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Ready or Not UK Practical preparedness for everyday Britain.

Power Cuts & Blackouts

Before, during and after the lights go out

Most UK power cuts are short and local. Longer or wider outages can happen. The summary below follows official Prepare guidance and is not a substitute for calling 105 or 999.

The UK Government’s Prepare pages say the electricity system is resilient, but homes can lose heating, cooking, internet and, in some cases, mobile signal or water. Gas ovens, boilers, heat pumps and home internet will not work without power.

Before

  • Keep a battery or wind-up torch and spare batteries. Torches are safer than candles. Try not to rely on your phone torch, which drains the battery you may need for calls.
  • Keep at least three days of bottled drinking water (3 litres per person per day) and food that does not need cooking, plus a tin opener. Include ready-to-feed baby formula and pet food if needed.
  • If you are eligible, join the Priority Services Register. Lots of households are eligible, including those with children under 5.
  • Write down the power-cut number: 105 in England, Scotland and Wales (free), or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland.
  • Keep a battery or wind-up FM radio, and write down station frequencies. Find your load block letter at powercut105.com in case of scheduled national disconnections.
  • If you rely on a landline or telecare device, ask the provider whether it will work in a power cut.

During

  • Report the cut online via your network operator, or call 105 (or the Northern Ireland number above).
  • Keep away from damaged power lines — high-voltage electricity can jump gaps.
  • Switch off irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers. Unplug TVs and computers to reduce surge damage when power returns.
  • Keep warm with blankets and layered clothing. Close unused rooms and curtains. Older adults, babies, young children and people with long-term health problems are most likely to become ill if they get too cold.
  • Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. See the Food Standards Agency advice linked below.
  • Use a radio for updates if television and internet are down. A car radio can be used, but in severe weather it may be safer to stay inside.

After

  • Reset clocks and check freezers following FSA food-safety advice before you restock.
  • Look in on neighbours if you can, especially anyone who may need extra support.
  • Restock water, batteries and charged power banks, and note what you wished you had had to hand.

Read the longer guide: How to prepare for a power cut in the UK and How to stay warm during a winter power cut.

Sources: Prepare: power cuts; Be Ready checklist; FSA food safety in a power cut.