Prolonged power outages force Ukrainians to seek alternative sources of power and heat outside their homes. When the lights go out for half a day, apartments quickly cool down and gadgets run out of power, leaving people without communication. In response to the critical situation in residential areas, where people suffer most from the darkness, mobile aid stations are being set up.
Heat and energy infrastructure
Representatives of the Ukrainian Red Cross are quickly organizing the work of heating stations, providing them with autonomous power supplies. The deployment process includes the installation of powerful generators that power all equipment at the location. Zoya Matvienko, a representative of the organization, explains the logic behind the team’s actions, emphasizing their mobility and readiness to work in the most difficult conditions.
“We are now deploying everywhere where help is needed and everywhere where there has been no light for a very long time. We have a heat gun working in the heating point, which heats the room. If you are cold, you can come here to warm up. And, in principle, we have a lot of space here to sit, recharge your devices, and do something else,” says Zoya Matvienko.
Visitors have access to special charging stations with all the necessary connectors for mobile phones and power banks. This allows people to stay in touch with their loved ones even during prolonged power outages.
Ginger tea and psychological support
In addition to providing technical support, volunteers take care of visitors’ emotional well-being and try to create a homely atmosphere. The tent offers hot drinks and snacks not only to residents of nearby houses, but also to passers-by. Olena Sakharova, a representative of the Ukrainian Red Cross, notes that the team tries to warm people up not only with heat guns.
“We make tea and coffee for all the people who live in these houses. Also for those who are just passing by. So that everyone can have something to drink and eat. We have cookies, tea, coffee, and different kinds of tea. We have a very nice one with ginger. It warms you up, just wow. I highly recommend it,” says Olena Sakharova.
An important part of the work is providing professional support, as prolonged stress due to lack of communication negatively affects mental health. Rapid response team commander Oleksiy Mishchenko emphasizes the qualifications of the personnel on duty at the location.
“All our volunteers are also trained to provide first psychological aid,” says Oleksiy.
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Monitoring problem areas
The locations for setting up the points are not chosen at random. Volunteers conduct a thorough analysis of the situation in the city in order to arrive exactly where the energy crisis is most acute. Olena Sakharova explains that the decision to go out is based on real data and requests from the population.
“We know because we monitored certain locations in Kyiv where people are suffering the most. We searched, monitored, visited, and asked people about their situation via Telegram channels. It’s not as simple as just coming here. We were looking for where we needed to go,” says the volunteer.
The team is ready to work in an enhanced mode for as long as necessary. The work schedule is adapted to the needs of residents who have been left without basic communications.
“As long as there is a need, because people are sitting without heat, without electricity, without heating, without anything. And as long as this situation continues, we will be here around the clock. You can come at any time,” assures Olena Sakharova.
The reality of life without light
For many city residents, these centers are the only refuge from the cold and isolation. Klavdiya Kazakova, a visitor to the center, describes the difficult living conditions when there is no electricity for more than 12 hours. Short periods of light for a few hours do not even allow for basic household chores, such as laundry, because the appliances stop working in the middle of the process.
Another resident of Obolon is Yulia. She has a small child. The lights mainly come on at night when everyone is asleep. The worst thing, she says, is with her child’s toys.
“Well, we turn on clips and cartoons on the phone. Well, a tablet, like, drawing with a pen on the screen. Except for a tablet like that. But also toys that need to be charged. Wow. Well, it’s a car that drives, it lights up. That’s it. But he needs it, he plays with it,” says Yulia.
Residents are forced to cooperate, looking for opportunities to charge their gadgets at neighbors’ homes or at special points. Although stationary Points of Invincibility operate in schools, it can be difficult for elderly people or families with children to get to them. The appearance of mobile tents directly in residential areas solves the problem of accessibility, allowing people to wait out the hardest hours of the blackout in warmth and safety.
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