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A power outage can result from bad weather—high winds, for example, or a bolt of lightning. A cut in power can also occur because of an exceptional demand for electricity, or the accidental severing of an underground cable. Whatever the reason, suddenly having no power in your home can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. But what can you do when you're instantly plunged into darkness, or even caught out during daylight hours?
Click through and find out how to prepare for a power cut.
The first thing to do in the event of a power outage is to confirm that the power is indeed out. You want to make sure it's not a fuse that's blown, or a lightbulb that's popped.
Next, contact your utility company and report the outage. They need to know of the situation in order fix the problem.
It's a good idea to switch off all electrical appliances that are not designed to run unattended. Having too many large appliances plugged in when the power comes back on could trip your electrical breakers.
Your food will stay coldest (and safest) if you keep the fridge and freezer closed while the power is off. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), your fridge will keep food safe for up to four hours during a power outage.
Use any remaining daylight or phone light to locate flashlights and candles. Be aware that using phone light for an extended period will, naturally, drain the battery. You'll want to conserve battery power for emergencies.
A power outage mid-winter is no fun. It's also potentially dangerous to human health. So how best to stay warm?
Covering windows and doors with blankets or tape can keep out draughts and help insulate rooms. Doing this can also slow down the cooling process in your home. Tip: keep a roll of duct tape within easy reach.
A house with no heat can quickly chill. Choose one room to gather in until the power comes back on. Body heat will help keep the room warm if you keep the door closed.
Make sure any household pets are brought into the same room. Animals feel the cold, too!
It can get cold very quickly, depending on where you live and the length of the power outage. Dress for the occasion by wrapping yourself in warm clothing and heavy blankets.
If you have a camping tent, use it. Set it up in the middle of the room and move in. Tents are designed to trap heat, and their small size means they don't take long to warm up.
On no account use gas ovens, grills, or heaters to keep warm. Running a gas stove or similar appliances for an extended period of time can increase levels of carbon monoxide, which is dangerous and potentially lethal.
A power outage during the summer poses a different set of challenges. For example, if you rely on air conditioning to stay cool, you'll need to find other ways to combat the heat.
An obvious solution is to drink plenty of fluids. Don't run the risk of dehydration. Your body needs water to cool itself down.
Blocking direct sunlight using curtains or blankets to cover windows is a simple method of keeping a room cool.
Opening windows that aren't facing the sun lets in a breeze and helps circulate cooler air.
With the power down, any fans that might have been switched on will no longer be functioning. A portable battery-powered fan provides an alternative way of keeping cool, as does a traditional handheld paper fan.
There's no harm in taking a cool shower or bath to keep body temperature down.
If you usually cook using electricity, you'll likely have to fire up the brazier and barbecue outside. Don't be tempted to use a gas stove; you'll only be adding heat to an already stifling home.
It's always better to be prepared for a power outage rather than suddenly having to scramble around in the dark for supplies. But what should you always have at hand in case the lights go out?
It makes sense to always have handy a set of flashlights and spare batteries. Candles are useful, but remember that a naked flame can pose a fire hazard.
Always keep your cellphone or tablet charged. This is a habit most of us follow, but in the event of a power cut a fully charged mobile device is essential.
The same goes for any medical equipment you may rely on, for example a portable blood pressure measuring device. Keeping items like this fully charged, or having available a set of spare batteries, could be a lifesaver.
Power cuts will affect equipment such as stair lifts, bath hoists, and adjustable beds. If you rely on a stair lift, check it has a manual release handle; you can use this to return the lift to the ground floor if you have a power cut.
Make sure you have enough food and drinks available that don't require electricity to prepare.
While switching off electrical appliances is recommended, it's useful to leave at least one light on in the house, so that you know when your electricity comes back on. Doing so also makes sense in daylight hours in case the outage continues after dark.
If you receive advanced notice by your utility company of an impending power cut, you might want to boil some water and keep it in a thermos flask, as you can use it to make hot drinks or fill a hot water bottle if it gets cold.
Similarly in summer, a cooler is useful for storing drinks, perishable food, and certain medical supplies.
A first aid kit is an essential item in any household. Check its whereabouts, and make sure the contents are all functioning and up to date.
Given the trend for working from home, make sure you save your work regularly so you don't lose anything—an event especially frustrating if it happens in the dark! Tip: if your computer has an auto-save function, make sure you enable this.
If you run an electric vehicle, you'll want to make sure it's fully charged and ready to roll before the power is cut. And be careful if your garage door is electrically operated. You'll need to know how to open and close it manually if necessary.
A portable fuel-driven electric generator can be helpful when the power goes out. Just make sure it's always used outdoors and at least 20 feet (7 meters) away from windows, doors, and attached garages. And always follow manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Sources: (ScienceDirect) (Edison International) (ISP Today) (FSA)
See also: Chemical warfare: are we prepared?
What to do during a power outage
Don't get caught out in the dark!
LIFESTYLE Tornado
A power outage can result from bad weather—high winds, for example, or a bolt of lightning. A cut in power can also occur because of an exceptional demand for electricity, or the accidental severing of an underground cable. Whatever the reason, suddenly having no power in your home can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. But what can you do when you're instantly plunged into darkness, or even caught out during daylight hours?
Click through and find out how to prepare for a power cut.