Most power cuts in the UK are over in a few hours. Some, after big storms, last days. Here's what to do, in order.
In the first five minutes
- Check if it's just you. Look out of the window. If the street lights and your neighbours' lights are on, check your fuse box for a tripped switch first.
- Call 105. It's the free national number for power cuts in England, Scotland and Wales. It puts you through to your local network operator, who can tell you what's happened and when it should be back. You can also check their website on your phone.
- Use a torch, not candles. Candles are a real fire risk, especially with children and pets around. Keep a torch somewhere you can find it in the dark.
- Turn off appliances that could come back on unattended, like ovens, hobs, irons and heaters. Leave one light switched on so you know when the power returns.
If it lasts a few hours
- Keep the fridge and freezer shut. A closed fridge typically stays cold for about four hours. A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to around 48 hours, about half that if it's half full.
- Save your phone battery. Turn on low power mode, close apps and use a power bank. Keep calls short so you can still get updates.
- Get news from a radio. A battery or wind-up radio keeps you in touch if mobile data is patchy.
- Stay warm. Close doors to keep heat in one room, layer up and use blankets. Foil emergency blankets are light, cheap and surprisingly effective.
- Check on neighbours, especially anyone older, disabled or living alone.
If it goes on for a day or more
- Food: eat from the fridge first, then the freezer, then your cupboard and emergency food.
- Hot food and drinks: a camping stove is a lifesaver, but only use it outdoors or right next to an open door or window. Never use gas stoves, barbecues or generators in a closed room, because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm is worth having.
- Water: long power cuts can sometimes affect water supplies. Plan on about 3 litres of drinking water per person per day.
- Medicines: if anyone relies on medicines that need a fridge, or on electrical medical equipment, call 105 and your GP or pharmacist for advice.
Before the next one: two free things to do now
- Join the Priority Services Register if anyone in your home is older, disabled, has a long-term health condition or has young children. It's free, and your energy supplier or network operator can then give you extra help in a power cut.
- Save 105 in your phone, and write it on a card next to your torch.
What to have ready
The UK government now asks every household to be ready to manage for about three days without power, water or phone signal. In practice that means:
- Torches and spare batteries
- A battery or wind-up radio
- A charged power bank
- Food that keeps, and a safe way to heat it
- Bottled water
- A first aid kit and basic medicines
- Blankets or foil emergency blankets
If you'd rather not piece that together yourself, tell us who lives with you and we'll pack the lot into one case, with enough for everyone and a guide anyone can follow.
Quick answers
Who do I call in a power cut?
Call 105 from any phone in England, Scotland or Wales. It's free.
How long will food last in the fridge without power?
Typically around four hours if you keep the door closed. A full freezer can last up to about two days.
Can I use a camping stove indoors?
Only right next to an open door or window, never in a closed room. Carbon monoxide has no smell and can kill.