Helping elderly parents prepare for a power cut

What you need

Older people can feel the cold faster. A power cut can also make it hard to see, move around safely or get help. A little planning makes a big difference.

In their home

• A torch by the bed and by their usual chair. Be Ready says torches are safer than candles. Choose one that is easy to switch on.
• Spare batteries that fit the torch.
• Warm layers. Blankets, a dressing gown, hats, thick socks and a hot water bottle.
• A flask they can fill with a hot drink when the power is on.
• Food that needs no cooking, such as bread, cereal, tinned fruit and biscuits.
• Water. 3 litres per person, per day, for 3 days.
• A battery or wind-up FM radio for local news.
• A charged power bank for their mobile phone.

On paper, by the phone

• The power cut number: 105, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland.
• Your number and a neighbour’s number.
• Their GP surgery and pharmacy.
• A list of their medicines and doses.
• Instructions for any medical equipment.

Medicines and equipment

• Help them ask for repeat prescriptions up to 5 working days before they run out.
• If they use equipment that needs power, such as a stairlift, oxygen or a riser chair, ask the equipment supplier what to do in a power cut.
• For health questions, speak to their pharmacist or GP, or call 111.

Their phone

Many landlines now run through the broadband router. If the power goes off, the landline may stop too. Ask their phone provider whether this applies and whether a battery backup is available. Make sure they have a charged mobile as a backup.

What you probably already own

Your parents probably have most of these already. The job is to put them where they can be found in the dark.

• Torches often sit in a kitchen drawer. Move one to the bedside.
• Blankets and hot water bottles may be in a cupboard. Put them near their chair.
• An old radio may still work. Fit fresh batteries and tune it to a local station.
• A flask from picnics or trips.
• Tins and biscuits from the cupboard.

Agree a check-in plan

Talk it through together. Keep it simple:

• Who will call or visit if the power goes off?
• Which neighbour can pop round if you live far away?
• Where are the torch, radio and paper list kept?
• What should they do if they feel unwell or too cold?

If anyone is in immediate danger, they should call 999.

Our plan tool helps you write this down and print a copy for their fridge.

What to buy, if anything

Buy only what fills a real gap. Useful extras for older people include:

• A torch with a large, simple switch, or a lantern that lights a whole room. See our guide to torches and lanterns.
• A radio with big, clear controls. See our guide to wind-up radios.
• A simple power bank. See our guide to power banks for power cuts.
• Battery night lights for the hall and stairs, to help prevent trips.

For more steps, read what to do in a power cut.