How to Prepare for a Power Cut: UK Household Checklist

I've also created a printable checklist that you can complete and keep at home.

As well as ticking off the supplies you've prepared, you can write down exactly where everything is stored.

This is particularly useful because emergency equipment isn't much help if you can't find it when you need it.

Print the checklist, complete the storage locations and keep it somewhere accessible. Make sure other members of your household know where to find it.

One of the first things you'll notice during a power cut is the loss of lighting, particularly if it happens after dark.

I recommend keeping at least one reliable LED torch, although having several available around your home is even better.

A battery-powered LED lantern is another useful option because it can illuminate a room without needing to be held.

Avoid relying on candles because they introduce an unnecessary fire risk.

Lighting checklist

• Buy at least one reliable LED torch.
• Buy spare batteries or rechargeable lighting.
• Consider buying an LED lantern.
• Test your lighting equipment periodically.
• Store your torches somewhere easy to find in the dark.

Your mobile phone could become one of your most important pieces of equipment during a power cut.

You may need it to contact family members, check electricity restoration updates or obtain emergency information.

However, your phone's battery won't last indefinitely.

Portable power banks

I recommend keeping a portable power bank as part of your emergency supplies.

A power bank is relatively inexpensive and can provide additional charges for your mobile phone or other small electronic devices.

Remember that a power bank is only useful if it's charged when you need it.

Portable power stations

For households wanting more substantial backup electricity, a portable power station is worth considering.

Unlike a small power bank, a power station can power a wider range of electrical equipment, depending on its battery capacity and maximum output.

Some models can run laptops, lighting and small appliances, while larger models may be suitable for powering refrigerators and other household equipment.

However, power stations are considerably more expensive than power banks, and I wouldn't consider one essential for every household.

If you live somewhere that experiences frequent power cuts, or you want additional protection against longer outages, a power station may be a worthwhile investment.

For more information, see my articles:

• Portable power stations explained
• Best Jackery power stations for home backup in the UK

Backup electricity checklist

• Buy a portable power bank.
• Fully charge your power bank.
• Keep suitable charging cables with it.
• Check and recharge your power bank periodically.
• Consider buying a portable power station.
• If you own a power station, keep it charged and stored according to the manufacturer's instructions.

During a power cut, your home broadband connection may stop working.

Mobile networks can also experience disruption, particularly during prolonged outages.

For this reason, I recommend keeping a battery-powered or wind-up radio.

A radio provides an alternative way to receive information if your usual communication methods become unavailable.

In Great Britain, you can call 105 free of charge to contact your local electricity network operator and report a power cut.

It's worth saving this number in your phone before you need it.

Communication checklist

• Buy a battery-powered or wind-up radio.
• Keep spare batteries if required.
• Test your radio periodically.
• Save the number 105 in your phone if you live in Great Britain.
• Know how to find updates from your electricity network operator.

Although a power cut doesn't necessarily interrupt your water supply, it's sensible to keep emergency drinking water at home.

Some properties rely on electric pumps, and prolonged electricity outages can sometimes affect water infrastructure.

I recommend preparing at least three days of emergency drinking water.

A useful starting point is three litres per person per day, with additional water for cooking and hygiene where necessary.

For more information, see my article How much water do you need in your emergency kit?

Emergency food

Your fridge, freezer, cooker and microwave may all become unavailable during a power cut.

I recommend keeping a supply of long-life food that doesn't require refrigeration.

Ideally, at least some of this food should be suitable for eating without cooking.

Tinned meals, fish, beans, fruit and other shelf-stable foods can all be useful.

Remember to keep a manual tin opener available.

Food and water checklist

• Store at least three days of emergency drinking water.
• Keep a supply of long-life food.
• Include foods that can be eaten without cooking.
• Buy a manual tin opener.
• Check food expiry dates periodically.
• Replace food and water supplies as necessary.

If you normally use an electric cooker, hob or microwave, preparing hot meals during a power cut may be difficult.

For short outages, food that doesn't require cooking may be perfectly adequate.

However, if you want to prepare for longer power cuts, having an alternative cooking method is worth considering.

A portable camping stove can be a practical option when used outdoors in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Never use camping stoves, barbecues or charcoal burners inside your home, garage or another enclosed space. They can produce deadly carbon monoxide.

I've written a separate guide explaining different emergency cooking options.

Related article: How to cook in an emergency.

Emergency cooking checklist

• Consider buying a portable camping stove.
• Store suitable fuel safely.
• Keep matches or a lighter if required.
• Make sure you have suitable cooking equipment.
• Identify a safe outdoor location where equipment could be used.

Power cuts during winter can be particularly uncomfortable.

Even if you have gas central heating, your boiler may stop working because its electrical controls and pumps require electricity.

Preparing additional warm clothing and bedding is a simple precaution.

You don't necessarily need specialist equipment. Items you already own may be perfectly adequate.

Warmth checklist

• Keep additional blankets available.
• Make sure everyone has suitable warm clothing.
• Consider keeping sleeping bags or additional bedding.
• Identify a suitable room where your household could stay warm together.
• Consider how vulnerable household members would cope without heating.

There are a few additional items and preparations worth considering.

First aid and medication

Keep a basic first aid kit and make sure essential medication is available.

If someone in your household relies on electrically powered medical equipment, it's particularly important to have an appropriate backup plan agreed with their healthcare provider.

Cash

Electronic payment systems and cash machines may be affected by power or communications failures.

Keeping a modest amount of cash available can be useful.

Priority Services Register

If someone in your household is eligible for additional support because of age, disability, medical needs or other circumstances, consider joining the Priority Services Register.

This is a free service offered by electricity network operators and other utility providers.

It can provide additional support during interruptions, although it doesn't guarantee that electricity will be restored more quickly.

Household essentials checklist

• Keep a first aid kit.
• Maintain supplies of essential medication.
• Keep some emergency cash.
• Know where your consumer unit (fuse box) is located.
• Consider registering for Priority Services if eligible.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows where emergency supplies are stored.

I've created a free printable checklist to help you organise your emergency supplies.

It includes the main items covered in this article, along with spaces to record where you've stored them.

Once completed, I recommend keeping a copy somewhere easy to find and making sure everyone in your household knows where it is.

Preparing for a power cut doesn't need to involve spending hundreds of pounds on equipment.

I recommend starting with the basics: a reliable torch, a charged portable power bank, emergency food and drinking water.

You can then gradually add other items, such as a radio, emergency cooking equipment or a portable power station, depending on your household's needs and budget.

But remember that buying equipment is only half the job.

Knowing where everything is stored, keeping batteries charged and checking supplies periodically are just as important.

A little preparation now can make an unexpected power cut much easier to manage.

Next suggested article: What to Do During a Power Cut: UK Emergency Checklist.