What to do in a power cut: a UK checklist

Before a power cut

Most power cuts are short, but storms can leave homes without electricity for longer. A few minutes of preparation now makes a big difference.

• Keep a battery or wind-up torch and spare batteries. Torches are safer than candles.
• Keep a battery or wind-up radio, and write down the frequencies of the stations you use for news.
• Write down the number to report a power cut: 105 (England, Scotland and Wales) or 03457 643643 (Northern Ireland).
• Keep a charged power bank for your mobile phone.
• Keep 3 days of bottled water (about 3 litres per person per day) and food that needs no cooking, plus a tin opener.
• Sign up to your energy supplier’s free Priority Services Register if you or someone in your home needs extra support.
• Check whether your landline or telecare devices work in a power cut, and keep a little cash at home.

Tick off the full Be Ready checklist

During a power cut

• Report it online with your network operator or call 105 free of charge (03457 643643 in Northern Ireland).
• Keep well away from fallen power lines – high-voltage electricity can jump gaps without warning.
• Turn off irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers, and unplug TVs and computers to protect them from a surge when power returns.
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed so food stays cold for longer.
• Stay warm with blankets and layers, close curtains and shut the doors of rooms you are not using.
• Use a battery or wind-up radio for updates – try both FM and digital stations.
• Check on neighbours, especially older people, families with babies and anyone with a health condition.
• In a life-threatening emergency call 999 or 112. Emergency calls from a mobile can use any available network.

Shop emergency radios

After the power comes back

• Plug appliances back in one at a time.
• Check food that may have warmed up; if in doubt, throw it out.
• Recharge your torch, radio and power bank so they are ready next time.
• Replace anything you used from your kit.