Must-have technology that could keep you alive during rumored 'Black Sky' event
There are certain gadgets you might want to keep nearby in case of a mass blackout that has the potential to leave smartphones completely useless.
This comes after people across the UK were warned about a possible ‘Black Sky’ event which could knock critical infrastructure offline.
In the event of a national grid failure, phone networks, which rely on local cell towers and masts powered by the grid, would stop working.
This means that you will need to have other technology to hand that could end up being a life-saver in an emergency.
Battery-powered or wind-up radio
The first gadget that is a must-have is a radio, as critical safety updates will be broadcast over radio if the internet goes down.
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No WiFi or data needed to operate them, instead, all you need are spare batteries to keep the radio powered up.
High-capacity power banks
Charging devices up will become an issue if there is a widespread blackout, so keeping fully charged power banks nearby could come in handy in order to keep phones, rechargeable flashlights and other devices running.
Even if your phone can’t connect to its network, it could be useful for things like offline maps and stored information so it is advised to keep your device on if possible.
A portable solar charger
If wall sockets are no longer working, there is always the option of using the Sun to power up devices.
The reliable power of sunlight could be used to turn into electrical energy through the use of a portable solar charger.
However, this does come with its own limitations as other factors such as weather, charging speed and daylight might affect how well the solar charger works.
Satellite-enabled smartphones
When mobile networks go down, a satellite-powered smartphone might be the key to staying connected.
This could allow you to transmit distress signals and contact others despite disruptions to the national grid, meaning it could be a lifeline in the event of a ‘Black Sky’ blackout.
Two-way radios
If all else fails, good old-fashioned walkie-talkies could be the answer. It turns out they are not only good for 80s nostalgia as they could be a way to directly communicate with other people if there is no mobile signal.
This could help families or neighbors keep in touch over short distances, although the range you can use them at will vary depending on the environment and obstructions.
