Keeping warm without power

Most gas boilers need electricity, so a power cut usually means no heating. Homes hold heat for a good while, so start early.

• Close curtains and internal doors and gather everyone in one room, ideally one that gets sun.
• Wear several thin layers, a hat and thick socks. Use blankets and hot water bottles (fill from a flask if needed).
• Eat and drink something warm: a flask filled before the cut helps.
• Gas hobs can be lit with a match if safe to do so, but never use them, or ovens, to heat a room.
• Never use barbecues, camping stoves or generators indoors: they produce carbon monoxide. Make sure your CO alarm has a working battery.
• A portable power station can run an electric blanket (about 60W) for many hours, far longer than a heater.
• Check on older neighbours, who feel the cold most.