FAQ

Nothing should stay unclear before you buy.

Answers on the concept, package tiers, shelf life, medical equipment, storage, ordering, and legal boundaries.

The concept

What exactly is BLACKOUTBOX?

BLACKOUTBOX is a stationary protection and supply system for the home. It bundles equipment across six supply areas and organises it into package tiers. The goal is not "survival on the move" but organised provisioning within your own household.

What is BLACKOUTBOX explicitly not?

Not a camping set, not a bug-out bag, not an evacuation backpack, not a bunker, and not a substitute for the fire brigade, emergency medical services, police, authorities, or professional hazard response.

What situations is the system intended for?

Primarily power outages, technical or logistical supply disruptions, mobile network/internet outages, water or heating problems, and exceptional security situations. Following official instructions always takes priority.

Does BLACKOUTBOX protect against air raids, war, or missile attacks?

The box can support supply and organisation within the household. However, it provides no structural, ballistic, explosion, or radiation protection. For air raids or other direct threats, shelters and official protective measures are decisive.

Packages

What package tiers are there?

S Basic, S Complete, M, L, XL V1 Medical Priority, and XL V2 Household Priority. All variants follow the same six supply areas but differ significantly in scope, self-sufficiency duration, and energy/medical share.

How many people are the packages designed for?

In the current planning, the base configurations M, L, and XL are designed for one person over seven days. S Complete, M, L, and XL can be expanded, depending on configuration, to up to six people and up to 14 days.

Why is there no final case specification yet for M, L, and XL?

Because packing volume, foam, centre of gravity, safe storage, and real-world dimensions all need to fit together. The case is only finalised after an actual fit and load test.

Can I swap out individual products?

Yes, as part of an individual configuration. For safety-relevant or technically dependent components, we check whether the replacement is functionally equivalent and compatible.

Shelf life

Is every component good for 10 or 25 years?

No. Those timeframes refer to selected food products only. What matters is always the specific delivery, the printed best-before date, and the manufacturer's information. Batteries, rechargeable batteries, medical products, water, filters, and fire-safety components each have their own intervals.

So what does a "10–25 year preparedness horizon" actually mean?

The idea is to select and document the long-storable components so that not everything needs re-researching every year. Shorter-lived components are managed through a check-and-replace routine.

How often should I check the box?

At least once a year, plus after every use. In particular, check best-before dates, battery charge and condition, water, filters, fire safety, documents, and personal medication.

How should the food be stored?

Manufacturer instructions take priority. In general, cool, dry, dark, and temperature-stable storage extends usability. Strong heat, moisture, and direct sunlight should be avoided.

Food & water

Is ReadyWise always included?

No. Depending on the package and the desired shelf-life approach, BLACKOUTBOX can use different long-term food options. Selected ReadyWise products are one option for particularly long shelf-life periods.

How are allergies and intolerances taken into account?

Ingredient and allergen information for the specific food products must be checked before ordering. Standard packages do not replace individual dietary advice. For relevant allergies or intolerances, an adapted configuration is recommended.

Can I choose the food type and shelf life (MHD)?

Yes. When requesting a quote, you can state a preferred food type and a preferred shelf life between 10 and 25 years. The actual composition is coordinated with you individually and depends on availability and the information printed on the respective packaging.

Is 14 litres of water enough for seven days?

The quantity specified in the current package data is a defined package component, but not automatically the entire personal water requirement. Actual need depends on the person, climate, activity, cooking, hygiene, and health factors. Additional drinking-water reserves may be sensible or necessary.

Medical & safety

Can anyone use a tourniquet or chest seal?

Such products can be important in certain emergencies, but require correct knowledge and proper application. Training or a qualified first-aid course is strongly recommended. Product instructions and medical guidance must be observed.

What applies to an AED?

An AED is designed for lay resuscitation but does not replace the emergency call chain or medical help. The specific device must be checked regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions, particularly the battery and electrodes.

Are iodine tablets automatically part of every package?

No. Potassium iodide is not a general crisis supplement. It may only be taken at the appropriate dosage, particularly in radiological events, following instruction from the relevant authorities.

Can I simply store and use fuel, gas stoves, or heaters in my home?

No. Storage and operation are subject to manufacturer instructions, fire-safety rules, and, where applicable, legal requirements. Devices not explicitly approved for indoor use must not be operated indoors. Carbon monoxide is life-threatening.

Ordering

Why are some prices only shown "on request"?

Because premium packages depend on real product availability, case and foam selection, number of people, and optional components. An apparently exact price before this review would not be credible.

Can I buy the box directly online?

The website is currently advice-oriented. Standardised online ordering may be added later. For individually configured packages, the contract is concluded after a specific quotation.

Is instalment payment available?

Instalment payment can be offered via a payment service provider if and when technically and contractually enabled. Availability, credit checks, terms, and costs are governed by that provider's conditions.

Shipping & returns

How is shipping handled?

Shipping method, cost, and delivery time are shown for the specific configuration before the contract is concluded, or stated in the quotation. Large energy systems or hazardous goods may be subject to special shipping conditions.

Do I have a right of withdrawal?

Consumers generally have a 14-day right of withdrawal for distance contracts. Statutory exceptions may apply in individual cases, for example for goods genuinely made to the customer's specification or certain unsealed hygiene items. The full withdrawal policy will be published before production launch.

Responsibility

Are manufacturers like Anker, EcoFlow, ReadyWise, or Conserva partners of BLACKOUTBOX?

Not automatically. Naming a brand initially describes only a planned or possible component. An official partnership, certification, or endorsement is only communicated if it genuinely exists and can be substantiated.

Is BLACKOUTBOX certified or recommended by the BBK?

No, unless explicitly and verifiably stated otherwise at a later date. Public BBK recommendations can serve as general orientation for crisis preparedness, but they do not constitute a certification or product approval of BLACKOUTBOX.

Privacy

What happens with my enquiry?

The details you provide in the enquiry form are used exclusively to process your enquiry and prepare an individual quotation. See our privacy policy for details.