What would you do in a total UK Blackout
Electricity is taken for granted by just about everyone [except, maybe us preppers!] But, have you ever stopped to think what would happen if there was a total blackout of the power grid in the UK?
This scenario is probably one of the most possible UK meltdown disasters that could hit us here in the UK today.
What would cause a total UK Blackout.
- There are a few reasons the National Grid might fail – some on a temporary basis and others that could cause a catastrophic effect and easily set us back years - possibly hundreds of years as we are just not used to having no power – our ancestors coped because they had been born into times when electricity was never there and they learned the skills and lifestyle to be power free ,
21st century living has made us dependent and very vulnerable.
With the National Power Grid disabled we would be up the proverbial river without a paddle, in fact I think we would be up the river without a boat as well..! We are simply just not prepared for this disaster scenario.
Unless, of course, you are one of the completely mad bunch of loonies know as UK Preppers. If you are, you would of already thought through this situation and made your plans, stocked up and be fully prepared to survive.
Have learnt survival techniques and skills that will ensure you are self reliant and be able and confident you can both protect and look after yourself and your family.
No mean feat, but that’s what prepping is all about…
So what are the likely causes of a total UK Blackout.
- Terrorist attack – physical, eg – blowing up power lines, power generating sources etc
- Cyber attacks - infiltrating the power systems computer systems to initiate meltdown
- War – nuclear attack
- Natural disasters – earthquake, flooding etc
- EMP - Electromagnetic Pulse –
All of the above are possible, but, in many experts eyes, unlikely.
Some are predictable and therefor precautions can be put in place to combat the threat.
EMP’s and the threat they offer would be a world wide disaster, but these too are monitored very closely. Although it is universally accepted that an EMP will happen one day – but when is just a wild guess.
Short or long term Total UK Blackout.
A long term blackout in the UK would cripple our whole infrastructure and lifestyle. Bringing everything we took for granted to a complete standstill from the moment you woke up to the last thing at night.
Within days the whole country would be in full on panic mode with nothing left on the shelves at any stores. Fuel supplies would dry up almost instantly, communication systems would fail and unless you are battery or solar powered the nights would be very dark indeed.
Imagine if this were to happen in winter. How would you keep warm?
- I guess your getting the bigger picture now..!
We can cope with a short term blackout in the UK, in fact in many parts of the country they still happen.!
But even so could you manage for a week?
Think about it – no cooking, no heating, no nice hot water, can’t get to work because the petrol station can deliver petrol, can’t get a train because they are all disabled with no power…… the list goes on and on and that’s just for a week.!
Do a test run – I dare you !
Try it, just for a day or two, test yourself, see what it actually means to have no electricity for two days – just see how it makes you rethink your whole methods of living. You will be very surprised at the outcome I can assure you.
Then, once you have tried to live for just two days without power, assess what you needed and put those things in place.
Then go for another test of a whole week – and see if it’s a bit easier now being more prepared. You will still be surprised and rethink and regroup your survival methods for a total blackout.
This is a great way to be ready for this type of disaster scenario.
So what’s the answer
By now I think it’s quite clear what is needed if this were to happen – just do a little prepping first - Be Prepared.
It’s not a mad idea to get some extra supplies in, maybe some extra batteries and simple survival provisions learn more about survival skills and learn how to be that bit more self sufficient.
It doesn’t have to take over your whole life – but with a little bit of time spent prepping it could actually save your life.!!!
Are there Government plans in place?
Well, yes there are some quite specific plans already laid out and passed by government to cover these sort of disaster scenarios. You can view them here:
National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies
What can you do to save yourself?
- Ensure you have a good knowledge of the 5 basic prepping skills of survival
- Always have a good EDC with you
- Avoid making any of the basic prepping mistakes
Finally:
Prepping for most situations can be easy – this UK Preppers Guide website is full of information, help, tips and advice on what to buy and where, but it’s up to you to make it happen.
A total blackout would cause chaos and the breakdown of our society as we know it – do you want to be part of that.?
