Power cuts are inconvenient, and homes across Exeter and rural Devon see their share of them, especially through the stormier South West months. Knowing what to do in a power cut can lessen the impact. Loss of power disrupts routines, so preparation and knowledge are key to navigating these events safely and effectively. This guide offers practical advice on what to do when the lights go out in your local area.
What To Do in a Power Cut: A Complete Guide
Before the Lights Go Out: Preparation is Key
Preparation is crucial. Assemble a power cut kit with torches, spare batteries, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable food.
A wind-up or battery-powered radio is also recommended by the UK government. Charge your mobile phone and power banks. Find your fuse box and learn how to reset the trip switch.
This can restore power if the outage is due to a tripped circuit. A small camping stove for boiling water can be helpful, but use it cautiously, outdoors if possible.
Register with the Priority Services Register if you rely on electricity for medical equipment, such as stair lifts.
During a Power Cut: Staying Safe and Informed
Stay calm and check on vulnerable neighbours when a power cut hits. If they have power, your circuit may have tripped.
This is a simple fix, not requiring a report to the power network. Flipping switches in the fuse box usually resolves this. In the unlikely event it doesn’t, then you might need to call an electrician to come out for your fuseboard.
Verify the outage. Check your fuse box and street lights. Use torches, not candles, to minimise fire risk. Unplug electronics to prevent surge damage.
Keep fridge freezer doors shut to preserve food. The Food Standards Agency offers further guidance on food safety during power cuts.
Report the power cut by calling 105. This is the dedicated number for power cut assistance across the UK.
Call 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland. Check for weather warnings from the Met Office in case the power cut is weather-related.
Stay updated. Listen to a battery-powered radio and check your local network operator’s website. Avoid relying on the internet.
Conserve your phone battery and use text messages if possible, as the phone network may be unreliable. If the power cut is widespread and prolonged, your local council website might list emergency meeting halls with phone charging facilities.
After the Power Returns: A Gradual Restart
Don’t switch everything on at once when power returns. This can overload the system. Check appliances for damage before using them. Give freezers time to refreeze.
Discard perishable food that reached unsafe temperatures. Replenish your power cut kit with fresh batteries and supplies. Consider surge protectors to protect sensitive electronics.
Find out from your energy supplier if similar power cuts are likely. Check Ofgem’s advice on planning for power cuts.
FAQs about what to do in a power cut
What to do during a power cut?
Stay calm. Check on neighbours, use torches, and unplug electronics. Keep freezers closed. Report the outage by calling 105.
Conserve phone battery and listen to a battery-powered radio for updates.
What do I do if there is a power cut in my area?
Check if it’s just your home. If your neighbours are also affected, contact your local distribution network operator (DNO).
Call 105 or check the energy networks’ websites to identify your DNO. Ensure your phone and medical devices are charged. Prepare a back-up plan.
Support elderly or at-risk people nearby. Secure important documents like checking account details and insurance policies. Consider the potential need for emergency plumbers if the outage is prolonged.
What to do for fun when you have no power?
Power cuts offer a chance for family time. Play board games, read by torchlight, or tell stories. Try hobbies like drawing, painting, or knitting. Enjoy conversation without the TV.
How long does a power cut last?
Most power cuts are brief. However, longer outages can occur, lasting for days depending on the cause or if there are engineering problems. Prepare an emergency plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Power cuts are disruptive, but manageable with the right preparation. Knowing what to do before, during, and after an outage keeps you safe and minimises disruption. Even extended power failures can become enjoyable opportunities for technology-free activities. Proactive preparation, prompt action when an outage occurs, and formulating suitable maintenance plans (including financial emergency strategies) can help you and your family cope comfortably with these unforeseen disruptions.
