A blackout in the higher-level power grid that shuts down daily life for several days: this scenario is absolutely real. The city of Villach is preparing for this case. An important part is the creation of information and supply points. A total of five locations are to be expanded into so-called lighthouses with emergency power supply.
A complete power failure lasting hours or even days does not sound tragic at first. But if you look more closely, the consequences can be dramatic: communication breaks down first, the Internet does not work, the pumps in the water supply fail, supermarkets and petrol stations remain closed.
The city is preparing
In the city of Villach, people are already thinking very specifically about such a catastrophe scenario and making preparations. Emergency plans are being drawn up in the city’s crisis team, and security islands are also being created in the city, which are to become the contact point for citizens. The city politicians have already set the course for five such lighthouses. The locations will be equipped with emergency power generators, among other things. The acquisition of the devices was financially supported by the state as part of the lighthouses project.
The safety islands are managed as information and supply zones. Emergency medical care is being considered.
The city’s waterworks have also been prepared. There are emergency power generators for the pump operation as well as a “water mobile” for the energy and storm-independent drinking water supply.