What to Do in a Power Cut: Safety Advice for Families

Power cuts are an inconvenience at best and a real risk to safety at worst, particularly when they happen suddenly or last for several hours. While the UK has a reliable electricity network compared to many countries, outages still occur due to storms, accidents, or faults on the grid. For families, knowing what to do during a power cut makes the difference between a stressful situation and one that can be managed calmly and safely.

Understanding why power cuts happen

Before looking at what to do, it helps to understand why power cuts occur. In most cases, they are caused by problems outside the home, such as damage to power lines during severe weather or faults at substations. Occasionally, power cuts are triggered by issues inside a property, including faulty wiring or an overloaded consumer unit. Recognising the difference is important, as it determines whether the situation requires contacting your network operator or an electrician.

First steps when the power goes out

When the lights suddenly go off, the first priority is to check whether the outage is limited to your home or affecting your wider area. Looking outside to see if street lights or neighbouring properties are also without power provides a quick indication. If it is just your home, the issue may be with your consumer unit or wiring. If the whole street is affected, it is almost certainly a grid-related problem. In either case, staying calm and methodical is the best way to keep everyone safe.

Checking the consumer unit

If only your home has lost power, the next step is to check the consumer unit. A tripped circuit breaker or Residual Current Device (RCD) may have cut the supply due to a fault or overload. Resetting the breaker may restore power, but if it trips again immediately, it is important not to keep forcing it back on. This indicates an underlying issue that requires a qualified electrician. Families should avoid using candles to see when checking the unit, as open flames create a fire risk. A torch or battery-powered lantern is the safest option.

Staying safe during the outage

Safety should always come first during a power cut. Turn off and unplug appliances that were in use when the power went off, as sudden surges when electricity is restored can damage electronics. Fridges and freezers should remain closed to keep food cold for as long as possible. Families with young children should ensure hallways and staircases are kept clear to prevent accidents in low light. If portable heaters or generators are used, they must be operated safely and never left unattended indoors.

Communication and updates

During a widespread outage, mobile phones may be the main source of information. Keeping devices charged is therefore important, and portable power banks can be a useful investment. Families can check updates from their local electricity network operator, who is responsible for restoring power, rather than contacting their energy supplier. In longer outages, battery-powered radios can also provide news and reassurance when mobile networks are disrupted.

Supporting vulnerable family members

Power cuts can be especially worrying for vulnerable people, including the elderly, young children, or those who rely on medical equipment. Households with essential medical devices should register with their network operator’s Priority Services Register, which ensures they receive additional support during outages. In the meantime, families should make sure vulnerable members are warm, comfortable, and reassured, minimising stress until power is restored.

Food, warmth, and comfort

In most UK power cuts, electricity is restored within a few hours, but it is still wise to plan for comfort. Warm clothing and blankets help maintain body temperature, while simple meals that do not require cooking can keep families fed. If using a gas hob with manual ignition, ensure the area is well ventilated and that matches or lighters are used safely. Families should also keep bottled water in case of supply disruptions linked to major outages. By thinking ahead, even prolonged cuts can be managed more comfortably.

Preparing for future outages

While power cuts are often unpredictable, families can prepare in advance. Keeping a dedicated emergency kit with torches, spare batteries, power banks, and blankets ensures that essentials are always at hand. Surge protectors help safeguard electronics against sudden returns of power, while an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can keep internet routers or computers running long enough to save work or make calls. By planning ahead, families reduce disruption and stress when the unexpected happens.

When to call for professional help

If the outage affects only your property and resetting the consumer unit does not resolve it, a qualified electrician should be called. Repeated tripping, burning smells, or visible damage to wiring are signs of serious faults that must be addressed urgently. For widespread outages, the electricity network operator should be contacted, as they are responsible for repairs beyond the property boundary. Families should avoid attempting DIY fixes, as this can create greater hazards.

Conclusion

Power cuts can happen at any time, but with preparation and calm action, families can stay safe and comfortable. The key steps are to determine whether the issue is local or widespread, check the consumer unit carefully, and prioritise safety while waiting for power to return. Supporting vulnerable members, keeping communication lines open, and planning ahead all make outages easier to manage. For households, understanding what to do in a power cut ensures peace of mind and protects both people and property.