Here are Some Tips on Preparing for a Power Outage

Lighting

• Flashlights, lanterns, battery-operated fairy lights, and solar lanterns.
• Some people would use candles; however, I wouldn’t trust myself with them! If you do use candles, make sure to watch them closely and don’t leave them lit while you sleep.
• Lots of spare batteries, especially AA and AAA.

Food Safety

• Keep your fridge and freezer closed to keep them as cold as you can for as long as you can. Keep a check on the temperature with a thermometer.
• When the power is back on, check your food and discard anything that smells or looks spoiled.
• Stock up on non-perishable foods like cereal, canned fruit, crisps/chips, cookies, cereal bars, dried fruits, and things to put on sandwiches.  Anything that doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking.
• Make sure you have a manual can opener.
• If you have a gas cooker and an electric ignition, you will need something to light your cooker, like long matches or a lighter.

Communication and Entertainment

• For music and news, use hand-cranked or battery-operated radios.
• Read books/magazines.
• Colouring books.
• Puzzle books.
• Rubik’s Cube.
• Play board games.
• Have some fun with cards.
• Buy a power bank to charge your mobile or your tablet. Depends on the length of the power cut, maybe think about 2 or 3?

Heating/Cooling

• If it’s cold, dress warmly from top to toe! Wear a hoodie or use a hat to keep your head warm.  Thermal clothing and lots of layers, and a couple of warm, thick blankets. Then top it off with good slippers and socks. For your hands, pocket warmers and gloves work great.
• If it’s hot, then dress in thin layers and stay hydrated. Place a damp cloth on your wrists or forehead, and keep a spray bottle of water to mist yourself.

General

• Check on any elderly/ vulnerable neighbours/friends who might need help staying safe.
• Keep some cash handy as the ATM could stop working.
• Turn your electricals off so when the power comes back on, it helps reduce the initial load on the electrical system, and prevents circuit breakers from tripping again due to overload. But try to keep one thing plugged in, like a lamp, so when the power comes on again, you will know.

When I have experienced power cuts before, I’m not too bad at coping. I can keep myself warm and fed, but when it comes to entertainment, this is where I really had a hard time! No TV means no shows or films. No computer means no gaming or social media. So, I try to preserve what battery I have left. Dim the screen and turn off the apps! It’s rough!