Preparing for a power cut

What matters most

• Torch Essential
  A torch for each part of the home you'd need to move around in the dark.
• Spare batteries
  The right sizes for your torch and radio.
• Charged power bank
  To keep a phone charged during a power cut.
• Battery or wind-up radio
  To hear updates if mobile networks are down.
• Blankets or sleeping bags
  To keep everyone warm if the heating is off.
• Warm clothing
  Layers, hats and gloves that are easy to find.
• Manual tin opener
  A tin opener that doesn't need electricity.
• Some cash
  Card machines and cash points may not work in a power cut.
• Plan for medication that needs a fridge Essential
  Know how you'd keep it cool during a power cut.
• Backup plan for powered equipment Essential
  A backup power source or plan for equipment that needs electricity.

What official guidance in Ireland says

• Have a battery, wind-up or solar radio and spare batteries. A car radio can be your backup.¹
• Keep your phone charged, with power banks ready to top it up.¹
• Have a torch or lamp ready, with spare batteries.¹
• To stay warm, close windows and doors and keep everyone in one room, with blankets or sleeping bags.¹
• Find your gas and electricity shut-off points, and note your MPRN and GPRN numbers from your bills.¹

Stay safe

Water and food for a few days

For two adults, SupKit's figures for 3 days are:

Long-life food that suits a power cut

Each of these keeps without a fridge and doesn't need the fridge once opened:

• Tinned chilli
• Tinned soup
• Baked beans
• Microwave rice pouch
• Tinned tuna
• Crackers
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Cereal bars
• Tinned fruit

Allergies, dietary needs and children

Plan around everyone at home: allergies, intolerances and diets come first, and familiar food matters most for children. Recipes vary between brands, so always read the label of the product you buy.

Typical allergens and diets are SupKit's guide to the main ingredient, not a product's label.

• Irish (EU) law names 14 allergens: gluten cereals, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphites, lupin and molluscs.³
• On packaged food, allergens must stand out in the ingredient list, for example through font, style or background colour.⁴
• For unpackaged food, allergen information must be in writing and easy to find before you buy.³
• 'May contain' warnings are optional, used only where cross-contamination can't be ruled out, and can't replace good manufacturing practice.⁴

Young children

• Don't give whole nuts to children under five; crush or grind nuts, and spread nut butter thinly.⁵
• Don't give honey to babies under 12 months, and don't add salt to a baby's food.⁶