How do I prepare for a power cut?
Our helpful tips can help you to prepare for a power cut.
Keep a torch handy
Make sure you’ve got some light, ideally a torch instead of a candle, so it’s more reliable and safer. Ensure you have some spare batteries just in case and it’s in an easily accessible location.
Turn off appliances and lights
Switch off all appliances and lights where possible, but leave one light on so you know when the power is back. You can protect your electrical appliances such as desktop computers, laptops and televisions by fitting surge protection equipment. These can be found in your local supermarket or hardware store.
Keep warm
If it’s cold, dress warmly by adding layers and try to stay active to stimulate circulation and keep yourself warm. Close doors to unused rooms and draw curtains to retain heat.
Phone communication
Cordless phones won’t work during a power cut. Keep a corded phone plugged in or have one ready to use. For mobile phones, ensure you have a charged power bank to keep your phone powered. Limit your use of electrical devices and some may have a low power mode which will help to reduce the amount of charge used. Make a written note of important phone numbers.
Fridge freezers
Fridges keep cold for a long time, but you can help it stay cold for longer by putting ice in, the doors closed as much as possible, pack food in the draws as they will stay colder for longer if foods kept stored together.
Electric gates, garage doors and house alarms
Learn how to manually operate electric gates and garage doors and turn off alarms.
Radio
Keep a battery-operated radio to hand to listen for the updates and weather reports.
Keep equipment and devices charged
Regularly charge emergency medical and communications equipment and devices.
Save your work
Regularly save your computer work.
Key contacts
Have a written list of emergency contacts. Include: family, friends, GP, pharmacist and utility companies.
Caring for tropical pets
Unplug filters on tanks and wrap up with a blanket. Any tropical fish or reptiles should be okay for a couple of hours without power. After this you may need to unplug your filters to stop toxins entering the water. Cover the tank with a blanket to keep the heat in and if oxygen is needed take a small cup of the tank water and pour it back in or make a figure of eight in the water.
Medical and mobility equipment
If you or someone you know relies on power for medical equipment such as a home kidney dialysis machine or oxygen concentrators, but there isn’t any back up power, please contact the medical provider or Electricity North West by calling 0800 195 4141. Devices like stair lifts, bath hoists, and adjustable beds will be affected. Ensure essential medical equipment has a battery backup. Check if your stair lift has a manual release handle to return it to the ground floor.
Extra Care Register
The Extra Care register is our name for the priority services register. If there's a chance you might struggle during a power cut, even for a few hours, our Extra Care support could lend a helping hand.