If you’re in the middle of an outage right now, take a breath. Most UK power cuts are short and straightforward.
This guide is a calm, practical plan for what to do in a power cut in the UK. Follow the steps in order, and you’ll cover the basics: safety, warmth, food, water, and reliable updates.
You don’t need specialist kit. You need a simple routine and a few sensible items that work for normal UK households.
Key takeaways
- Start with safety and light, then check if the power cut is just your home or a wider power outage UK issue
- Confirm and report the power cut using 105 in Great Britain, then check updates at set times
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to protect food for as long as possible
- Set up one warm room and avoid risky heat sources during a power cut
- Use battery discipline on phones and keep at least one offline update option
- When power returns, bring appliances back on gradually and check food safety
What to do in a power cut the first 10 minutes
1 Get safe light first
Your first job in a power cut is to prevent trips, falls, and panic.
- Use a torch, headtorch, or battery lantern
- Put one light source in the main room and one by the bathroom
- Use your phone torch only if you need to (it drains battery fast)
Do this now
- Torch on
- Shoes on if the floor is cluttered
- One light source placed where everyone can find it
2 Work out if the power cut is just your home
Before you assume it’s a wider power outage UK situation, check quickly.
- Look outside: are neighbours dark too
- Check your consumer unit fuse box
- If a switch has tripped, reset it once
- If it trips again, switch it off, unplug a few appliances, then try once more
- If it still trips, stop and get help (that’s more likely a fault than a local power cut)
3 Protect your electronics in 60 seconds
Power returning can cause a small surge.
- Turn off and unplug: TV, router, PC, console, and chargers
- Leave one lamp switched on so you know when the power cut ends
Confirm the outage and get updates
This is where people waste battery. Keep it simple.
Call 105 or check online
In Great Britain, call 105 for free to reach your local electricity network operator.
- Phone: 105
- Online updates
If you’re in Northern Ireland, use your local electricity network contact route.
Set an update routine
During a power cut, constant checking drains phones and doesn’t change anything.
- Check updates every 30 to 60 minutes
- Message family with one short update
- Keep one phone in reserve if possible
Do this now
- Low power mode on
- Screen brightness down
- Background app refresh off
What to do in a power cut to stay warm safely
Warmth is usually the main comfort issue in a UK power cut.
Read an in depth guide here
Set up one warm room
- Close doors to unused rooms
- Close curtains and block draughts with a towel at the door
- Layer up: base layer, jumper, socks, then a blanket
- Keep everyone in one room to conserve heat
Avoid risky heat during a power cut
A power cut is not the time for improvised heating.
- Avoid candles if you can (torches and lanterns are safer)
- Never use barbecues, camping stoves, or outdoor heaters indoors
Quick warmth checklist
- One warm room chosen
- Blankets and duvets moved in
- Hot drinks planned if you can boil water safely
Food rules that save you money in a power cut
If you remember one thing, remember this. What to do in a power cut.
Keep the fridge and freezer closed
- Keep doors closed as much as possible
- Plan no-cook meals so you’re not tempted to open the fridge
Fridge and freezer guide
| Appliance | If unopened | What to do in a power cut |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | Around 4 hours | Keep closed, use cupboard food |
| Freezer (full) | Up to about 48 hours | Keep closed, don’t keep checking |
| Freezer (half full) | About 24 hours | Keep closed, avoid opening |
Simple no-cook food plan
Aim for open-and-eat basics you can buy in any UK supermarket.
- Tinned beans, soup, curry, fish
- Crackers, oatcakes, peanut butter
- UHT milk and long-life juice
- Fruit, nuts, cereal bars
Do this now
- Pick tonight’s no-cook meal
- Put a note on the fridge: keep closed
[72-hour emergency meals from any UK supermarket]
[Emergency food storage UK pillar post]
Water, toilets, and basic hygiene during a power cut
Some power cuts affect water pumping in certain areas. Many do not. A simple approach covers both.
If taps still run
Do these within the first 15 minutes of a power cut.
- Fill the kettle
- Fill a few bottles or jugs
- Fill a washing-up bowl for handwashing
- If you think it could be long, fill the bath for toilet flushing (not for drinking)
Quick hygiene options
- Hand gel if you have it
- If not: soap and a bowl of water works fine short term
Phones, internet, and staying informed without flattening your battery
A power cut often knocks out broadband, and mobile signal can be patchy if masts lose power.
Phone battery discipline
- Low power mode on
- Brightness down
- Turn off Wi‑Fi if broadband is down
- Switch off Bluetooth if you’re not using it
Keep one offline update option
A small battery radio is still one of the most reliable ways to get updates in a what to do in a power cut UK situation.
Do this now
- Put your power bank next to your phone
- Choose one person to be the “updates checker”
If you have babies, medical needs, or vulnerable people at home
This section is here because real life is messy.
Babies and formula during a power cut
Making up powdered formula safely usually needs freshly boiled water. If you can’t boil water, ready-to-use formula can be a simpler option.
Powered medical equipment
If someone relies on powered medical equipment, treat this as your top priority.
- Keep that person warm
- Conserve battery for essential devices
- If you qualify, ask about the Priority Services Register through your energy supplier
Check neighbours
In a longer power cut, a quick check on an elderly neighbour is one of the most useful things you can do.
If the power cut lasts longer than expected
Use this timeline so you don’t drift into random jobs.
After 1 hour
- Confirm updates again via 105 or online
- Commit to one warm room
- Switch to lantern lighting where possible
After 4 hours
- Assume fridge risk increases if it’s been opened repeatedly
- Stick to no-cook meals
- If you must open the fridge, do it once and decide what you’re using
Overnight
- Everyone sleeps in the warmest room
- Torches by beds
- Phones and power banks charged when possible
When the power comes back on
This is what to do in a power cut recovery phase.
Bring things back gradually
- Check one light first
- Plug in the router and let it settle
- Bring appliances back on slowly
- Kettle last
- Washing machine and dishwasher later
- Reset clocks
- Check smoke alarms are working
Check food safety
Follow UK food safety guidance if you’re unsure.
Do this now
- Write down the start and end time of the power cut (helps if you need to claim compensation)
Power cut checklist you can screenshot
Use this power cut checklist as your quick reference for what to do in a power cut.
Safety and light
- Torch or lantern on
- One light in main room, one by bathroom
- Shoes on if needed
Confirm and update
- Call 105 or check online updates
- Check updates every 30 to 60 minutes
- Low power mode on
Warmth
- One warm room set up
- Layers and blankets ready
- Avoid risky heat sources
Food and water
- Fridge and freezer doors closed
- No-cook food chosen
- Fill kettle and containers if taps run
Compensation and reporting problems
You may be entitled to compensation depending on how long you were off supply and the circumstances.
Tip
Keep a note of date, time power went off, and time it returned.
FAQs
What number do I call to report a power cut in the UK
In Great Britain, call 105 for free to reach your local electricity network operator.
Should I use candles during a power cut
It’s safer to avoid naked flames and use torches or lanterns instead. UK guidance highlights fire risks during power cuts.
How long will food last in the fridge during a power cut
Roughly around 4 hours if you keep the door closed as much as possible.
How long will a freezer stay cold without power
Up to about 48 hours if it’s full, or about 24 hours if it’s half full, if you keep it closed.
What if I smell gas during a power cut
Leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/at-home/power-cuts/
Can I get compensation for a power cut
Possibly. Check Ofgem and Citizens Advice for the current rules and what to do if you don’t receive it.
Next step
Save this page, then build a small power cut box this week.
- Two torches
- Spare batteries
- A battery lantern
- A power bank
- A few no-cook meals
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