20 Tips to Prepare for Power Cuts in the UK

A power cut can happen anytime. It might be because of bad weather, problems with the network, or planned work by your
electricity supplier. Being prepared can really help. This is very important for people who rely on essential medical equipment or for those living in rural areas. In these places, getting the power back on can take longer.

These tips will assist you in preparing for power outages. They will also help to protect your home. Most importantly, they will ensure your family stays safe.

1. Register for the Priority Services Register (PSR)

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service. Energy suppliers and network operators provide it. This service helps people who need extra support during a power outage.

1. If you use medical equipment, like oxygen machines or stair lifts, you will receive updates before others during outages.

2. If you have a disability or a serious health problem, you can receive emergency help.

3. You will get a warning for any planned power cuts.

Tip: Contact your electricity supplier or the distribution network operator (DNO). Check if you meet the requirements.

2. Keep a Fully Charged Power Bank for Your Mobile Phone

Mobile phonesare key for making emergency calls and receiving updates from the grid. If there is a power disruption, keep a charged power bank handy. This will help you stay connected.

Tip: If you think there will be a power cut, charge all your mobile devices and backup batteries before it happens.

3. Store a Torch & Spare Batteries

A torch is safer than naked flames, like candles or oil lamps. These can be a fire hazard.

✅ Keep several torches in easy-to-find locations.

✅ Have spare batteries stored in a dry cupboard.

Tip: A wind-up or solar-powered torch is a good idea. It does not need batteries to work.

4. Have an Emergency Power Cut Kit Ready

A power outage kit can help you during long power cuts. Make sure you have:

1. A flashlight and extra batteries

2. A first aid kit

3. A fully charged power bank

4. Bottled water and dry snacks

5. Baby formula and pet food

6. A list of emergency contact numbers

Keep these items in a place where everyone in the family can easily get to them.

5. Keep Your Freezer & Fridge Doors Closed

Your freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours if you keep the door closed.

1. A full freezer stays cold longer than a half-full freezer.

2. The Food Standards Agency says that if the power goes out, food in a fridge is safe for 4 hours.

Tip: If the power cut lasts over a day, check your food before you eat it.

Compare Energy Prices

Thinking about changing your energy provider?

Compare Now

6. Know Where Your Fuse Box Is Located

If a part of your home loses power, check your fuse box. Do this before you tell your network operator about the power outage.

✅ Look for tripped switches and reset them if safe.

✅ If unsure, call a qualified electrician.

Tip: Always have a spare fuse in case one blows during a storm.

7. Avoid Using Electrical Appliances

During a power disruption, avoid using:

1. Electric fires can restart without warning when the power returns.

2. Ovens, kettles, and irons can become very hot if you leave them on.

3. Power surges can damage important electronics like your TV and PC.

Tip: Disconnect all appliances during a power outage. This can help stop any damage.

8. Keep Warm with Thick Clothes & Blankets

If your boiler stops working, keep warm by:

✅ Wearing thick clothes and layering blankets.

✅ Closing curtains and doors to keep heat inside.

✅ Using hot water bottles instead of electric heaters.

Tip: Gas boilers need power to run. Be sure to have extra blankets ready.

9. Make a Backup Plan for Medical Equipment

If you need basic medical equipment, be sure to prepare for a power cut.

1. Talk to your care provider about the choices you have for battery backup.

2. Keep spare batteries for oxygen machines.

3. Have spare batteries for nebulisers.

4. Store spare batteries for stair lifts.

5. See if your equipment supplier gives emergency support.

Tip: If you are in the Priority Services Register, your network operator might provide you with extra support.

10. Secure Your Home’s Safety Features

1. Check your personal alarm – Some systems may need you to reset them manually.

2. Have a backup heating source – Electric fires and
   heating systemsmight stop working.

3. A manual release handle is used for electric stair lifts – It is also used for garage doors.

Tip: If you own a stair lift, be sure to move it to the ground floor before an outage occurs.

11. Keep Emergency Contact Numbers Handy

1. If you have a power cut, call 105. This is the number for your local distribution network operator.

2. Gas Emergency: Call 0800 111 999 for national gas problems.

3. Medical Emergency: If your medical equipment stops working, please call 999.

Tip: Write these numbers down. Your mobile phone battery may die.

12. Consider a Backup Generator (If Suitable)

If you often lose power, consider getting a backup generator.

1. Provides emergency power for medical equipment.

2. It can power key appliances like fridges and freezers.

3. It needs to be installed correctly to avoid fire risks.

Tip: Always talk to a qualified electrician before using a generator.

13. Sign Up for Power Cut Alerts

Some network operators provide real-time updates on service outages.

Tip: Sign up with your postcode on the Electricity North West website. This way, you can get updates about what is happening in your area.

14. Stock Up on Non-Perishable Food

A power cut can damage the freezers in supermarkets. It is a good idea to stock up on:

✅ Tinned goods & dry foods

✅ Cereal & long-life milk

✅ Baby formula & pet food

Tip: Store food in a cool and dry cupboard. This prevents it from spoiling.

15. Have a Battery-Powered Radio for News Updates

1. You can use your car radio to get news in case of an emergency.

16. Keep Cash on Hand

1. ATMs might not work during power cuts.

2. Card payment systems may also stop working in these cases.

Compare Energy Prices

Thinking about changing your energy provider?

Compare Now

17. Protect Pipes from Freezing in Winter Power Cuts

1. Let taps drip a little to help prevent pipes from freezing.

18. Know the Power Cut Categories

1. Network operators schedule planned power cuts. These cuts are for maintenance work.

2. Sudden power cuts can happen because of bad weather. They can also come from problems in the system.

Tip: Check with your electricity supplier for any updates.

19. Use Landline Phones if Mobile Networks Fail

Some landlines still work in power outages.

Tip: Avoid using cordless landlines. They need power to work.

20. Help Your Neighbours During a Power Cut

1. Look in on older neighbours.

2. Provide help to those who need extra support.

Tip: Give spare batteries or warm blankets to help people in need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Compare Energy Prices

Thinking about changing your energy provider?

Compare Now