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Staying safe during a power cut or power outage

Take extra care during power cuts
Keep torches and batteries where you can find them easily
Turn off electrical equipment, except a light or a radio, so you know when power is restored.

Cooking during a power outage

Never used cooking equipment designed for outside use, indoors. Don’t use camping stoves, portable barbeques, lit charcoal or a generator in an enclosed space as they are designed for outdoor use only. These devices need adequate ventilation and can produce poisonous carbon monoxide.
If you are using a camping stove outdoors, take extra care and never change camping gas cartridges indoors or near ignition sources.

Don’t use a camping heater indoors as poisonous carbon monoxide can be produced and be fatal.
Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas.
Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture, and other flammable items, and never use them for drying clothes.
Switch off and unplug portable heaters when you go out, are not in the same room, or when you go to bed.
Carbon Monoxide detectors should be used in all rooms containing gas or paraffin heaters.
Never use portable gas cylinder heaters in high rise flats
Always change gas cylinders in the open air. Never change gas cylinders in an enclosed space.
Never move a bottled gas or oil heater when it is lit.

During a power cut use battery-operated lights or torches as an alternative light source. Other options include a wind-up torch, glow sticks or a shake light. If you use candles, make sure you follow these safety guidelines:
Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep while they are lit
Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and its holder
Place candles in a draught-free area away from curtains, furniture and other flammable surfaces
Choose a suitable site for your candles that is flat and stable
Always use a proper candle-holder and fit the candle in firmly
Always use a heat-resistant surface to place the candle holder on - e.g. a ceramic plate, especially for night-light candles
Never place candles directly on televisions or other polished surfaces
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets
Never attempt to move a candle once it is lit
Always use a candle-snuffer, or an unturned metal spoon to extinguish the candle and allow cooling before moving it

If you use a gas or paraffin lamp make sure it is working properly and used in a well-ventilated area.