Most of us get news, warnings and messages from family through one device. In a long power cut, that device gets cut off. Finland's 72 hours campaign notes that telephone networks run on backup power for a couple of hours at most during an outage. Data usually goes first, then calls. A plan for a dead network is mostly a plan you make while it still works.
1. Get official information without the network
All 24 national guides we compiled list a radio that works without mains power: battery, solar or crank. Finland says that if phone and data services stop, the authorities will give instructions through public radio. Sweden names Sveriges Radio P4 as its official emergency channel and says it will keep broadcasting in a crisis or war.
- Write down the frequencies of your national public broadcaster and local station, and tape the note to the radio.
- Keep spare batteries in the size it takes. Twenty-two guides list spare batteries.
- Don't forget the car radio. Slovakia's guide mentions it specifically.
- In many towns, local loudspeakers or sirens are used too. Slovakia lists the municipal loudspeaker system alongside TV and radio.
Our emergency radio guide explains how to choose one.
2. Set up warnings while you still have signal
Most EU countries now send cell broadcast alerts to every phone in an affected area, and these may still arrive while the network is struggling. Some countries also run a warning app:
- Germany names NINA, and Poland lists a warning app in its guide.
- Finland recommends the 112 Suomi app and reminds you to allow it to use your location.
- Sweden sends alerts with SE-Alert, and through the Krisinformation, Sveriges Radio and SVT apps.
Install your country's app now and check its notifications are switched on.
3. Keep your phone alive
When the network comes and goes, a charged phone lets you use it when it returns. Nineteen guides list a charged power bank, and thirteen a phone charger or car charger. A car with fuel is also a charging station.
- Switch the phone to energy-saving mode. Poland recommends this during a blackout.
- Close apps you don't need, lower the brightness, and turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if there's nothing to connect to.
- Keep the power bank topped up, with its cable stored next to it.
4. Text, don't call
When everyone tries to call at once, the network jams. Poland advises using SMS instead of calls so as not to overload the lines. A text uses far less capacity and may get through when a call won't. Sweden's advice for a serious incident is similar: only call if you need help, so the emergency lines stay free.
5. Keep numbers on paper
Seventeen guides list important phone numbers written on paper. If your phone dies, you probably won't remember more than one or two. Write down:
- Close family, and one contact outside your area
- Neighbours
- Your doctor, and any medication doses (the UK suggests this)
- Your children's school or childcare
- Your electricity and water companies, and the power-cut reporting number
- Your insurer
Keep one copy with your documents and one in your grab bag. The UK also suggests checking that your child's school has your current numbers, and adding emergency contacts to your phone's Medical ID or ICE entry.
6. Agree where to meet
If you can't reach each other, you need a plan everyone already knows. Slovakia advises agreeing with your family where you will meet and how you will get in touch if mobile networks fail. Poland suggests meeting places and times both near home and outside your town. The UK suggests a meeting point that is easy to find and open to the public.
Agree, too, on what each person does if the network goes down: who collects the children, who checks on an older relative, and when you'll all go to the meeting point if you haven't heard from each other. Our family emergency plan guide covers this step by step.
7. Other ways to talk locally
Poland's blackout advice mentions walkie-talkies and CB radio for short-range contact. They need no network, only charged batteries. They're useful for keeping in touch with neighbours or family a few streets away.
Be careful what you pass on
When information is scarce, rumours spread fast. Finland advises comparing several sources and not passing on unverified claims. Trust official channels, your public broadcaster and your municipality.
Your five-minute checklist
- Radio and spare batteries in one place, frequencies taped on.
- Warning app installed and notifications on.
- Power bank charged, cable with it.
- Numbers written on paper, two copies.
- Meeting points agreed with everyone at home.
Our checklist includes the radio, batteries, power bank and charger for your household.