Power Cut

Power Cut

During a power outage, immediately unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to prevent damage from potential power surges when the electricity returns. Check if it's a widespread outage or just your home by looking at street lights or asking neighbors. If it's a widespread outage, report it to your local network operator by calling 105. Keep a charged phone and have a battery-powered radio for updates, and consider having a charged power bank. Stay warm, keep your fridge and freezer closed, and have non-perishable food and water available. 

1. Check for a power cut: Verify if it's a general outage by looking at street lights or asking neighbors. 

2. Unplug appliances: Turn off and unplug electrical appliances to prevent damage from surges when power is restored. 

3. Check the fuse box: If the outage seems localized, check your fuse box or circuit breaker. 

4. Report the outage: If it's a widespread outage, report it to your local network operator (105 for the UK). 

5. Stay informed: Keep a charged mobile phone and a battery-powered radio to get updates. 

6. Stay warm: Dress warmly, and use blankets if necessary. 

7. Conserve food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain temperature. 

8. Prepare for the long haul: Have non-perishable food and water available. 

9. Be mindful of hazards: Stay away from downed power lines and electrical equipment. 

10. Consider a generator: If you have a generator, ensure it's placed in a well-ventilated area. 

DAB+ Radio

PowerBank

Lighting

Flask

230V Mains

Here are some items that you should consider to purchase in the event of a power cut.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/28LSWVRLM28HJ?ref_=wl_share

Put together an emergency kit of items at home

This could include:

• Battery or wind-up torch – torches are safer than candles.

• Portable power bank for charging your mobile phone.

• Battery or wind-up radio to get updates during a power cut – a car radio can be used, however in severe weather it might be safer to stay inside. 

• Spare batteries for torches and radio and a backup battery for any medical equipment you rely on.

• A first aid kit (or some first aid items) including items such as waterproof plasters, bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings and gloves, medical tape for dressings, and tweezers.

• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for hygiene purposes when the water is off.

• Bottled water – there is no standard figure for this as emergencies can vary in duration and people use different amounts. A minimum of 2.5-3 litres of drinking water per person per day is recommended by the World Health Organisation for survival. 10 litres per person per day will make you more comfortable by also providing for basic cooking and hygiene needs. Additional water might be needed to make up baby formula, for medical devices and for pets.

• Non-perishable food that doesn’t need cooking, such as ready-to-eat tinned meat, fruit or vegetables (and a tin opener). As with water, how much you need will vary based on your own circumstances. Don’t forget food for pets.

• Baby supplies such as nappies and baby formula – ready made or ‘ready-to-feed’ formula is best as you may not be able to boil water or sterilise bottles.

Rather than buying all the items at once, you could just add to your emergency kit when you are able and build it up over time.