Power cut? Here's exactly what to do first (and the mistakes to avoid)
A calm, step-by-step plan for a power outage: what to do in the first minutes, what not to do, and how to stay safe and warm.
The first minutes of a power cut
The lights go out. Your plan is simple: stay calm, stay safe, and work through the list below.
Step 1 — Stay safe
- Turn off appliances that could restart suddenly (heaters, cookers).
- Leave one lamp on so you know when power returns.
- Use a torch, not candles, if there's any chance of a gas leak.
Step 2 — Work out what's happening
Check whether the whole street is out (look at the neighbours), then your fuse box. If it is only your home, a tripped breaker is the likely cause.
Step 3 — Stay fed and warm
Open the fridge only when you need to, and keep it closed otherwise. For heat, close curtains and use extra layers. If the outage is long, follow your emergency kit plan.
The mistakes to avoid
- Don't clear the fridge "just in case". A closed fridge keeps food safe longer.
- Don't run a generator indoors — carbon monoxide is invisible and deadly. Read the carbon monoxide alarm guide.
- Don't plug everything back in at once. It can overload the circuit when power returns.
When to call for help
If you smell gas, see exposed wiring, or the outage affects the whole area, report it to your utility. In any immediate danger, call the emergency numbers for your country.
For the bigger picture, see our home preparedness articles.
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