Power cut: what to do? Step-by-step guide

⏱ 2 min read

Blackout, darkness. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

First, right now

Check whether it is only your home: fuse box, stairwell lights, neighbours' windows.
Unplug computers, TVs and chargers. Leave one lamp switched on so you know when the power is back.
Save your phone battery: power-saving mode, lowest brightness, close apps you don't need.

Then

Use torches, not candles. Candles are a common cause of fires during outages.
Keep the fridge closed. It stays cold for about 4 hours; a full freezer for about 2 days.
If you live high up in a block of flats, fill bottles and the bath now. Water pumps may stop and the water with them.
Listen to a battery radio or the car radio for official updates.
Check on older neighbours and people who live alone.
If it gets cold, open the scenario "Cold, no heating".

When to call 112

Someone depends on powered medical equipment, or several people have a headache, nausea and drowsiness (possible carbon monoxide).

What not to do

Never heat your home with a gas cooker, barbecue or generator. Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Don't use the lift.
Don't leave candles unattended, especially around children.

Frequently asked questions

Power cut: what should I do first?

Check whether it is only your home: fuse box, stairwell lights, neighbours' windows. Unplug computers, TVs and chargers. Leave one lamp switched on so you know when the power is back. Save your phone battery: power-saving mode, lowest brightness, close apps you don't need.

When should I call 112?

Someone depends on powered medical equipment, or several people have a headache, nausea and drowsiness (possible carbon monoxide).

Power cut: what should I avoid?

Never heat your home with a gas cooker, barbecue or generator. Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't use the lift.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open SurvivalZone.app

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other scenarios

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-08.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.