Power outage: first hour through 72 hours

Most outages are hours, not apocalypses. Official advice is: stay informed, stay warm or cool as needed, and use food safely.

First hour

• Check if neighbours are out too — tripped breaker vs area outage.
• UK: dial 105 for power cuts (not 999 unless danger to life).
• Turn off sensitive electronics; leave one light switched on so you know when power returns.
• Torch on — avoid candles if you can (fire risk; UK Be Ready prefers torches).
• Phone on low-power mode; conserve power bank for updates and medical devices.

First 24–72 hours

• Battery or wind-up radio for local news; mobile data may be congested.
• Fridge/freezer: keep doors closed; know safe food timing for your climate (official food-safety sites).
• Use no-cook food from your pantry buffer — 3-day no-cook list.
• Medications needing refrigeration or power: plan ahead — baby & devices.

Before the next outage (pantry rotation)

Water, torches, batteries, radio, power bank, cash, and a rotated food buffer. Calculate amounts · Pantry rotation