A long power cut is mostly an inconvenience, but it can turn dangerous through cold, fire and carbon monoxide. A few simple habits keep your household safe until the power is back.
Right now
- Check whether the outage is only in your home. Look at the fuse box and at the neighbours’ windows.
- Switch off or unplug sensitive devices so a power surge does not damage them when the electricity returns. Leave one lamp switched on so you know when power is back.
- Grab a headlamp or torch. Avoid candles where possible; if you must use them, never leave them unattended.
- Switch on a crank radio for official news. Mobile networks may stop working after a few hours.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed. A closed fridge stays cold for about four hours, a full freezer for much longer.
Never do this indoors
Carbon monoxide has no smell and no colour. It can kill a whole family in their sleep.
- Never use a charcoal or gas grill, camping stove or barbecue inside the home, on a closed balcony or in a garage.
- Never run a generator indoors, in a cellar, garage or near open windows. Keep it well outside.
- Never heat a room with a gas cooker or oven.
- If anyone gets a headache, dizziness, nausea or sudden tiredness, get everyone into fresh air at once and call the emergency number.
A battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm is a good investment for any home.
Save power and stay connected
- Put phones on low-power mode and switch off what you don’t need: Bluetooth, location, background apps.
- Use a power bank to top up phones. Charge one phone at a time and keep one phone in reserve.
- Send short text messages instead of calls. They get through more easily when networks are busy.
- Charge devices in the car only with the engine running outdoors, never in a closed garage.
- Agree on fixed times to switch phones on and check messages with family.
Food and water
- Eat food from the fridge first, then the freezer, then your stores.
- Throw away food that smells off or has been above fridge temperature for long. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Fill containers with water while you still have pressure. Pumps in tall buildings often need electricity. See no water.
- Keep ready-to-eat food rations for days when you can’t cook.
Stay warm
In winter, the house cools down quickly without power. Gather the household in one room, close the doors and use layers, blankets and a thermal blanket. Read the full winter without heating guide.
Help others
- Check on older neighbours and people who depend on electrical medical equipment.
- Tell the authorities or emergency services if someone needs urgent help.
- Share official information only. Rumours spread fast in a blackout.
When the power returns
- Switch on appliances one at a time to avoid overloading the grid.
- Check food in the fridge and freezer before eating it.
- Recharge all power banks, lights and radios straight away.
- Write down what you missed most and add it to your stores.
Prepare in advance
- Keep a headlamp, spare batteries and a radio where you can find them in the dark.
- Keep power banks charged and recharge them every few months.
- Store water and food that needs no cooking for at least three days.
- Keep some cash at home. Card terminals and cash machines need electricity.
- Learn how to open your garage door, gate or electric lock by hand.
Follow your local authorities and your electricity provider for updates.