Power Cuts with Children and Older Relatives: Staying Calm and Safe

A power cut can be an adventure for some and stressful for others. Households with children or older relatives need a little extra thought.

First steps

1. Stay calm. Your mood sets the tone.
2. Get light. Use a torch or lantern before moving around.
3. Check on everyone. Make sure all are in a safe place.
4. Check the neighbourhood. Is it just you, or the whole street? Your electricity provider may give updates.

With young children

• Explain what's happening in simple words: "The electricity is off for a while."
• Keep them close, and avoid walking in the dark.
• Make it fun: shadow games, stories, a "torch picnic".
• Keep comfort items nearby.
• Keep small torches away from toys and mouths, especially with button batteries.
• Avoid candles. They are a fire risk with small children. Use battery-powered lights.

With older relatives

• Put a light within reach, next to the chair or bed.
• Keep walkways clear, especially to the bathroom.
• Help with stairs. Falls are a big risk in the dark.
• Check medical equipment that needs power, and follow your doctor's advice about back-ups.
• Watch for cold or heat, as heating and cooling may stop.
• Stay in contact, since cut-offs can be worrying and isolating.

Communication

• Keep your phone charged, and use a power bank.
• Save battery by dimming screens and closing apps.
• Have a list of numbers, such as family, neighbours and the electricity company.
• Check on neighbours who live alone.

Food and warmth

• Keep the fridge shut to keep food cold longer.
• Dress in layers if it's cold.

Safety warnings

• Never use a generator indoors. It produces poisonous carbon monoxide.
• Never use barbecues or camping stoves indoors.
• Avoid candles where possible.

Make it easier next time

1. Have torches and lanterns in known places.
2. Keep spare batteries and a charged power bank.
3. Practise a power-cut evening as a family.

Quick light

A phone torch you can switch on at once with one tap helps everyone find the main light quickly, while you set up a lantern.

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