The Czech Republic was hit by a blackout. How to prepare for it as best as possible?

The extensive power outage that hit the Czech Republic on Friday showed how fragile our dependence on a continuous energy supply is. The blackout paralyzed transport, made electronic payments impossible, and trapped people in elevators. The question is no longer “Will it happen again”, but “When will it happen again, and will we be prepared?” In this article, we will advise you on how to prepare for such situations and how to ensure at least partial independence from the power grid.

Why do blackouts occur and how long can they last?

A blackout can occur for various reasons. Among the most common causes are extreme weather conditions (storms, severe frosts, or conversely, heatwaves), technical failures in the transmission network, grid overload, or even cyberattacks. Unlike a regular power outage, which lasts a maximum of hours, a blackout can last for days or weeks and affects a large area.

When a blackout occurs, practically everything we know from everyday life stops working:

• Card payments do not work, nor do ATM withdrawals
• Public transport does not run, including the metro and trains on electrified lines
• Most petrol stations do not work
• Mobile networks and the internet last only for a limited time (until backup sources run out)
• Refrigeration devices stop working – risk of food spoilage

Therefore, it is important to have a strategy prepared in case you find yourself without electricity for an extended period. Let’s look at specific steps and equipment you shouldn’t be without.

Backup power sources – a necessity, not a luxury

Modern backup power sources (also called power stations or charging stations) can power your home appliances and electronics for several hours to days. They are not just expensive toys for tech enthusiasts – in the event of a blackout, they can be vital for staying connected to the world, keeping food in the refrigerator, or providing lighting.

Charging stations differ in capacity (given in Wh) and maximum power output (in W). The higher the capacity, the longer they can power your devices. The higher the power output, the more demanding appliances you can connect. Let’s look at some of the best models on the market:

Model	Capacity	Power Output	Advantages	Price	Where to Buy
EcoFlow DELTA Pro ⭐	3600 Wh	4500 W	Can power the whole household	54 990 Kč	Buy →
EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus	1024 Wh	2400 W	Balanced power/price ratio	20 990 Kč	Buy →
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max	512 Wh	1000 W	Compact and portable	8 690 Kč	Buy →

The top model is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro with a capacity of 3600 Wh, which can keep your home running in the event of a power outage. With a maximum power output of 4500 W, it can power demanding appliances such as a refrigerator, freezer, electric stove, or water pump. Thanks to the use of LiFePO4 batteries, it offers up to 3500 charging cycles and a lifespan of over 10 years.

Power banks – when you need to stay connected

If you don’t need to power the entire household, but want to be sure that your phone and other electronics remain functional, powerful power banks are an ideal choice. A mobile phone is a key tool for communication and access to information in crisis situations, so it is important to be able to charge it.

Model	Capacity	Power Output	Advantages	Price	Where to Buy
Romoss PMT60 ⭐	60000 mAh	100 W	Massive capacity, LED flashlight	2 309 Kč	Buy →
Epico UltraPack 45W	30000 mAh	45 W	Aluminum body, wireless charging	1 799 Kč	Buy →
FIXED Zen2 20	20000 mAh	20 W	Compact, affordable	699 Kč	Buy →

The absolute top among power banks is the Romoss PMT60 with a massive capacity of 60,000 mAh and a power output of 100 W. It can charge a standard smartphone up to 15 times and, thanks to Power Delivery technology, can also power laptops. The integrated LED flashlight is a practical bonus for emergency situations.

Maximize phone battery life during a power outage

Even if you have a power bank, it is important to save your phone’s energy to extend its battery life as much as possible. Here are some tips on how to do it:

• Activate power saving mode – modern smartphones have a built-in battery saver that limits background activity and reduces screen brightness
• Turn on dark mode – especially on phones with OLED displays, this significantly saves battery
• Turn off unnecessary services – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and data transfers when you don’t need them
• Reduce screen brightness to a minimum and shorten the time after which the display turns off
• Turn on Airplane mode if you don’t need to be in contact
• Use the phone only in the most necessary cases – every time the display wakes up, it consumes energy

Some Android phones also offer an extreme power saving mode, which turns off all functions except the most basic ones (calling, SMS, browser). In this mode, the phone can last for several days on a single charge.

Emergency communication when mobile networks are down

A great option is a mobile LTE/5G modem with its own battery, such as the Acer Connect Enduro M3. If mobile networks are still working (which is likely in the first hours of a blackout), you can provide internet access for multiple devices this way.

Lighting – a necessity in every situation

During a power outage, reliable lighting is one of the first things you will need. Avoid using candles, which pose a fire hazard. Instead, opt for modern LED flashlights and headlamps with long battery life:

Model	Brightness	Runtime	Advantages	Price	Where to Buy
Campgo T10 ⭐	500 lm	up to 23 h	Rechargeable, water resistant	499 Kč	Buy →
GP LED C32	300 lm	up to 15 h	Batteries included, SOS mode	399 Kč	Buy →

The Campgo T10 headlamp offers a power of 500 lumens, which is enough to illuminate an entire room. Thanks to the rechargeable Li-Ion battery, it lasts up to 23 hours of lighting and is resistant to splashing water (IPX4 rating). We recommend always having at least two different flashlights at home for emergencies.

When to invest in a solar panel?

If you want to be truly independent even during a long-term power outage, a solar panel is an ideal addition to a backup charging station. It allows you to recharge the station from sunlight, providing a practically unlimited energy source.

EcoFlow offers compatible solar panels in various power variants:

• EcoFlow solar panel 160W – power 160 W, efficiency 22 %, price 5 490 Kč
• EcoFlow Power Kits 100W Solar Panel – flexible, power 100 W, efficiency 23 %, price 2 989 Kč

Internet connection in any situation

Access to information is crucial nowadays, especially in crisis situations. If mobile networks fail or become overloaded, satellite internet is an alternative solution. The service STARLINK Standard Kit for 8 800 Kč offers internet connection practically anywhere, independent of ground infrastructure.

To power the Starlink terminal, you need a backup power source (like EcoFlow), but you will gain internet access even in the most extreme conditions.

Complete emergency plan for a blackout

To be maximally prepared for any power outage, we recommend the following plan:

Get basic equipment:

• Backup charging station (e.g., EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max)
• Powerful power bank (e.g., Romoss PMT60)
• LED flashlight or headlamp
• Battery-powered radio for receiving information

Keep all devices charged:

• Phones, tablets, laptops
• Backup batteries and power banks
• Rechargeable flashlights

Prepare cash:

• Payment terminals and ATMs do not work during an outage
• We recommend having cash at home for at least 3-5 days of normal expenses

Store important contacts:

• Print a list of important phone numbers
• Arrange a meeting point with your family in case of communication breakdown

Conclusion: Being prepared is not paranoia, but responsibility

A blackout can come unexpectedly and affect us all. It’s not just a matter of extreme crisis situations – even normal weather conditions like a severe thunderstorm or snowfall can cause a power outage for several hours or days.

Investing in a quality backup power source, such as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro, will give you peace of mind and certainty that you can handle even a longer power outage without major problems. It’s not just about comfort, but in some cases also about health and safety – especially if you use medical devices dependent on electricity.

Preparedness for a blackout should be part of every household’s responsible approach. The investment in quality equipment can pay off many times over when you truly need it.

Do you have experience with a blackout? How did you prepare for it?