Power cuts can be disruptive, stressful, and even dangerous if you’re not prepared — especially in winter or during emergencies. Whether caused by severe weather, a local fault, or grid overload, knowing what to do (and what not to do) during a power outage can help keep your home and family safe.
At Hippo Heating and Electric Services, we respond to dozens of calls during outages across London. Here’s your step-by-step guide on what to do during a power cut — and when to call in a professional.
⚡ 1. Check If It’s Just Your Property
First things first: determine if the power cut is affecting only your home or the wider area.
What to do:
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Look outside to see if street lights or neighbours’ homes are also without power.
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Try flipping a light switch in multiple rooms.
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If it’s only part of your home, it could be a tripped breaker or blown fuse.
🧭 2. Check the Fuse Box or Consumer Unit
If the issue is isolated to your property, the problem might be with your electrical panel. A tripped breaker or faulty RCD can cut power to certain circuits.
What to do:
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Open your fuse box and look for any switches in the “off” position.
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Flip them back to “on” — but only once.
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If it trips again immediately, don’t force it. Call an electrician.
📞 3. Report the Outage to the Network Operator
If the power cut affects your whole street or area, report it to UK Power Networks. They maintain the infrastructure and can provide updates and estimated restoration times.
What to do:
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Visit: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk
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Or call 105 (the free national power cut helpline)
🔦 4. Use Battery-Powered Lights (Not Candles)
Avoid the temptation to light candles — they’re a fire hazard, especially in homes with kids or pets. Battery-powered torches or LED lanterns are much safer and more reliable.
What to do:
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Keep a few torches or portable LED lights in easy-to-find places.
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Consider getting a rechargeable power bank for charging phones during long outages.
❄️ 5. Keep Fridge & Freezer Doors Closed
Refrigerated food can stay safe for up to 4 hours, and freezer items for up to 24–48 hours if left unopened. Opening the doors speeds up thawing and increases the risk of spoilage.
What to do:
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Don’t open fridge or freezer doors unless absolutely necessary.
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Once power is restored, check food for signs of spoilage before consuming.
🔌 6. Unplug Sensitive Electronics
When the power comes back on, it may surge — and that sudden voltage can damage TVs, computers, and other devices.
What to do:
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Unplug TVs, routers, and other electronics during the outage.
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Leave one light on so you’ll know when power is restored.
🧯 7. Stay Warm and Safe in Cold Weather
If the outage happens during winter, the temperature in your home can drop quickly — especially if your heating system relies on electricity.
What to do:
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Wear layers, use extra blankets, and close off unused rooms.
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Never use a gas oven or BBQ indoors to heat your home — it’s a serious carbon monoxide risk.
🛠️ When to Call an Electrician
If your property is the only one without power — or your fuse box keeps tripping — the problem is likely internal. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged panels can lead to repeated power failures.
What to do:
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Contact a qualified electrician to safely inspect and repair the issue.
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Never attempt to rewire or bypass breakers yourself.
⚡ Hippo Heating and Electric Services Has You Covered
Power cuts can be a nuisance — or a serious hazard — depending on the situation. If you’re unsure whether the issue is inside your home or part of the network, our expert electricians can help you figure it out fast.
We offer:
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Emergency electrical callouts across London
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Safe diagnosis of tripping circuits and faulty panels
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Fast, code-compliant repairs with upfront pricing
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Peace of mind when it matters most
👉 Experiencing power issues? Contact Hippo Heating and Electric Services now
Or call us for emergency support, inspections, or advice.