Power cuts: light, warmth and information at home

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 a short outage needs.

Stay informed without draining your phone

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 when broadband drops. A car radio can work, but in severe weather it may be safer to stay indoors.

Light and warmth

Torches are safer than candles. Stay warm with layered clothing and blankets; close unused rooms and draw curtains. If you or someone you support needs extra help, 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 before power returns if surge risk concerns you. Ask telecare or medical-device providers how equipment behaves in an outage—do not assume a consumer power bank is suitable.

Before buying anything

Use the 72-hour checklist. Then compare options on torches, radios and power banks—buying links sit after the criteria.