Washing machine, shutters… 5 things to do before a power outage

A tough winter ahead. In an unprecedented energy context, the time has come for energy sobriety. In its latest forecasts, the operator of the French electricity transmission system RTE envisages “a few red EcoWatt signs” during the winter, but excludes however a total loss of control of the electricity system. To avoid the “blackout”, the government and the various actors concerned are multiplying the measures and planning, as a last resort, load shedding.

“The vast majority of risk situations would be in the morning between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and in the evening between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. They would not concern whole days or weekends”, specifies RTE. However, the voltages on the electricity network depend “largely” on climatic conditions and any associated cold spells. These scheduled and localized power cuts of a maximum of two hours have become a subject of concern and questioning for many citizens.

In a previous article, Planet collected the testimonies of French men and women who are preparing somehow for these possible power cuts. Portable battery, phosphorescent paint, hurricane lamp… Our readers redouble their imagination to deal with load shedding. Only here it is: it is not only a question of arming yourself with a flashlight and an auxiliary heater during the cut… But also of preparing in advance to avoid small hassles. In our slideshow below, discover five essential things to do in the hours before a scheduled outage.