What makes a good emergency torch?
Choose controls, battery options and usable light instead of chasing the highest brightness claim.
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364 articles on household emergency preparation. Browse by topic or search for a specific question.
Search all guidesChoose an emergency lantern for room lighting
Check stability, glare and controls before buying a lantern for power cuts.
Is a headtorch useful in a household emergency kit?
Assess hands-free light, fit and everyday tasks before adding another device.
Rechargeable or replaceable-battery torches for power cuts?
Compare readiness and maintenance rather than assuming one battery type always wins.
Store spare batteries safely for an emergency kit
Keep compatible cells identifiable and protected instead of loose in a drawer.
Choose a power bank for emergency phone charging
Compare capacity, ports, safety and cables for the devices you actually use.
Keep an emergency power bank charged and usable
Use a simple check that includes the cable, device condition and safe storage.
Make phone battery last during a power cut
Prioritise useful communication and official information without relying on a promised runtime.
Is a portable power station useful for home preparedness?
Define the loads and limitations before buying a large battery unit.
Will rooftop solar panels work during a power cut?
Ask the installer about the exact system rather than assuming solar means backup power.
Portable solar chargers in UK emergency kits
Treat weather-dependent charging as an option alongside a dependable charged reserve.
Would a router UPS keep your internet working in a power cut?
Check compatibility and network limits before buying backup power for broadband equipment.
Digital landline battery backup: compatibility and maintenance
Ask which equipment needs power, what backup is compatible and how to maintain it before a power cut.
Power-cut planning for electricity-dependent medical equipment
Get a device-specific backup and escalation plan from the responsible care team.
Priority Services Registers and power cuts
Find out what extra support applies to you without assuming a guaranteed supply.
Reporting a power cut in Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Keep the correct network contact for your location on paper before you need it.
Power-cut planning for flats with lifts and powered doors
Ask about building access and support before shared equipment stops working.
Food choices when the cooker is unavailable
Use suitable no-cook food instead of bringing outdoor equipment into the home.