When the lights go out, it helps to know you are ready. Last month, the UK government urged households to prepare for potential risks such as severe weather, power cuts and cyber attacks – and keeping a few essentials at home is a good way to help you feel prepared.
While no specific disaster is imminent, the advice is part of a long-term national resilience drive to reduce strain on emergency services and improve national resilience against sudden disruptions.
'Those who can follow this advice should follow this advice. By taking simple steps to be ready for everyday emergencies like severe storms, people can reduce pressure on emergency services, helping them prioritise people who need more support in an emergency,' says Dan Jarvis MP, Security Minister.
Want to plan for a power cut? Take a look at the useful items to have at home so you're ready:
1. A battery-powered or wind-up torch
When the power cuts out, you'll be grateful to have a battery-powered or wind-up torch close by. Keep it somewhere you can easily find in the dark, like a kitchen cupboard or hallway drawer. Don't forget a spare battery pack.
'This is the single most important thing to have on hand. Don't rely on your phone's torch, as it can drain your phone battery quickly, and you'll want to keep your phone charged for communication and updates,' says George Penny, Energy Expert at The Solar Co.
'Crucially, avoid using candles, as they are a major fire risk in an emergency, particularly if you fall asleep or leave them unattended in a room with children or pets.'
2. A battery-powered radio
When mobile data, Internet connections and TV networks go down during a power cut, a battery-powered radio is your best way to stay up to date with local news and emergency updates.
'Look for one that can run on standard batteries, and keep a spare set in the drawer,' says George.
'Wind-up models are particularly useful because they don't rely on battery supplies, which may sell out quickly during a long outage. Tune it to your local BBC station before an emergency so you know exactly where to find updates.'
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3. Warm blankets and layers
Whether you're curling up on the sofa or tucking into bed for the night, layering warm blankets and throws is key when the power goes out. Heated blankets might be our go-to in cold weather, but during a power cut, you'll have to go back to basics.
'Having a gas boiler doesn't protect you against power cuts because gas boilers still need electricity to run,' says Patrick Garner, Gas Safe expert at Heatable. 'So, if the power goes off, think "warm the person, not the room." Layer up your clothes, dig out some blankets, and shut yourself up in one room, ideally with the door and curtains closed to help keep the heat in.'
4. Emergency kit with food
'Keep a small stash of non-perishable food that doesn't need cooking, and a supply of any essential medication. It's also worth having a manual can opener, because most modern ones are electric,' says George.
'Try not to open the fridge or freezer, as a closed fridge will keep food cold for around four hours, and a full freezer for up to 48 hours. If the power is out for longer than that, be cautious with perishable food (when in doubt, just throw it out). Make sure your emergency kit includes any pet food and supplies you might need, too.'
The government's 'Be Ready' campaign recommends having enough bottled water for three days (you may want more for tasks such as cooking and washing), and non-perishable foods such as tinned meat, fish, vegetables, or dried fruit, nuts, and long-lasting UHT milk.
5. Draught excluders
Even a small draught can make the room you're sitting in much colder. Floorboards, keyholes, or open chimneys can pull warm air up and out.
'Invest in simple draught excluders or self-adhesive draught strips to block gaps under internal and external doors. They're inexpensive, easy to fit, and make a noticeable difference to how warm your home feels without turning on the heating,' says James Higgins, flooring expert at Online Carpets.
Draught excluders will help keep your room warm throughout the winter months, so they're great to pick up whether you've had a power cut or not.
Gingham Frill Cotton Draught Excluder
Gingham Frill Cotton Draught Excluder
6. A first-aid kit — and an emergency number to call
When the electricity fails, vulnerable family members suffer the most. The elderly, newborn babies, pregnant women and those with underlying health issues may struggle to keep warm and fed during a blackout. It's sensible to plan ahead: stock up on nappies or formula milk if you have a young baby, or help elderly relatives make sure they have enough essential supplies.
'If someone in your home depends on electricity for medical or mobility equipment, speak to your supplier about support through the Priority Services Register,' says Gareth Kloet, energy expert at Go.Compare. 'As well as this, save your supplier's contact details and the national power cut number, 105, somewhere offline.'
You'll also want to have a first-aid kit with any necessary medication. 'Having a well-stocked first aid kit is extremely useful, particularly if local pharmacies are closed at the time. Fill the kit with plasters, sterile wipes, antiseptics, and any essential prescribed medication,' says Jack Malnick, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Landlord Resource.
For more information about the government's Be Ready campaign, visit campaign.gov.uk.
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