READY/ · FREE GUIDE / UK

What to do in a power cut

A calm UK checklist for the first minutes of a power cut, what to prepare beforehand, and when to use 105.

If the power goes off

1. Check whether the outage affects only your property. If it is safe to do so, check your consumer unit and nearby properties.
2. Use 105 in Great Britain to reach your local electricity network operator for power-cut information.
3. Use torches rather than candles where possible, and conserve phone and essential-device charge.
4. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as practical and follow current Food Standards Agency advice if the outage is prolonged.
5. Check on anyone who depends on powered medical equipment, telecare, heating controls or other essential electrical equipment.

Prepare before the next outage

Write down essential contacts, locate your consumer unit, identify the devices that matter most, keep a torch and suitable batteries accessible, and agree how your household will communicate if phones or internet become unreliable.

Why a 72-hour plan helps

A three-day planning horizon forces useful decisions about water, food, communications, medicines, light and household dependencies without assuming that any particular outage will last three days.

Primary sources

• UK Government — Prepare for emergencies
• Power Cut 105
• Food Standards Agency — food safety in a power cut

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