Emergency response

Power outage

What to do when the electricity goes off, and how to prepare for long outages.

During an outage

Use torches or battery lanterns rather than candles to reduce fire risk.
Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Switch off and unplug appliances that could be damaged when power returns. Leave one light switched on so you know when power is back.
Check on neighbours, especially older people or anyone who relies on power for medical equipment.
Check your lines company or power retailer for outage information if you can get online. A power cut alone does not mean a civil emergency has been declared.

If someone in your home depends on electrically powered medical equipment, talk to your power retailer about medically dependent consumer status and have a backup plan.
Keep a battery or wind-up radio, torches and spare batteries.
Know how to open an electric garage door manually.