Written by Bernie Carr
On April 28, 2025, the lights went out for over 50 million people across Spain and Portugal. In the blink of an eye, homes went dark, trains stopped, traffic lights failed, and entire cities ground to a halt. If you’ve ever wondered what a major blackout would actually feel like in real life—this was it.
And while power was eventually restored, the event left behind a clear message: these kinds of disruptions can—and probably will—happen again. So how do you prepare when you live in an apartment, or don’t have a generator in your garage?
Here’s what everyday people—especially those living in cities—can learn from the Iberian blackout, and how you can be ready when it’s your turn to face the dark.
1. The Grid Can Fail
Let’s start with the obvious: our power grid is a complex system, and it’s not bulletproof. In this case, the blackout was triggered by a sudden drop in electricity generation—possibly due to a disruption in solar energy supply—and the entire system couldn’t catch up fast enough. Just like that, the grid disconnected from the rest of Europe, and boom: blackout.
The takeaway? Don’t assume the lights will always stay on.
2. Communication Can Disappear Fast
One of the first things people noticed was their phones stopped working. Cell towers went offline, Wi-Fi went down, and mobile networks became unreliable. If you rely entirely on your phone for news and updates, you’re going to be flying blind in a situation like this. You’ll need backup communication methods.
How to prepare:
- Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio.
- Write down a few key phone numbers on paper (yes, old-school).
- Consider walkie-talkies for short-range communication, especially in buildings or neighborhoods.
3. Cash Is Still King in a Blackout
With ATMs and card readers offline, many people were stuck with no way to pay for groceries, gas, or even water. Businesses that could stay open often turned away customers without cash.
Prep tip: Stash some emergency cash at home and in your vehicle. It doesn’t need to be a fortune—even $50 to $100 in small bills can go a long way in an outage.
4. Elevators Don’t Work (So Plan Accordingly)
If you live in a high-rise, you’re going to feel the impact of a power outage more than most. People were stuck climbing 10, 15, even 20 flights of stairs to get to their apartments. Water pumps also failed in some buildings, leaving upper floors without running water.
What to do now:
- Keep a few gallons of drinking water stored in your apartment (1 gallon per person per day is the rule).
- If your building has stairs, think about what it would take to carry groceries or supplies up without power. Plan accordingly.
- If you’re elderly or disabled, talk with neighbors now about how to support each other in an emergency.
5. Your Kitchen Isn’t as Useful Without Power
Many people in Spain and Portugal suddenly realized just how much their cooking setup relies on electricity: electric stovetops, microwaves, fridges, and even coffee makers.
Prep solutions:
- Have a stash of shelf-stable foods that don’t require cooking: canned beans, tuna, nuts, granola bars, crackers, etc.
- Keep a manual can opener around (not just the electric kind).
- Consider purchasing some backup cooking equipment. A small camp stove or portable gas burner (used safely with good ventilation!) can be a huge asset.
6. Lights Out Means Real Darkness
When the power cuts out at night, cities still have some glow from emergency lights or passing cars. But in a major blackout? It gets dark—fast. Prepare some emergency lighting before another blackout happens.
Must-haves:
- LED flashlights or headlamps (with spare batteries).
- Battery-powered lantern for lighting rooms.
- Candles can work in a pinch but should be used very carefully to avoid fire risk.
Pro tip: Keep one flashlight by your bed and another by your front door so you’re not fumbling in the dark if the power goes while you’re asleep or stepping out.
7. You Don’t Need to Panic—Just Prepare
In the days after the blackout, panic buying hit grocery stores and gas stations. Shelves emptied fast, and fuel stations saw lines stretching for blocks.
You don’t need to hoard, but being even moderately prepared puts you in a much better spot.
Easy steps to get ahead:
- Stock 3 days of food and water at a minimum (7 is better).
- Recharge all your power banks regularly and keep them topped up.
- Have a small emergency go-bag with essentials like meds, a phone charger, flashlight, and ID.
- Consider a backup portable power station to power electronics and small appliances.
8. Community Helps More Than Anything
One of the silver linings from the Spain/Portugal blackout? People helped each other. Neighbors shared food, hosted dinners by candlelight, and checked in on the elderly. The blackout didn’t just reveal infrastructure weaknesses—it also showed the strength of human connection.
Action item: Get to know your neighbors. Even if it’s just a quick introduction in the hallway. In a real crisis, these people might be your biggest lifeline—and you theirs.
My Final Thoughts
Massive power outages aren’t just stories on the news anymore. The Iberian blackout is proof they can happen fast, with little warning, and impact millions.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need a bunker or a generator to be ready. With a few simple supplies, some common sense, and a little planning, you can keep yourself—and your family—a lot safer and more comfortable during a blackout.
Stay calm. Stay prepared. And remember: readiness is just smart living.
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