The big blackout on Monday 28 April left all of Spain, Portugal and part of France without power. From 12:33 pm, we entered an emergency situation unprecedented in recent decades: telephones that did not work, mobile networks and internet completely down and a country literally disconnected from the world.
The confusion quickly spread to the streets: food stores and grocery stores were full of people looking for basic items. Among the most sought-after products were two that seemed to be taken from another era: battery-powered radios and non-perishable food. Curiously, these two items are part of the emergency kit recommended by the European Union to have at home in case of possible crises such as the one we have just experienced.
Below, we show you what this kit includes and how much it costs in case you want to consider having at least a part of it.
How much do the items of the 72 H EU survival kit cost?
Here’s the full list with prices that we have verified on Amazon (but that we recommend you buy from your trusted local stores).
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Glasses: People who need them.
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Personal documentation in a waterproof folder: ID card, passport, driver’s license and other key identification documents.
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Flashlight ($11.99): Key at times like yesterday.
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Matches (8,99 € the six-pack): To illuminate rooms and light fires, stoves or candles.
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Lighter (1,83 €): More practical than matches if there is wind or humidity, and useful for any small fire needed.
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Bottled water, minimum 5 liters per person (0.75 € per liter): The more the better, as you never know how long the emergency will last.
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Swiss Army knife or utility knife (€13.99): An all-in-one tool for cutting, opening cans, repairing things or improvising solutions. The most sophisticated ones have up to 18 uses.
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Medication: Everyone should have a minimum stock of essential drugs.
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Iodine tablets: Although only distributed by the authorities in case of nuclear emergency, they are included in the list as a preventive measure to protect the thyroid.
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Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food: As seen yesterday, in cases of emergency you may not be able to cook, so canned food is the star for these situations. Some estimated prices:
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6 cans of tuna: 8,39 €.
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6 cans of fabada: 15,30 €.
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5 cans of sardines: 13,80 €.
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Stove or portable stove with gas cylinder (38 €): the solution for cooking when there is no electricity.
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Fuel: If you can’t refuel, a jerry can of gasoline can get you out of trouble.
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Approved 2-liter canister: 20 €.
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Two liters of gasoline: 3.08 €.
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Cash: During the blackout, the ATMs stopped working, so having bills on hand is key to.
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Battery-operated radio (16.98 €): The only reliable channel of information when the network is down.
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External cell phone battery (19,99 €): With no plugs available, a power bank can keep your phone alive for critical hours.
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First aid kit (24,95 €): From band-aids to bandages, a good kit can help you solve small medical emergencies at home.
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Adhesive tape (2,69 €): As versatile as it is essential. It can be used for quick repairs, improvising fasteners or even sealing containers.
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Fire extinguisher (36,90 €): In power outage situations, the risk of home fires increases. Better to be safe.
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Hygiene items: Toilet paper, wet wipes, soap… the basics to maintain dignity even in the midst of chaos.
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Pack of 36 rolls of toilet paper: 14,24 €.
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Leaving aside the strictly personal items (glasses, medication, documentation and money), the total cost of this survival kit amounts to 260.78 euros. An investment that, after the blackout scare, many are already considering making.