Glossary of terms

DRAFT: This glossary is waiting for review. Figures and wording may change before launch.

What the words and abbreviations on this site mean, in plain English.

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A free phone number to call about a power cut in England, Scotland and Wales. It puts you through to the company that runs the power network in your area.

Automated external defibrillator (AED)

A machine that can give an electric shock to restart someone's heart. Anyone can use one, because it tells you what to do step by step. Always call 999 first.

Be Ready

The UK Government's campaign and website that explains how to get ready for emergencies at home. This site is not part of Be Ready.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

A poisonous gas that you cannot see or smell. It can be made by anything that burns fuel, so never use a barbecue, camping stove or generator indoors.

Consent

When you clearly say yes to something, such as getting emails from us. You can change your mind at any time.

Controller

The person or business that decides how your personal information is used. They are responsible for keeping it safe under data protection law.

Customer Care Register

In Northern Ireland, a free list kept by energy and water companies of people who may need extra help. It is like the Priority Services Register in the rest of the UK.

Distribution network operator (DNO)

The company that runs the power cables and substations in your area. It fixes power cuts, and it is not the same as the company you pay your bills to.

Double opt-in

A way of signing up to emails in two steps. After you sign up, we send you a link, and you only get our emails after you click it.

Easy Read

A way of writing that uses simple words, short sentences and pictures. It helps people with learning disabilities and anyone who finds reading hard.

Environment Agency (EA)

The government body that looks after rivers and the sea in England. It sends out flood warnings for England.

Flood alert

The lowest level of flood warning. It means flooding is possible, so be prepared.

Flood warning

The middle level of flood warning. It means flooding is expected and you should take action straight away.

Floodline

A free service for flood warnings and advice in England, Scotland and Wales. You can call it on 0345 988 1188 or sign up for warnings by phone, text or email.

Grab bag

A small bag packed with things you would need if you had to leave home quickly. It might hold medicines, a torch, copies of documents and a phone charger.

Lawful basis

The legal reason a business has for using your personal information. Examples are your consent, or a fair reason called legitimate interests.

Legitimate interests

A legal reason for using personal information when a business has a fair need for it. The need must not outweigh your rights, for example keeping a website safe.

Met Office weather warnings

Warnings about bad weather from the Met Office, the UK's national weather service. They are yellow, amber or red, and red is the most serious.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW)

The government body that looks after the environment in Wales. It sends out flood warnings for Wales.

Non-perishable food

Food that keeps for a long time without a fridge. Examples are tins, dried pasta and long-life milk.

Power bank

A small battery you charge up and then use to charge your phone. Its size is shown in mAh (milliamp hours), and a bigger number means it holds more charge.

Priority Services Register (PSR)

A free list kept by energy and water companies of people who may need extra help, such as older people or people who use medical equipment. If you are on it, you can get extra support during a power cut or water problem.

Processor

A company that handles personal information for another business and only on its instructions. For example, the service that sends our emails.

Ready-to-feed formula

Baby formula milk that comes already made up as a liquid. You do not need to mix it with water, which helps if your water or power is off.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

The government body that looks after the environment in Scotland. It sends out flood warnings for Scotland.

Severe flood warning

The highest level of flood warning. It means severe flooding and danger to life.

Stopcock

A tap that turns off the water supply to your home. It is often under the kitchen sink.

Suppression record

A short "do not email" list. After you unsubscribe, it stops us emailing you again by mistake.