Tips for power cuts | News

Power outages can be frustrating and even dangerous if not properly prepared for. But, with a bit of planning, you can ready for the next time the lights go out. 

Here are 20 tips. We've included advice from Electricity North West and information about their Extra Care Register, which provides free advice and support in the event of a power cut.

Electricity North West manages the overhead lines and underground cables that keep the power flowing across the region, whoever you pay your bill to. Call them for free during a power cut on 105. Reporting an issue can help Electricity North West and they can give you updates and see what help you might need. 

They also run a free Extra Care Register for people who might need some priority support during a power cut. Find out if you or a loved one are eligible at www.enwl.co.uk/extracare or phone 0800 195 41 41.  

The benefits of being on the register in a power cut include extra efforts to keep you safe and informed until power returns. You can have a nominated contact for updates, you’ll get early weather warnings to help you plan and prepare, and you can have a unique password so you’ll definitely know it’s Electricity North West if they ever visit you.

Below are ways to minimise the inconvenience and stress that a power cut can involve, and to stay safe and more comfortable until power’s restored.

• Keep a battery-operated or wind-up torch somewhere easy to find. Having a reliable source of light is essential during a power cut.

• Have a list of emergency contacts written down, and saved on your mobile phone. Include contact details for family, friends, your GP, pharmacist, utility companies, Electricity North West (105) and us (01204 328000).

• Keep mobile devices well charged. Please note that their use could still be affected in a major outage.

• If the power goes out, it might be wise to unplug your appliances and electronics to prevent any damage.

• Be sure to switch off all electrical appliances that aren’t designed to run unattended- for example cookers, grills, chip pans, hair straighteners and electric fires.

• Any solar panels will generally cease operation without an electricity supply. If they don’t, switch off your system and check with your operator or refer to your manufacturers’ guidelines.

• Leave one light on to know when your electricity is back on.

• Check if your neighbours and street lights have power. If they do, it could mean there’s a problem with your trip switches.

• Check your trip switches- turn off all of your appliances and reset the trip. We, or Electricity North West, can help with this.

• When you have a power cut, phone Electricity North West for free on 105 to report it and to get updates and support as appropriate.

• Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed to protect the contents. Chilled and frozen food should last for several hours without electricity, but be careful to check it’s ok before cooking or eating it.

• It’s wise to have some emergency supplies in. Stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water and other essentials that you may need during a power cut.

• If you have medical equipment that requires electricity, keep it well charged if possible and have in place the best back up plan you can. If you need a power supply for medical equipment, try your GP or NHS consultant to request a backup power source or batteries if possible.

• Dress warmly with several layers of clothes, wearing a hat can help keep the heat in, and being active, safely, helps stimulate circulation.

• Be mindful that communal lifts will be out of use during a power outage.

• If you have a stair lift at home, check it has a handle that’ll allow you to manually move the stair lift and safely return to ground level in a power cut. Most stair lifts have a battery backup.

• We have some buildings with pumped water, which will fail in a power cut. If you live in one of these buildings, be prepared with bottled water and be mindful that toilets won’t flush.

• Keep fish? They should be ok for a couple of hours without power. After this you may need to unplug your filters to stop toxins entering the water. Cover the tank with a blanket to keep the heat in and if oxygen is needed take a small cup of the tank water and pour it back in or make a figure of eight in the water.

• Listen for updates and weather reports on your local radio stations in a major incident.

• When power returns, switch appliances and electronics back on gradually to avoid potential damage from power surges. And reset any timers on clocks, recording devices, thermostat controls, etc.

If you need to speak with us, please phone 01204 328000.