Power Outages – Help & Advice

Are your neighbours’ lights on, or are the streetlights on?

Check your trip switch is in the ‘on’ position.

If your trip switch is in the ‘off’ position, switch off all your appliances and try to reset your trip switch.

If your electricity meter has lights on, contact your supplier. This shows you have mains power, so there may be an issue with the meter.

Keep warm

To help stay warm, have blankets and warm clothes to hand.

Heating

Boilers may not work during a power cut, therefore, hot water might not be available. Try to stay in one room, keeping the windows and doors shut to trap residual heat. Avoid using gas heaters and be mindful of safety. Once the power is back on, you will need to check or reset your heating your heating if it uses an electric timer.

Kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances should not be damaged during a power cut. If you know when the power is going off, try and fill in any spaces in your freezer and keep the door closed.

Stair lifts

If your stair lift is powered by the mains, there should be a handle to allow you to continue to the ground floor safely.

Electrical equipment for healthcare

If you depend on electrical equipment for healthcare provisions, check with your healthcare provider, NHS on ‘111’, or the equipment manufacturers to make sure you have measures in place.

Medication

If you have medication that needs to be stored within the fridge, speak to your healthcare provider or the NHS on ‘111’ for further advice. Keep icepacks on hand ready to store around medication if the power does go out.

Fish and reptiles

Tropical fish and reptiles should not be affected in a power cut for 2-3 hours. However think about back up power during severe weather or planned interruptions longer than this. You can wrap the tropical tank in blankets to keep it warm.

Mobile Phones

You may be able to charge your mobile phone in your car. Most smartphones will gain sufficient power within 15-30 minutes of car charging.

Electric Vehicles

If you have an electric vehicle, take a look at ZapMap to find a nearby charge point.

Torch

Keep a torch on hand – this is safer than using candles.

Mobile phones

Make sure your phone is fully charged. If you have a rechargeable battery pack, make sure this is charged up and ready to use. This is important if you have a web-based phone, as this won’t work in a power cut.

Fuel your car

If you have an electric vehicle, make sure your car is charged up. Take a look at ZapMap to find nearby charge points if your power goes out. Fill up hybrid cars with fuel prior to severe weather.

Save your work

To avoid losing any important documents, back up your files and save your work regularly. Check your settings and allow any auto-save features.

Food and drinks

Stock up your cupboards with food and drink that does not require cooking. Avoid opening the fridge and freezer during and after a power cut. Never use a portable camping stove or barbeque inside. They produce harmful gases including carbon monoxide. For more information on carbon monoxide click here.

Alarm systems and smart doorbells

Most alarm systems and smart doorbells have battery back-ups, but some may be affected. Check before a planned power cut or severe weather, or speak to your manufacturer or installer if you are not sure.

Medication

If you have medication that needs to be stored within the fridge, speak to your healthcare provider or the NHS on ‘111’ for further advice. Keep icepacks on hand ready to store around medication if the power does go out.

Care homes and assisted living

If you run care home or manage assisted living residences it is important that you have made appropriate emergency continuity plans should there be a power cut. Download our useful information guide which explains the precautions you should take as a business and how we can help.

GSOS Payments