Power cut checklist: what to have at home

Independent guide. UK Be Ready is an independent website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or part of the UK Government, GOV.UK or the official Be Ready campaign. For official guidance visit beready.campaign.gov.uk.

Quick answerA home power cut checklist covers eight things: light (torches, lantern, spare batteries), information (a battery or wind-up radio), power (a charged power bank), warmth (blankets and layers), water and food for at least 3 days, hygiene and first aid, cash and documents, and safety (a battery carbon monoxide alarm). Tick off what you already have and add the rest gradually.

This list builds on the UK Government Be Ready checklist and extends it for longer outages. You probably own half of it already; the aim is to know where it is and keep it together.

Light

Torch for each adult, plus spare batteries
Lantern for the main room (LED, not candles)
Head torch for cooking and stairs

Information

Battery or wind-up FM radio
Written list of local radio station frequencies
Phone numbers on paper: family, neighbours, GP, energy supplier, 105

Power

Power bank, kept charged (check monthly)
Charging cables for every phone and device
Car charger if you have a car

Warmth

Blankets, sleeping bags or duvets
Warm layers, hats and thick socks
Foil emergency blankets
Hot water bottle

Water and food

Bottled water: 3 litres per person per day for drinking
Non-perishable food you normally eat
Manual tin opener
Food and water for pets; formula and nappies for babies

Hygiene and health

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
First aid kit
Essential medication (order repeats in good time)
Toilet roll and bin bags

Money and documents

Some cash in coins and notes
Copies of ID, insurance and key documents in a waterproof wallet

Safety

Battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm if you have gas or solid-fuel appliances
Know where your fuse box, stopcock and gas meter valve are

Tip: print this page (Ctrl+P / Cmd+P) and stick it inside a kitchen cupboard door.

Frequently asked questions

What should be in a power cut kit?

A power cut kit should contain a torch or LED lantern with spare batteries, a battery or wind-up radio, a charged power bank and cables, blankets and warm layers, hand sanitiser and wipes, a first aid kit, a manual tin opener, some cash, and phone numbers written on paper.

Are candles safe in a power cut?

Torches and LED lights are safer than candles. The UK Government's Be Ready guidance says torches are safer than candles, and LED tea lights give the same soft light without a fire risk.

How often should I check my power cut kit?

Check it every six months: test torches, recharge power banks, replace batteries and swap out food and water before they expire.

Updated 2026-10-28. Source: UK Government Be Ready checklist.