POWER CUTS
Created | Updated Jun 13, 2008
What should I do in a power cut?
Question
What should I do in a power cut?
Answer
We would recommend printing this information and keeping it in a handy location.
First of all, call your local Distribution Network Operator (print this as well) and advise them that you have no power. If there is widespread disruption, an automated message may be activated however it is still important that you do call so the company knows how widespread the problem is.
General Advice
Turn all of your appliances off and unplug any hi tech equipment (tv, computer, fax machines, videos etc) . This may prevent damage when the power comes back. If possible, leave them unplugged for half an hour or longer after the power has come back on.
Leave one or two lights on so you know when the electricity supply is back on.
Remember your cordless telephone probably won't work when the electricity is off.
Keep a torch handy with spare batteries or purchase a wind-up torch.
Be very careful if you are using candles.
Keep warm in bed or with alternative heat sources. Remember: Your gas/oil central heating won’t work without electricity.
Don't try and heat your home with your gas cooker - you could allow too much toxic carbon monoxide to build up in your home.
Check whether your neighbours have electricity, if they do then it may just be a problem with your supply. If you are worried about a vulnerable neighbour, keep checking on them to make sure they are alright.
Keep furniture and curtains away from heaters so there is no risk of fire when the power is restored.
Keep safe.
Don’t open the door to strangers. Any one who is authorised to enter your home to restore the supply will have proper identification which you can check with the distribution company. If in doubt, don’t let them in.
If you are of pensionable age, have a disability or are chronically sick, you can register a password to give you extra protection on the doorstep. You should ask your supplier about the Priority Services Register and the additional assistance that it can bring if you do have a power cut.
When your power does come back, remember to reset your appliances, particularly those with clocks.
Frozen food
Most freezers will keep food frozen for between 12 and 24 hours in a power cut. Don’t open the door if you can help it.
Place a blanket over your freezer. This should keep the food frozen longer. Remember to remove it when the power comes back on.
Check your household insurance policy, just in case you need to make a claim for damages to frozen food.
Flooding
If your home floods, it will not be possible to restore your electricity until any wiring has dried out and been checked for safety. This can take some time.
The distributor will need to disconnect all the properties from the main supply before they can begin putting people back on. The electricity cannot be turned back on if the distributor is unable to check the main fuse and meter in your home - make sure that they check them when they need to or you may stop your neighbours being reconnected as well! (If you are going away for a while, it would be a good idea to leave your contact details with the distribution company).
Tropical fish
You need to keep the water warm and make sure that there is enough oxygen in the water during a power cut.
You may be able to keep the tank warm by wrapping a blanket around it, or even placing a hot water bottle against it (if you are able to heat water of course).
There are various ways of making sure your fish have enough oxygen - such as battery operated pumps - we suggest you ask for advice from a tropical fish shop.
After your supply is restored, you may be entitled to a Guaranteed Standard payment and you will need to contact your Distribution Network Operator to make a claim.
http://energywatch-ext.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/energywatch_ext.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1510
Question
What should I do in a power cut?
Answer
We would recommend printing this information and keeping it in a handy location.
First of all, call your local Distribution Network Operator (print this as well) and advise them that you have no power. If there is widespread disruption, an automated message may be activated however it is still important that you do call so the company knows how widespread the problem is.
General Advice
Turn all of your appliances off and unplug any hi tech equipment (tv, computer, fax machines, videos etc) . This may prevent damage when the power comes back. If possible, leave them unplugged for half an hour or longer after the power has come back on.
Leave one or two lights on so you know when the electricity supply is back on.
Remember your cordless telephone probably won't work when the electricity is off.
Keep a torch handy with spare batteries or purchase a wind-up torch.
Be very careful if you are using candles.
Keep warm in bed or with alternative heat sources. Remember: Your gas/oil central heating won’t work without electricity.
Don't try and heat your home with your gas cooker - you could allow too much toxic carbon monoxide to build up in your home.
Check whether your neighbours have electricity, if they do then it may just be a problem with your supply. If you are worried about a vulnerable neighbour, keep checking on them to make sure they are alright.
Keep furniture and curtains away from heaters so there is no risk of fire when the power is restored.
Keep safe.
Don’t open the door to strangers. Any one who is authorised to enter your home to restore the supply will have proper identification which you can check with the distribution company. If in doubt, don’t let them in.
If you are of pensionable age, have a disability or are chronically sick, you can register a password to give you extra protection on the doorstep. You should ask your supplier about the Priority Services Register and the additional assistance that it can bring if you do have a power cut.
When your power does come back, remember to reset your appliances, particularly those with clocks.
Frozen food
Most freezers will keep food frozen for between 12 and 24 hours in a power cut. Don’t open the door if you can help it.
Place a blanket over your freezer. This should keep the food frozen longer. Remember to remove it when the power comes back on.
Check your household insurance policy, just in case you need to make a claim for damages to frozen food.
Flooding
If your home floods, it will not be possible to restore your electricity until any wiring has dried out and been checked for safety. This can take some time.
The distributor will need to disconnect all the properties from the main supply before they can begin putting people back on. The electricity cannot be turned back on if the distributor is unable to check the main fuse and meter in your home - make sure that they check them when they need to or you may stop your neighbours being reconnected as well! (If you are going away for a while, it would be a good idea to leave your contact details with the distribution company).
Tropical fish
You need to keep the water warm and make sure that there is enough oxygen in the water during a power cut.
You may be able to keep the tank warm by wrapping a blanket around it, or even placing a hot water bottle against it (if you are able to heat water of course).
There are various ways of making sure your fish have enough oxygen - such as battery operated pumps - we suggest you ask for advice from a tropical fish shop.
After your supply is restored, you may be entitled to a Guaranteed Standard payment and you will need to contact your Distribution Network Operator to make a claim.
http://energywatch-ext.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/energywatch_ext.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1510
