Power cuts always seem to happen at the worst possible moment. Whether you're in the middle of cooking, watching TV, or working on something important, everything just stops. If it’s dark, you scramble to find a torch or light some candles. If it’s cold, you start worrying about the heating. And if it’s hot, keeping cool suddenly becomes a challenge.
The first thing to do is stay calm. Power outages can last minutes, hours, or even longer, depending on the cause. While waiting for the electricity to come back, there are a few things you can do to keep safe, stay informed, and make the situation easier to handle.

1. Why Has the Power Gone Out?
Before doing anything else, try to figure out if the power cut is just affecting your home or the whole area.
Check your fuse box – Sometimes, a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker can make it seem like there’s a power cut when it’s actually just an issue in your home. If the switch has flipped, reset it and see if the power comes back.
Look outside – Are your streetlights off? Do your neighbours have electricity? If it’s just your home, it might be a problem with your wiring or meter.
Call your electricity provider – Most energy companies have an outage map on their website or a phone line where you can check if there’s a known power cut in your area.
Use your mobile phone – If your Wi-Fi is down, use mobile data to search for power outage updates. Utility companies and emergency services often post real-time information online.
Things to avoid:
Don’t assume your energy supplier already knows about the power cut. Report it if it’s not listed online.
Avoid tampering with your electricity meter—only trained professionals should do this.
2. What Should You Do First to Stay Safe?
The first few minutes of a power cut are important for safety.
Turn off appliances – If the power suddenly comes back while an appliance is running, it could cause a surge that damages your electronics. Unplug TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances to prevent this.
Leave one light switched on – This way, you’ll know when the electricity is restored.
Check for electrical hazards – If you heard a loud bang or saw sparks before the power cut, there could be a bigger issue. Stay away from any damaged wiring and call an electrician if needed.
Use torches instead of candles if possible – Candles can be a fire hazard, especially if you have pets or small children.
Things to avoid:
Don’t use gas-powered stoves indoors for heating. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Avoid opening the fridge or freezer unnecessarily to keep food cold for as long as possible.
3. How Can You Get Light Without Electricity?
Once it gets dark, finding a reliable light source is essential.
Use battery-powered torches and lanterns – Keep these in an easy-to-find place so you don’t have to search for them in the dark.
Solar lights work indoors too – If you have solar garden lights, bring them inside for instant lighting.
Rechargeable torches and LED lanterns – These are great for emergencies and can last for hours.
Glow sticks – A safe option for kids’ bedrooms or bathrooms. They provide soft light without the risk of fire.
Things to avoid:
Don’t rely on your mobile phone torch for too long—it drains the battery quickly.
If using candles, place them on a stable surface away from curtains or anything flammable.
4. How Can You Keep Food and Water Safe?
A power cut can lead to food spoilage, so knowing how to manage your fridge and freezer is important.
Keep the fridge and freezer closed – A closed fridge will keep food safe for about four hours, while a freezer can last up to 48 hours if it’s full.
Use ice packs or frozen bottles of water – If you have advance warning of a power cut, these can help keep food colder for longer.
Eat perishable foods first – If the power outage is expected to last, consume foods like dairy, meat, and leftovers before they spoil.
Stock up on non-perishable food – Tinned goods, dried fruit, crackers, and cereal don’t need refrigeration and can keep you going during a long blackout.
Store bottled water – If you rely on an electric water pump, have extra drinking water available.
Things to avoid:
Don’t taste food to see if it’s still safe. If in doubt, throw it out.
Avoid keeping the fridge door open longer than necessary.
5. How Can You Stay Informed Without the Internet?
Losing electricity can also mean losing access to news updates. Here’s how to stay connected:
Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio – These let you listen to emergency broadcasts and weather updates.
Check social media on your phone – Utility companies often post power restoration updates online.
Sign up for text alerts – Many energy providers offer SMS notifications about local outages.
Keep a power bank charged – A portable charger can help keep your phone running longer.
Things to avoid:
Don’t waste battery life by playing games or watching videos.
Avoid making unnecessary phone calls—networks can get overloaded during widespread outages.
6. How Can You Stay Comfortable?
Power cuts can be especially challenging in extreme weather.
If it’s cold:
Wear layers of clothing and use extra blankets.
Close curtains and doors to keep heat in.
If safe, use a fireplace or gas heater with proper ventilation.
If it’s hot:
Open windows for ventilation (unless there’s a storm outside).
Use damp cloths or cooling towels to stay cool.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Things to avoid:
Don’t use gas stoves or charcoal grills indoors for warmth—they produce dangerous fumes.
Avoid strenuous activity that could make you overheat.
7. What Should You Do When the Power Comes Back?
Once the electricity returns, take a few steps to make sure everything is working properly.
Turn appliances back on gradually – Switching everything on at once can overload the system.
Check for power surges – If lights are flickering or appliances aren’t working properly, there may be a voltage fluctuation.
Reset clocks and alarms – Most digital clocks will need adjusting after a power cut.
Inspect food in the fridge and freezer – If in doubt, throw out anything that smells or looks off.
Things to avoid:
Don’t assume all appliances are safe—check for damage before using them.
If your house was the only one without power, you might need an electrician to check your wiring.
Final Thoughts On Power Outages
Power cuts are annoying, but with the right preparations, you can get through them without too much hassle. Having a few essential items ready—like torches, spare batteries, and an emergency food supply—can make all the difference. Stay safe, stay warm (or cool), and don’t forget to check in on neighbours, especially if they’re elderly or vulnerable. Electricity will be back before you know it, and life will return to normal.
Did You Know?
According to a survey by UKPower, 66% of UK residents have experienced a power cut in their local area, with 23% experiencing them annually.
In 2022/23, 135 workers in Great Britain lost their lives in work-related accidents, with contact with electricity being a notable cause among various hazards.
FAQ – Power Cuts & What to Do
What is the first thing you do when the power goes out?
The first thing to do is stay calm and check whether the power cut is affecting just your home or the entire area. Look at nearby streetlights and ask neighbours if they have electricity. If it’s just your home, check your fuse box to see if a circuit breaker has tripped. If the outage is widespread, contact your electricity provider to report the issue or check their outage map online for updates.
How do you deal with power cuts?
To manage a power cut effectively:
Unplug appliances to prevent damage from power surges.
Use a flashlight or battery-powered lights instead of candles for safety.
Keep your fridge and freezer closed to preserve food.
Stay informed using a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
Dress appropriately to stay warm in winter or cool in summer.
Check on vulnerable neighbours to ensure their safety.
If the outage is prolonged, consider moving to a location with power if possible.
What to do if the power supply is cut off?
If your power supply is cut off unexpectedly:
Check your fuse box for tripped breakers.
Look outside to see if the outage affects the whole area.
Contact your electricity provider for information on restoration times.
Use backup power sources like a generator if available, but always operate it safely outdoors.
Follow emergency preparedness steps like conserving phone battery and ensuring you have access to food and water.
Can you flush the toilet when the power is out?
Yes, most toilets can still be flushed during a power outage if they rely on gravity-fed water systems. However, if you use a toilet that depends on an electric pump or macerator, it may not work until power is restored. In case of a prolonged outage, it’s best to have alternative sanitation options available, like storing water for manual flushing.
How long will food last in a freezer without power in the UK?
A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours if the door remains closed. A half-full freezer will last around 24 hours. To extend food safety:
Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible.
Use ice packs or frozen bottles of water to maintain low temperatures.
If the power is out for an extended period, check the Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidelines before consuming thawed food. If food has defrosted and gone above 5°C for more than two hours, it should be discarded to prevent food poisoning.
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