1	Surviving a power cut Planning for something like this involves a number of stages. Assessing what you need. Working out what you have already. Developing a shopping list of what else will be useful. Collecting useful items whenever possible.
2	What do we need electricity for? Light Heat Cooking Entertainment Communication
3	Alternative light sources Candles Torches Gas lanterns Paraffin / acetylene lamps Light sticks Solar powered lights
4	Candles For light, not decoration Keep inflammable items away from flame e.g. clothes, curtains, hair Use proper holders or place on a surface that is safe in case of accident Quiet and easily forgotten Not a child’s toy
5	Torches Choosing a torch Batteries Bulbs Remember a spark from switching a torch on or off can set off a gas explosion
6	Gas lanterns Storing fuel Can be heavy on fuel Spare mantles Only change gas cylinders when the lamp is cold
7	Paraffin or acetylene lamps Wicks Fuel storage Only refill lamps when cold
8	Light sticks Long lasting Can be used safely even where there is gas leak Probably the safest sort of lighting to give children Some teenage party goers might have some you could borrow
9	Solar powered lights Need to be left in bright sunlight to recharge them Some may also use batteries Use fluorescent light bulbs
10	Storing alternative light sources Need to be able to find a light source in the dark Remember, once you can find one light you will be able to set up further lights more easily
11	HEATING Central heating pumps require electricity, so unless the system is gravity fed, hot water will not circulate around the radiators Gas fires and boilers may require electricity for ignition Remember any hot water used will be replaced in the tank by cold water. If insulated well it will stay warm
12	Other sources of heat Portable gas heater Paraffin heater Open fire
13	Portable gas heater Needs to be stored carefully as contains large gas cylinder Bulky and heavy to move Make sure that it is kept in good working order Check gas cylinder
14	Paraffin heater Easy to knock over so need positioning carefully Needs to be maintained properly i.e. trimming wick and cleaning Not commonly available today as safer alternatives available
15	Open fire What are you going to burn? Coal Wood Is the chimney swept and safe to use? Is the grate or other parts of the fire fit to use? What about the back boiler, if there is one? (Remember if it is just full of air it could explode when heated.)
16	Other ways of keeping warm Dress warmly e.g. many layers of clothes Use thermos flasks to keep soup and hot drinks warm Hot water bottles
17	COOKING Camping stove Open fire Other outdoor cookers Manual alternatives for kitchen aids (Remember if no power then cannot use electric tin openers, electric knives, electric food processors)
18	Camping stove Need to check how they work and to practise using them Mostly single or double burners Can use ordinary but smaller cookware, even a pressure cooker Remember though, you may need another kettle if you normally use an electric one Can have toasting attachment Can have camp oven on top
19	Open fire Use toasting fork or long barbecue tools with bread If available, you could use a dutch oven which is like a cast iron casserole on legs on fire itself (but hard to obtain in UK) Older methods of suspending food over fire are not very practical with an open fire in the main room in a modern house
20	Other outdoor cookers Barbecues and chimineas are NOT suitable for use inside the house because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. They also need to be kept well away from the house, shed etc. in case they set them alight.
21	What to eat? The contents of the freezer will survive intact for 24 hours if the door stays shut Some food can be eaten without cooking such as corned beef, sweet corn and bread Organise an impromptu fondue party by candle light
22	Taking care of the freezer Do not open it so that the cold stays in. If possible insulate it with blankets Check the household insurance to see if loss of food in the freezer is covered Consider taking out further insurance
23	If staying in one room Remember need for ventilation Consider using a carbon monoxide detector Sleeping arrangements like sleeping bags, air beds Easy to heat and light one room if the weather is really bad Useful if it is likely to take a while to get back to normal
24	ENTERTAINMENT Battery operated radios and televisions Wind up radio Board games Conversation (ouch!) Early night (but take care)
25	COMMUNICATION Use phones that need recharging sensibly If you phone is dependent on mains electricity consider buying an alternative one for emergencies Tune into local radio to find out what is happening Make sure the power company know you are waiting for them to restore your power Make sure you can still tell the time and get up on time as many alarm clocks run off the mains
26	Other suggestions Switch off all electrical things except what is normally on all the time like clocks central heating and fridges Better still unplug leads and leave them out of the way especially any electrical heaters that are on While it is light make sure you prepare for the dark e.g. deal with possible trip hazards
27	Other possible problems Clothes trapped in the washer or dryer might not be released until power returns Burglar alarm goes off or re-sets itself Some clocks stop working including alarm clocks No more hot water to replace that used Shower does not work
28	PLANNING What do you need to buy? What else will be useful? Collect useful items
29	What do you need to buy? Here are a few questions to help you work out your needs What do you have already e.g. camping gear, coal fire? How many people are there in the household? Will everyone stay in the same room? What are the skills and abilities of the entire household?
30	What else will be useful? There is no point in getting out a piece of equipment and it not working, so remember to check everything at least once a year All responsible people in the household need to know how to use the equipment and where to find it Consider doing first aid or fire training courses
31	Collect useful items Develop a spending plan so that items are acquired without going seriously into debt Keep eyes open for sales and special offers Investigate different shops e.g. army surplus stores and camping/caravan shops If you look after things, they will last a long time and you will use them many times to make life more comfortable