VITAL TIPS FOR BLACKOUTS, BEFORE & DURING...

IN THE EVENT OF A BLACKOUT...PREPPING FOR AND DURING

       (this post is also part of How to...cope with the winter's  cost of living crisis)

The last time Britain faced power cuts was in the 1970s
PHOTO COURTESY PA NEWS

The National Grid has now explicitly warned households to prepare for blackouts between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays during January and February especially if there is a period of really, really cold weather.

Mainland Europe, where energy shortages are likely to be more acute than in the UK, has been adopting a 'worse case scenario' since the summer: 

• Germany: parts of the country switches off lights at public monuments and turns off heating at city-run buildings like leisure centres.  
• France: outdoor cafe and bar terraces are not allowed to be heated; illuminated advertising between 1am and 6am is banned
• Greece: office workers are urged to switch off their computers after work; the government renews cooling & window systems
• Netherlands: companies are mandated to invest in energy saving measures if the cost can be recovered within five year
  

This post looks at:

1. the background to a possible UK blackout
2. what to expect if a blackout occurs
3. how to cope with a blackout incl: 

         (a) what to buy/look in cupboards for  

         (b) getting ready, incl tech tips

         (c) freezers/fridges

         (d) eating in Blackouts

BACKGROUND

In National Grid's recent scenarios for winter, the view was that - like previous winters - there will be enough energy.  But now the warnings are explicit: expect blackouts from 4-7pm on weeknights in January & February if gas imports fall.

40% of Britain's electricity comes from gas-fired power stations and if  gas supplies fall say, due to the war in Ukraine, electricity would also be affected.  And that means electricity would be cut-off to homes and companies for short periods.  

HOW WILL A BLACKOUT WORK? 

The situation as 18 Oct but watch the news for developments:

Expect the country to be divided up into regions.  Not  all would be affected at the same time or on the same day.

The National Grid plans warnings at least a day ahead.  (see below)

Blackouts are most likely at peak times - breakfast time or late afternoon. 

In Jan & Feb, afternoon blackouts would start at 4pm and finish at 7pm. 

Effects: 

You  won't be able to watch telly or use your computer, charge your phone or pop the kettle on.  The wi-fi would be down. (Bloggers'emphasis!).

You won't be able to do chores requiring electricity.   And, unless you have a gas cooker or have prepped ahead (see below), dinner will be  at room temperature.  

NATIONAL GRID WARNINGS  

As it stands (Oct 18)..

• We'll be told, at least a day ahead, of coming blackouts 
• Households can also log on to powercut105.com and enter their postcode to check whether they will be affected. 
• There may be alerts, incl via text message, pandemic  style. And maybe press conferences, Covid style.  

WHO WILL BE PROTECTED?

• Hospitals and major airports 
• Customers medically dependent on electricity.  Many of this group have back-up power sources but should seek advice from their healthcare provider.
• Businesses/services that have applied for and been granted entry to the Protected Sites List.  Warning: it's not automatically given.    

IT'S NOT ALL DOOM & GLOOM (apparently!)

National Grid has contingency measures in place.

Coal-fired power stations are on standby. 

National Grid is also launching a scheme offering money off bills for homes and businesses which cut electricity use at key times. The scheme, tested earlier this year, is now being scaled up.

COPING WITH A BLACKOUT

67goingon50's Preparing for Winter in a Cost of Living Crisis has two helpful sections with plenty of tips on keeping warm and fed during a Cost of Living Crisis.

This post has been added to that information; you can read both sets of information in one place.  The How to...page is found in the navigation bar below the banner headline of Welcome to the Blog (above). 

