What to do in a power blackout
In a blackout, switch to a torch, turn on a battery radio for official information, unplug sensitive electronics and keep the fridge closed. Then save your phone battery, check on neighbours and only call 112 in a real emergency.
The first 30 minutes
- Use a torch or LED lantern, not candles.
- Check whether it’s just your home: look at your fuse box and at neighbours’ windows.
- Turn on a battery or crank radio for official updates.
- Unplug computers, TVs and appliances that could be damaged when the power returns. Leave one light switched on so you notice when it does.
- Put your phone in low-power mode. Send texts rather than making calls.
The first hours
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed. Food stays cold for about 4 hours in the fridge and up to 48 hours in a full freezer.
- Fill a few containers with tap water in case pumps stop.
- Check on older neighbours and anyone who relies on medical equipment.
- Avoid driving: traffic lights may be out.
The first night
- Gather everyone in one room and keep it warm with layers, blankets and sleeping bags.
- Never use a barbecue, camping stove, generator or gas heater indoors. Carbon monoxide kills without warning.
- Keep a torch by every bed.
Days two and three
- Eat fridge food first, then freezer food, then long-life food.
- Recharge phones and power banks from a power station, solar panel or your car (with the engine running outdoors only).
- Follow official instructions on the radio about water, shelters and help points.
When the power comes back
- Plug appliances back in one at a time.
- Check fridge food: if it was above 5 °C (41 °F) for more than a few hours, throw away meat, fish and dairy.
- Recharge and restock your kit.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Brands never pay for placement. Read our disclosure.
Want the full list? See the blackout kit or the 72-hour checklist.
Questions people ask
How long does food last in the fridge during a power cut?
About 4 hours if you keep the door closed. A full freezer keeps food frozen for about 48 hours, a half-full one about 24.
Will tap water keep working?
Often for a while, but pumps in tall buildings and some treatment plants need power. Fill a few containers at the start of a long outage.
Should I call 112 to ask about the blackout?
No. Keep 112 free for real emergencies. Use a battery radio or your power company’s outage page for updates.
Is it safe to use candles?
Torches and LED lanterns are much safer. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended and keep them away from curtains, children and pets.