Power cut evening: light, heat and information without draining your phone

Start by checking what you already keep at home: a torch, spare batteries, blankets, a radio, and a charged power bank. Many households already have most of what they need for a short outage.

Stay informed without burning your phone battery

Write down the number to report a power cut, 105 in England, Scotland and Wales or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland, and keep it with a torch. UK guidance recommends a battery or wind-up radio for updates when broadband and mobile data drop; a car radio can work, but in severe weather it may be safer to stay indoors.

Light and warmth

Torches are safer than candles. Keep spare batteries with the torch, not in a forgotten drawer. Stay warm with layered clothing and blankets; close doors to unused rooms and draw curtains. If you or someone you support needs extra help during outages, check eligibility for your supplier’s Priority Services Register.

Food, water and devices

Keep bottled water and ready-to-eat food that does not need cooking. Unplug TVs and computers to reduce surge risk when power returns. If you use telecare or medical devices, ask the provider how they behave in a power cut—do not assume a consumer power bank is suitable.

Before you buy anything

Use the 72-hour checklist to inventory what you own. Only then consider gaps against our torch, radio and power bank criteria.