KEEPING YOUR COOL DURING A BLACKOUT

In the meantime, here are some tips for your own household and/or that of an older family member living independently. (consider persuading an elderly independent family member in the same blocker sector to move information the duration) Most purchases are on the net:

WHAT TO BUY/ RUMMAGE IN THE CUPBOARDS FOR 

• Torches with spare batteries; maybe a head torch?
• Proper candles - not just tea-lights - in sturdy candle holders which are not easily knocked over PLUS generous box Matches
• Batteries of different sizes
• First Aid Kit
• Cash (could be very important!)
• Cool Box
• EFB's:Emergency Foil Blankets - the kind given out during Marathons and in driving/hiking/mountainside emergencies; they're £2 for 2, folded in tidy packets (taking up little space) and can be used more than once. Buy on the net.
• Power Bank - for phones & iPads but not laptops; reasonably priced but must be charged ahead of time unless battery operated. (If you're flush; a portable power station will set you back over £1,000)
• Thermoses: fill with boiling water, not coffee or tea, for a hot cuppa of choice; the thermoses come in individual or family sizes, priced accordingly.  A separate large thermos of hot chocolate, accompanied or not with marshmallows, will probably send the household into raptures
• Food jars: double insulated, they keep food warm 12-36 hours, depending on size and brand; great not just for soups, also for a layer of rice with vegetables or stew; perfect for elderly relatives 
• Battery-operated radio?
• Battery operated clip-on lamp for book lovers ? 
• Night lights for finding your way around 

GETTING READY: 

• fill up car with petrol
• write down important phone numbers and passwords
• just before blackout starts, turn off all electric appliances, especially pcs which can be damaged by power surges.  Leave one light on so you'll know when it's all over!

TECH TIPS:

• Close down unnecessary programs & apps which drain batteries 
• Switch off location service on your phone (regular pinging of satellites sucks power), NFC (for payments) and Bluetooth, which often aren’t used
• Use the power-saving mode (on most smart phones), which stops asking apps if there are any notifications and dims your screen. 

FOOD STORAGE TIPS

Fridges:

• Just before Blackout, take what you need out of the fridge and place in a cool box; during Blackout leave fridge doors shut; UK Power Networks say if doors are not continually opened & closed, food should keep 4-5 hours
• But if Blackout goes on longer than 4 hours, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) says all fridge contents should be thrown out

Freezer

• FSA says food in a closed freezer will stay frozen for 24 hours or more...the fuller the freezer, the better
• One freezer manufacturer said a full large freezer will keep food frozen 48 hours; it recommended ice blocks to slow down defrosting 
• Blogger: remember raw meats can be frozen twice, once in their natural state, once after defrosting and cooking. If raw meat is unintentionally defrosted, cook into casseroles or roasts and re-freeze  

EATING IN BLACKOUT 

Obviously if you have a barbecue or a fireplace, you'll be fine.  67goingon50's Preparing for Winter in a Cost of Living Crisis: has plenty of tips for frugal emergency food. Otherwise:

• if budget allows, check out the nearest sector that isn't in blackdown and, if possible, plan a meal out -- that way, we help boost the economy, too!
• make a blackout meal a fun occasion - eat picnic style, on a blanket; maybe haul out the tent; dress up like North American Indians around a real/fake fire wrapped in Emergency Foil Blankets (bonus: it will also help pass the time!)
• get organised; the night or a few hours before blackout starts:

1. dig out your some of your freezer stores of 67goingon50's frozen chocolate chip or other Cookie dough; bake (or have someone else bake) a platter-full, ready for a blackout treat
2. use frozen or tinned fruit to make a quick crumble 
3. re-heat a frozen stew or casserole (or quickly make), store in a slow cooker on low till the electricity goes off; the contents will stay warm for at least an hour  
4. blackout dessert: brush pre-baked pastry cases with melted chocolate; add drained chopped tinned fruit (stored in juice, not syrup) and top with clotted or whipped cream with a dribble of chocolate sauce.  (tinned pie filling can also be used but is usually high in sugar)

Sources:

BBC News
Sky News
How long does food last in fridge/freezer:Rebecca Miller, Daily Express
How to Prepare Your Home for Blackout: Guy Kelly, Daily Telegraph
Could I survive a Blackout?: Chris Stokel-Walker, The Times
How long does food last in fridge/freezer:Rebecca Miller, Daily Express
National Grid
Protected Sites List

67goingon50's Preparing for Winter in a Cost of Living Crisis: 

 

B Lee/Bright Sun Enterprises accept no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.