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Guide · GUIDE 22

Protection in a solar storm

Last reviewed on 22.06.2026

A strong geomagnetic storm can disrupt power grids, GPS and radio; in the extreme case a large-scale blackout looms. The plasma cloud of a coronal mass ejection usually reaches Earth in 1 to 3 days – this window is also the warning time during which grid operators track space weather via the NOAA SWPC and take countermeasures. The most effective private preparedness is the same as for a power outage: light, water, cash and a battery radio.

How do I prepare for a solar storm?

  1. Keep blackout basics ready: light, water, cash, power bank
  2. Crank/battery radio (FM/DAB+) for receiving information
  3. Know that grid operators take countermeasures on advance warning
  4. Reckon with possible GPS/radio disruptions (navigation, time services)

During: in a storm

  1. Follow authority information via radio and Alertswiss
  2. In a power outage, apply the measures from the power-outage scenario
  3. Critically check GPS/navigation data, use alternatives (map)
  4. Disconnect sensitive devices if needed

After: follow up

  1. Check devices and connections after the disruption
  2. Replenish supplies and the cash reserve
  3. Wait for the official all-clear and situation reports

What equipment do I need for a solar storm?

The equipment is practically identical to power-outage preparedness – for the household, a solar storm acts above all via a possible blackout.

  1. Head torch/torch, candles, plenty of spare batteries
  2. Crank/battery radio (FM/DAB+) for warnings without the grid
  3. Power bank(s), water (at least 9 L/person) and emergency supplies
  4. Cash in small notes
  5. An analogue map as a fallback if GPS is disrupted

Common mistakes

  1. Relying blindly on GPS/navigation, although it can be disrupted
  2. No blackout basics, because «it rarely happens»
  3. Relying only on the phone as an information source (no network-independent radio)
  4. Forgetting cash in case payment systems fail
  5. Panicking over sensationalist reports instead of waiting for official situation reports

Official sources