A winter outage needs an early decision about warmth and care, particularly for anyone at greater risk from cold. Blankets help, but they do not replace a safe heated environment when one is needed.
Gather the household
Use working torches and move to a suitable room while keeping exits clear. Put on dry layers and use ordinary blankets or bedding. Keep essential medicines, water and familiar food accessible. Check the electricity network's official information and tell it about relevant support needs without assuming any register guarantees power.
- Keep a charged phone and power bank nearby.
- Write provider contacts on paper.
Avoid unsafe substitutes
Do not bring generators, barbecues, camping stoves or outdoor-only heaters inside, including garages and tents. Do not use an oven as a room heater or improvise electrical connections. Existing fuel-burning appliances need their normal safe installation, maintenance and ventilation. If you are uncertain whether an appliance is suitable, do not experiment during the outage.
- Keep smoke and carbon monoxide alarms maintained.
- Avoid candles for household lighting.
Seek a warmer safe option early
Follow the individual care plan for someone who needs powered equipment or a reliably warm room. Ask for help before the situation becomes urgent. Check that any proposed warm venue is open, accessible and reachable safely. If someone appears seriously unwell or you suspect hypothermia, use emergency medical help rather than waiting for electricity.
- Tell a trusted contact if you relocate.
- Do not travel through dangerous weather unnecessarily.
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