How to prepare for a power cut

The purpose of the following advice is to provide useful tips for our Customers and is not designed to replace professional advice. It does not necessarily deal with every aspect of a topic and if you are in any doubt, you should consult a qualified expert for their help. You should never attempt to carry out any activity which may put you or others at risk or which may cause damage to your or anyone else's property and the activities described must not be attempted by anyone under the age of 18.

Always read any manuals and safety instructions alongside the advice.

Extreme weather, planned maintenance and potential energy provider action make preparing for power cuts useful. As inconvenient and annoying as they can be, there are a few steps you can take to make a power shortage as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Keep your mobile charged

It’s always a good idea to keep your mobile phone charged so you can contact; friends, family and even emergency services in the event of a power cut. Investing in a charging phone case is a smart way of ensuring your phone stays functional, even if your power source is cut off.

Stock up on low-tech

The thing about power cuts is they can happen at any time, so it’s a wise choice to keep a torch with fresh batteries nearby. Stocking up on LED light candles can also provide you with some needed light if the shortage continues into the darker hours.

Stay tuned to your local news

When the power goes down, you’ll want to keep up with the latest updates through your local radio station. Investing in a battery-powered radio can keep you in the loop while providing a welcomed source of entertainment during the wait.

Make a note of key contacts

We may live in a digital world, but when a power cut hits, pen and paper are your best friends. Keeping a little book of contacts could save your bacon during a power shortage. Make a note of family, friends and emergency contact numbers – you'll be thankful you did when a power cut occurs.

Keep warm

If you’ve been lucky enough to have been warned of a power cut in advance, boil some water before the shortage and keep it in a thermos flask. You can use the heated water to make a hot drink or even fill up a hot water bottle if you get too cold.

Regularly save work

With more and more of us working from home, a power cut can now pose risks that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Make sure you regularly save your important documents to prevent losing them during a power cut.

Prepare cash, documents and fuel

As power cuts often come without warning, you may get caught short on some of your essential goods. A few cash notes will come in handy, as card machines need electricity to function.

If you find yourself using scanned or photographed copies of your important documents, make sure to print off physical versions and keep the originals safe. You never know when you’ll need your documentation to hand.

In general, power cuts are only expected to last a few hours. However, it’s still a good idea to keep your car tank (or battery) full of fuel. Most petrol stations and changing points require electricity, so failing to top up could leave you in a sticky situation.

Unplug unnecessary appliances

When a power cut hits, it’s advisable to unplug any unnecessary appliances, like TVs and computers. Once the power is restored, the sudden surge in electricity can often fry your appliances' circuits, causing damage to your valuables.

Pre-plan your food

If you’ve been given forewarning that a power cut is coming, try and plan what food you’ll need during the shortage. Food items that don’t require warming are always a smart choice - even if you have a gas oven or hob, no one wants to cook in the dark.

Consider the content of your freezer. Although many freezers can store your frozen goods for hours if left unopened, if your shortage lasts longer than typical power cuts, you could be left with spoilt food. If you’re lucky enough to be given a heads-up, take this opportunity to review your freezer’s content. Streamlining your freezer could prevent wastage, saving you the expensive task of replacing items.

In conclusion

Power cuts can be a nightmare, but with foreplanning, you can make the process pass easier.

We hope you found some of our pointers helpful. Why not check out some of our other how-to-guides and insightful blogs?