How can I prepare my home for a blackout?
Thanks for asking!
The National Grid has warned of potential blackouts in the UK this winter due to ongoing gas shortages.
If it does happen, it would be the first time the country has seen controlled blackouts since the 1970s.
The government has an electricity supply emergency code in place in case we end up in such a situation.
That includes rolling blackouts with areas split into 18 different load blocks, each assigned a letter from A to U.
At level 1, each load block has 3 3-hour blackout periods per week.
At level 2, 6.
And at level 3, 9.
Meaning up to 27 hours per week without power.
The National Grid warning suggested this could happen in January and February 2023.
Let's be clear as of yet it's not a foregone conclusion that we'll get to that stage, but it pays to be prepared.
Let's go over some top tips to make sure your home is ready.
Guess I'm going to need to stock up on candles, am I?
First of all, it's worth noting that some of the potential blackout times are during the night, when you'll likely be asleep anyway.
But yes, at some point you may experience a blackout during the evening, when you'll need to find another source of light.
Many of us rely on our smartphones for light these days, but in a blackout situation you'll want to limit phone battery use as much as possible.
So stocking up on candles is a good idea, as well as a handheld torch, if you don't already own one, and batteries for said torch.
Other basics include a rechargeable battery for your phone, matches and lighters thermos, flasks and a first aid kit.
Warm clothes are also essential.
And while they may not be stylish, onesies and hooded blankets could be a sound investment.
Indeed, as far back as October, the Telegraph reported that UK households were stockpiling thermal underwear in the knowledge that a cold winter was coming and that the energy crisis could potentially lead to blackouts.
What about food storage?
That's a very good question as you don't want to risk eating anything that's unsafe for consumption.
Thankfully, a three-hour blackout shouldn't have too much of an impact on what's inside our fridge or freezer.
The Food Standards Agency says that refrigerated items should only be thrown out if the fridge has been out of power for four hours or longer.
If in doubt about a particular item, you probably want to throw it out, as it's not advisable to test by tasting, for obvious reasons.
Meanwhile, food in the freezer can remain frozen for 24 hours without power.
Just make sure to leave the doors to both fridge and freezer closed during the blackout.
What can I do to stay entertained?
Three hours without electricity shouldn't be the end of the world, but time does seem to slow down when our minds aren't occupied.
On top of that, almost all of us spend large chunks of the day staring into a smartphone or computer screen, so you may well find yourself getting bored during a blackout.
It's best to have a few activities planned for such scenarios, like reading books or playing board games.
That should help the time to pass more quickly.
One final tip that's easy to forget is leaving one light in your home on during the blackout.
That way when the power cut ends, you'll know right away.
After all, no one wants to spend longer than needed in the dark now, do they?
There you have it.
Now you know how to prepare your home for a blackout.
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