessary, creating a water supply. In the federal capital, it can also become critical from the fifth floor.
The expert is rather pessimistic about the support of the army. Because this can only do “very little” in an emergency. “If nine million people are affected, then any organization will only help to a very limited extent”. That is why it is so important that each individual takes precautions for themselves.