Estonian Rescue Board recommends how to be prepared for a power outage
Päästeameti pressiteade
/ Estonia, together with Latvia and Lithuania, is preparing to synchronize the Baltic electricity grid with the Continental European electricity grid on February 9, 2025, in order to take a major step forward in energy security. The Ministry of Climate and Elering, which is responsible for the change of synchronous area, have set a goal that its implementation should not be noticed by consumers. Although technically there should be no risks associated with this, we must always be prepared for possible shifts from normal life in the form of hybrid attacks, technical glitches or natural crises.
We recommend that everyone:
- Think about what it means for you and your family if you do not have electricity, water and/or heating at home.
- Prepare to manage independently at home for at least a week
- Keep supplies at home based on your needs: water, food, medicine and other necessary things.
More information on preparing for power outages can be found on the "Ole valmis" website: www.olevalmis.ee/en
Behavioral guidelines for people (available on the olevalmis.ee website):
Think about the effects of power outages on your home and how to mitigate them. For example, what types of devices depend on electricity to operate: lamps, stove, refrigerator, washing machine, TV and radio, charging devices, etc. Also, chips on exterior doors and gates may only operate with electricity. Most often, the water supply and sewage drainage in your home also depend on electricity. During a longer power outage, shops, pharmacies and gas stations may be closed.
Make sure that you have everything you need at home to survive for at least a week. Therefore, stock up on the necessary things today!
See what supplies you should have at home.
Water supply and sewage
Stock up on drinking water if your house's water supply depends on electricity or you are not sure how it works exactly. If you depend on public water supply, check with your local government or water company whether and how water supply is guaranteed in your area in the event of a power outage.
Stock up on 3 liters of drinking water per person for at least one day. Think about where to get more drinking water if necessary. You can find the nearest natural water source here.
Boil water taken from other natural bodies of water, including snow water, over high heat for 10 minutes or use water purification products (filters, tablets).
Follow the local government's announcements about supplying residents with drinking water.
In the event of a power outage, the sewage system will also not work, which can lead to serious flooding, pollution and the spread of diseases. As an alternative, you can use garbage bags placed in the toilet bowl or, for example, dry toilets.
Heating and warmth
If your home's heating supply depends on electricity, think about alternative options. If your room temperature depends on central heating, check with your local authority or service provider whether and how it is guaranteed to function in your area even in the event of a power outage.
If you have a stove, fireplace or wood stove, make sure that the heating elements are maintained and heat them sensibly.
If there are no such options, use only one room to keep warm. Close doors, windows and ventilation openings and seal off places where heat can escape from the room.
Use alternative heating devices (e.g. a gas radiator or heater) according to the instructions for use and fire safety rules.
If there is a generator, check its operation and the adequacy of the heating.
If you start to feel too cold at home, if possible, go to your relatives or contact the local authority.
Home supplies
Keep a supply of food at home that you can use even if you do not have the possibility of heating. A grill, camping stove or a prime rib to cook food with are also helpful. Follow all fire safety regulations!
A food supply should be something that you consume on a daily basis and can keep in circulation. Don't forget your pet!
Some of the food should be easy to prepare and have a long shelf life. Foods that are ready to be consumed (canned goods, rusks, cookies, nuts, muesli bars, etc.) are also suitable.
Remember that live fire should never be left unattended and toxic gases are produced when burning. Only use camping stoves, fire pits and outdoor grills outdoors!
Make sure that you have a battery-operated radio and flashlight (or other alternative light source) at home. You should also have a spare battery at home.
Communication and Cash
If a power outage lasts for a long time, ATMs and stores may stop working.
Keep some cash in your wallet so you can pay even if card payments are unavailable.
Everyone should have enough cash set aside to cover essential expenses for one week. You might also find the necessary amount for small purchases in a piggy bank.
Keep your power banks charged! They can be used to charge your phone, lamp, radio, etc. Use your power bank sparingly and only when absolutely necessary to extend its operating time.
In the absence of communication and electricity, stay informed about the situation using a battery-powered or dynamo radio. Alternatively, you can use your car radio (always keep your fuel tank at least half full). Remember that the government provides information through ERR channels and Vikerraadio.
Find out from your local government where your community’s resilience center is located. There, you can receive information, advice, and assistance during a crisis. More information about resilience centers can be found here (EST).
Last changed 20.01.2025
