Power cut checklist

By the Ferncharge team · Figures last checked 24 October 2026

Advertising disclosure: This page contains no affiliate links.

A one-page list to print and keep somewhere you can find it in the dark. Every item comes from official UK advice, linked under each section. Tick items off as you go.

Write these down now

☐ To report a power cut: call 105 (free, England, Scotland and Wales), or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland (Be Ready). You can also report online on your local network operator's website: find yours by postcode at powercut105.com.
☐ Your network operator's name and website (it's different from your energy supplier) (105).
☐ Your power or load block letter (Be Ready).
☐ The frequencies of the radio stations you use for news (Be Ready).

Before a power cut

From the UK Government's Be Ready advice (Be Ready) unless marked:

☐ A battery or wind-up torch, with spare batteries. Torches are safer than candles.
☐ A battery or wind-up radio, with spare batteries.
☐ At least 3 days' bottled water (3 litres per person per day) and non-perishable food that doesn't need cooking, plus a tin opener.
☐ Ready-made baby formula and pet food, if you need them.
☐ A small amount of cash, in case card payments or cash machines are down.
☐ Ask your landline provider whether your phone will work in a power cut. They might offer a free solution such as a back-up battery unit.
☐ If you use telecare or a health device, ask the provider or maker how it works in a power cut. If you rely on medical equipment, make a plan with your care provider or clinical team now.
☐ Join the Priority Services Register if you're eligible. It's free (105). Ofgem lists who can join, including people of state pension age, people who are pregnant or have young children, and people with a disability or long-term medical condition. Contact both your energy supplier and your network operator (Ofgem). In Northern Ireland these are called Customer Care Registers.
☐ A fridge thermometer, so you can tell if the fridge has become too warm (FSA).

During a power cut

From Be Ready (Be Ready) unless marked:

☐ Report it online or on 105 (03457 643643 in Northern Ireland).
☐ Keep away from hazards such as power lines.
☐ Turn off irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers.
☐ Unplug your TV and PC, which can be damaged by a surge when the power comes back.
☐ Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. The FSA says a fridge should stay cold for up to 4 hours, and a full freezer frozen for up to 48 hours (24 hours if half full). It notes these are estimates (FSA).
☐ Keep warm with blankets and layers. Close the doors of unused rooms and draw the curtains.
☐ Check on neighbours, especially older people, babies and young children, and people with long-term health problems.
☐ In an emergency, call 999 or 112 from a mobile. A corded landline might still work.
☐ If you have no tap water, ready-made formula is the safest option for babies.

After a power cut

☐ Check chilled food. The FSA says chilled food that has reached 8 °C or above should be thrown away after 4 hours, unless the power came back within 4 hours (FSA).
☐ Payments for long cuts: Ofgem says most payments are made automatically by your network operator, and you don't need to claim. Some, such as for repeated cuts in a year, need a claim (Ofgem).

If you have a power station

☐ Keep it charged before a forecast storm. See how long does it take to charge?
☐ Plug appliances straight into it. Never connect a power station or generator to your home's wiring: HSENI warns that connecting a generator to your home could cause injury or death (HSENI).
☐ Never run a fuel generator indoors. See power station vs generator.
☐ Know what it can run and for how long: sizing calculator · fridge · router and Wi-Fi.

Not professional safety advice. Follow official guidance and your appliances' manuals.