Blackout and power cuts

Before

• Keep a torch for every person, spare batteries and a charged power bank.
• Store non-perishable food and water.
• Fit carbon monoxide (CO) alarms with battery backup on every floor.
• If someone relies on an electric medical device or refrigerated medicine, make a plan with their doctor now: how long can the medicine stay unrefrigerated, and what is the backup power?
• Find out where local warm or cool spaces are during long outages.

During

• Keep the fridge and freezer closed. A closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours; a full freezer for about 48 hours.
• Unplug appliances and electronics to protect them from a power surge when electricity returns.
• Never heat your home with a gas cooker or oven. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and burns.
• If it is very hot or very cold, go to a place that still has power.

Generators: carbon monoxide kills

• Use generators only outdoors, at least 6 metres (20 feet) from windows, doors and garages. Never indoors or in a garage.
• CO has no colour and no smell. Working CO alarms save lives.
• Keep the generator dry, use heavy-duty extension cables, and let it cool before refuelling.

After

• When in doubt, throw it out. Bin food that was at 4 °C (40 °F) or warmer for 2 hours or more, or that smells, looks or feels wrong.
• If the power was out for more than a day, throw away refrigerated medicines unless the label says otherwise, and ask your doctor or pharmacist for a new supply.