What to do during a power outage

Check the situation safely

Look for street lighting and ask a neighbour before touching the electrical panel. If there is burning, smoke, sparks or a damaged cable, stay away and call your utility company or the emergency services.

Light and power without creating danger

Use battery flashlights. Never operate a generator, barbecue or camp stove indoors, in a garage or near openings; carbon monoxide can kill without smell or warning.

• Unplug sensitive equipment if supply is unstable.
• Keep one phone charged and use low-power mode.
• Use a radio for official information if networks fail.

Protect food, water and medicine

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Follow local health guidance on food safety and ask a pharmacist how to protect temperature-sensitive medicine; do not guess whether it remains usable.

Restore cautiously

When power returns, reconnect high-load appliances gradually and check alarms, clocks and medical devices. Replace anything used from the emergency kit.