Explainer · World & economy
Could you last 72 hours at home? What governments do, and what you can do
Part 2 of 2. In a power cut a fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours with the door shut, and a full freezer about 48 (UK Food Standards Agency, Ready.gov). This video answers four questions with official guidance only: what governments do first, what households can prepare, what to do during the event, and what to do if it lasts a week.
Key points
- In the first 72 hours emergency services are stretched (European Commission); help goes first to those who need it most (EU, UK, Norway).
- Water advice differs by country: Germany 2 L per person a day (incl. cooking), UK 3 L (drinking), US about 3.8 L (incl. sanitation), Sweden 3 to 5 L.
- Sweden's central bank suggests about 1,000 kronor in cash per adult, since card readers and cash machines can stop in a blackout.
- In the US more than 400 people die each year from accidental non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning (CDC); never run a generator, grill or camping stove indoors.
- Officials advise building supplies gradually, not panic buying; the EU warns against fear-based selling.
Sources
Educational · Not financial advice Made with AI tools (AI voices and visuals), checked by a person
