Electrical Emergencies

Be prepared when there's a power shortage in your home.

Unexpected electrical power failure can be a major annoyance if you're not prepared. The following tips will help to keep things smooth during a sudden power shortage.

If you want to troubleshoot electrical faults, see Electrical Problems. You may find the trouble is caused by your power supply - contact your Electrical Supplier to check. For troubleshooting appliance faults, see Appliance Fault Advisor.

Be aware that fixing electrical faults can be dangerous, so it's highly advisable to contact a professional to assess and repair the damage - see Electricians.

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  Keep a torch at hand!

  Keep a torch with fresh batteries in a place where you can reach it easily.
• Turn off your electrical appliances and lights, but leave one light switched on so you know when the power is back on.
• Be careful if you use other forms of heating and lighting, such as paraffin heaters and candles.
• Remember that the doorbell will probably not work (unless it runs on batteries), nor will an alarm system (unless it has a battery back-up).
• If your electrical supplier has given forewarning of the power cut, boil some water and keep it in a thermos flask. You can use it to make hot drinks or fill a hot water bottle if it's cold.
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  Reset alarm clocks

  When your supply is back on, you will need to reset electric timers, alarm clocks and so on.
• Food in the freezer should keep for about eight hours without power. Do not open the freezer doors unless you have to. Check the food when the power is back on to make sure it hasn't thawed. If it has, it will have to be thrown away - don't refreeze it. You may be able to claim on your household contents insurance for any lost food. Check your policy to make sure.

To protect your home against unforeseen electrical emergencies that can hit the pocket hard, you might also want to take out Electrical Cover.