⚡️What to do in a Power Cut

Resident Information Guide

In the event of a power cut, follow the steps below to stay safe and restore power where possible.

🔍 Step 1: Check Your Home

  • Look around: Is it just your property or are your neighbours also affected?
  • Check your fuse box (consumer unit):
    • Look for any tripped switches or blown fuses.
    • If a switch is down, try switching it back on.
    • If it trips again, leave it off and report it (see Step 3).

💡 Step 2: Check for Local Power Cuts

  • Visit www.powercut105.com or call 105 (free from mobiles and landlines)
    • This will tell you if there’s a known issue in your area and when it’s expected to be resolved.

🛠 Step 3: If the Power Is Still Out

  • Report the issue to us at:
    📞 01424 434391
    📧 [Insert Email Address]
    • Let us know if you’ve checked your fuse box and whether your neighbours are also affected.
  • If you have a prepaid meter, check your credit balance. Top up if needed.

👵 Step 4: Priority Support (if vulnerable)

  • If you are elderly, disabled, have young children, or rely on electricity for medical equipment, let us or your landlord know. You may be eligible for the Priority Services Register for additional support during outages.

✅ Helpful Tips

  • Keep a torch (not candles) somewhere easy to reach.
  • Keep mobile phones charged where possible.
  • Avoid opening fridges and freezers – they will stay cold for several hours if unopened.
  • Switch off appliances that were on when the power cut occurred – leave one light on so you’ll know when it returns.

For emergencies, always call 999.
This guide is for general information and non-emergency support.

🔥 What to Do Following a Fire Alarm Activation

1. 🚪 Check Doors for Heat or Smoke

  • Do not open a hot door. Use an alternate escape route. Close all doors behind you as you leave.

2. 🫁 Crawl Low Under Smoke

  • If smoke is heavy, crawl out, staying close to the floor. Take short breaths through a wet cloth if possible, or hold your breath. More people die from smoke inhalation than flames.

3. 🏃‍♂️ Evacuate Immediately

  • Get out as fast as you can. Do not stop to pack. Have a prearranged meeting point outside for all family members. Make sure everyone is accounted for.

4. 📞 Call the Fire Brigade

  • Call immediately using a mobile or a neighbour’s phone. Report all fires, even if small. Alarms may not connect to remote centers reliably—always confirm the call.

NEVER re-enter a burning house

🛑 What to Do Following a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Activation

1. 🌬️ Ventilate the Area

  • Open doors and windows to let in fresh air (only if it’s safe to do so).

2. 🔧 Turn Off Fuel Appliances

  • Shut down all fuel-burning appliances if possible.

3. 🚪 Evacuate the Property

  • Leave immediately, keeping windows and doors open as you go.

4. 🚑 Seek Medical Help

  • If anyone shows symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, nausea), get help immediately. Inform medics that CO poisoning is suspected.

5. ☎️ Call Emergency Fuel Supplier

  • Ring your gas or other fuel provider using their emergency number. Keep this number visible and accessible.

6. ⏳ Wait for the All-Clear

  • Do not re-enter the property until the alarm has stopped. If the hush button was used, wait at least 5 minutes for the alarm to retest air quality.

7. 🧰 Get Appliances Inspected

  • Do not use fuel-burning appliances again until checked by a professional. For gas appliances, this must be a Gas Safe Registered Installer.

🚨 NEVER IGNORE A CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM