British Gas is the leading provider of gas and electricity in the UK and prides itself on its hard-earned reputation for providing a reliable service. However, there are times when weather and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt power supplies to your home. There are several helpful tips to help you prepare for a power cut – in order to minimize the dangers and inconveniences of potential power cuts.

The Power Has Been Cut: What Now?

The first and most important thing to do during a power cut is to remain calm. The hard-working engineers at British Gas are working around the clock to help restore power to your home – rest assured knowing that British Gas is on the job and that your service will be back on soon. In the immediate time, right after a power cut, protect your appliances and other electronics by switching them off and unplugging them from their energy source. Power surges are a common and dangerous threat to your valuable equipment, by unplugging them, you’ve taken the right steps in order to prevent damage to your appliances.

Creating an Emergency Kit

Do you have a first aid kit ready? Most people forget to plan ahead, without realising that when the power is cut, you are more at risk of having an accident. The lack of light in your home can create a dangerous hazard to people of any age – it is important to have your first aid supplies gathered into one area at all times. The second step to take during a power cut is to find an alternative source of lighting. Candles are always a great option for a quick lighting – however, consider purchasing a battery powered torch. These torches are safer and do not carry the potential danger of having a fire. Consider the size of your family and decide how many torches will suffice to carry you through a potentially long power cut. Consider your telephones technology during a power cut. Cordless phones do not work – mobiles and corded landlines, however do work during a power cut. Always have a back-up phone ready, especially in case of emergencies. After creating your kit, it is also important that you revisit it regularly in order to ensure that all components are well maintained. Mark your calendar with reminders to update your emergency kit with renewed batteries and supplies. Most importantly, however, is to ensure that your emergency first aid kit is accessible and easy to find during a power cut. Consider putting the first aid kit somewhere that is easy to locate, as darkness during a power cut can make things very difficult to find. Locating the kit in the same place ensures that your family knows the location of the first aid kit at all times – this way they can find it quickly and without difficulty.

Passing the Time: Consider Entertainment

Energy helps pass the time – without power to your home you will soon realize the huge role energy plays in entertaining your family. Without radio, television, computers and lights, you may find yourself in the unenviable position of trying to entertain your family without the usual devices. During a power cut, wind up radios can provide excellent entertainment and even educational programs to help you and your family pass the time. A wind-up radio requires no external power – this can also allow you to listen to the news and find out information should the power cut continue for an extended period of time.

Your Heating System and Power Cuts

Your heating system may be at risk when a power cut occurs, therefore it is critical to be prepared to help prevent your heating system. During a power cut your heating system could be affected in several ways which can result in a loss of heat, which can be very difficult to deal with during the colder months of a UK winter. By following these simple steps, you may be able to get your central heating system working again on your own. Firstly, check the time. If your system has a mechanical clock you may have to reset the time. Try replacing the battery is your system contains a digital clock. Another place to consider looking is at the pilot light. If the power cut lasts for a particularly long time your boiler’s pilot light can sometimes become extinguished. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the instructions of your heating system – the instructions should indicate how to replace and relight the pilot light. If you cannot locate the pilot light, don’t worry – many modern boilers simply do not have a pilot light. If this is the case for your boiler, you may simply have to press a switch to reset the system. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty and instructions to help you locate the switch. If you cannot locate your manufacturer’s instructions or do not feel confident fixing these problems on your own, then it is advisable that you call a professional. To protect yourself from this potentially dangerous inconvenience, sign up for HomeCare and rest assured that if something goes wrong, British Gas’ certified engineers will be there for you.

Alternative Energy Sources

There are many alternative options for energy supply during a power cut. Solar panels and wind turbines will provide at least partial energy even during a power cut British Gas is working hard to provide customers with the best in cutting-edge technology related to alternative energy sources. Stay tuned for more updates on this subject.