Lisbon, April 28, 2026 (Lusa) – Portugal's consumer protection watchdog, Deco Proteste (Deco), has made several recommendations, one year after the Iberia power blackout, specifically suggesting families create and maintain emergency kits with essentials and first aid supplies. In a statement, Deco warned consumers to adopt preventive measures to reduce risks and increase family safety.
Among its main recommendations, Deco advises people to "create an emergency kit with essentials — such as water, non-perishable food, medicine, torches, battery-powered radios and chargers — to ensure autonomy for at least three days."
Families should adapt the kit to their specific needs and review it regularly to ensure items like batteries, cables, food, water and medicine remain in good condition.
Deco also advises "updating documents and emergency contacts in the kit and checking items like clothing or blankets to ensure they suit the season."
Additionally, it says people "should store this emergency backpack in an accessible place, preferably near the house exit, and ensure all family members know its location."
It should include bottled water, energy drinks, biscuits and chocolate; canned food and pet food; a camping gas stove; a whistle for signalling; a thermal blanket; a multipurpose pocket knife and lighter; several metres of rope; a battery radio, power bank and battery torch; spare batteries; a battery powered clock; water purification tablets; some cash in notes and coins; and copies of the ID for the whole family.
The kit should also have a first aid kit with gauze, bandages, disposable gloves, dressings, tape, scissors, tweezers, needles and safety pins and objects that help with dressings; an antiseptic to disinfect wounds and saline solution for eyes; anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and paracetamol; anti-diarrhoea medication; a thermometer and tissues; extra packets of regular medication and surgical masks.
Pets also need an emergency kit with food and water for a few days, one or two bowls; an identification collar with the animal's name, owner's contact and electronic chip registration; and a lead or harness.
"The transport box and the cat's litter box should also remain in an accessible place to pick them up quickly," Deco said, adding people need copies of animal documents, including vaccination records, microchip number and registration in the national pet information system (SIAC), as well as emergency contacts for the vet, medication, a blanket or familiar object, hygiene bags, a pad or newspaper and wet wipes.
Deco said "families must define an emergency plan to ensure a coordinated response if members become separated." This plan should include "a meeting point outside the house, a common emergency contact like a relative outside the area, and ensuring everyone knows where the kit is and how to use it."
During a blackout, the "first thing to do is stay informed through reliable sources," using a "battery radio to follow official communications, as social media or messaging apps can spread incomplete or incorrect information."
Deco says people should reduce damage risks when power returns by unplugging non-essential appliances to avoid electrical surges.
It also recommends "caution when consuming food, especially if refrigeration time is uncertain or if smell, colour or texture changes," and careful management of mobile phone batteries.
ALN/LYT // AYLS
Lusa
