Where every fact comes from
Every figure and instruction in Ready in 7 Days, with its source (almost always official), the exact link and the day we checked it. If something changes or a link stops working, write to us at hola@guide72.com.
203 facts with their source · checked on 03/11/2026
Before you start
On 28 April 2025, at 12:33, the power went out across mainland Spain and Portugal.
Government of Spain, Report of the Committee for the analysis of the electricity crisis of 28 April 2025 (non-confidential version, June 2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
In many homes the power did not come back until night or the early hours: restoration finished at 7:00 on the 29th.
Government of Spain, Report of the Committee for the analysis of the electricity crisis of 28 April 2025 (non-confidential version, June 2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Trains stopped on the track: between 30,000 and 35,000 passengers were evacuated.
EFE news agency, 28/04/2025 (republished by La Prensa de Panamá, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Many card machines and cash machines failed during the blackout.
European Central Bank, "Keep calm and carry cash", Economic Bulletin 6/2025 · consultado el 31/10/2026
The UK government asks households to have 3 days' worth of supplies, so they can manage while support reaches those in need.
The European Commission asks people to be able to cope on their own for at least 72 hours.
European Commission, Preparedness Union Strategy (March 2025) · consultado el 02/11/2026
The Preparedness Union Strategy plans guidelines for a population self-sufficiency of at least 72 hours.
European Commission, Preparedness Union Strategy, JOIN(2025) 130 final (26/03/2025) · consultado el 02/11/2026
If the emergency services ask you to evacuate for your safety, follow their advice.
65% of people surveyed in Spain had no emergency kit or anything like it at home before the blackout (a survey of people, not households).
Spanish Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), study 3513: snap survey on the 28 April blackout (29–30/04/2025, 1,752 interviews, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
42% (41.6%) missed something at home while the blackout lasted.
Spanish Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), study 3513: snap survey on the 28 April blackout (29–30/04/2025, 1,752 interviews, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
On the day of the blackout the Madrid Region fire brigade made more than 200 call-outs, most of them to get people out of lifts.
Madrid Region, 2025 report of the Fire Brigade (16/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
For a baby: nappies, formula and bottles in the kit.
Spanish Red Cross, "Shall we check the kit?" checklist (2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
For older people: their medication, spare glasses and hearing-aid batteries.
Government of Catalonia, Civil Protection: "Civil protection for older people" (in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Visit or call older or sick people who live alone at least once a day.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Pets need their food, water and medication for several days.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
If someone depends on an electrical device, make a plan with their doctor for using it during a power cut.
FEMA (US), "Be prepared for a power outage" (P-2199, December 2023, Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
A month before the Iberian blackout, a fire at the North Hyde substation in west London left 71,655 homes and businesses without power and closed Heathrow for most of 21 March 2025.
In October 2026 the UK government launched Be Ready, with the advice to be prepared for three days of disruption.
Calls to 999 and 112 are free from landlines and mobiles.
Day 1 · The plan on paper
On 28 April, phones not working was the second thing people missed most (55.5%).
Spanish Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), study 3513: snap survey on the 28 April blackout (29–30/04/2025, 1,752 interviews, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Write down on paper the contact details of the people you would need to contact in an emergency, and keep them somewhere easy to find in a power cut.
Decide on a meeting point with family members in case you cannot return home.
Use a printable household emergency plan and keep it with your important documents.
Choose a contact who lives outside the area, to link everyone.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Family emergency plan" (in Catalan) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Write in the plan what each person does, such as who collects whom.
Spanish Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Emergencies, "Family emergency plan" (Psychology Unit, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Everyone at home has to know the plan.
Spanish Red Cross, "Getting ready for an emergency" (June 2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Day 2 · Water
3 litres of water per person per day, for drinking only; more is needed for cooking and washing.
Have 3 days' worth of supplies.
Keep bottled water sealed, in its original container, somewhere cool and dark.
Ready.gov (FEMA, US), "Water" (Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Day 3 · Food with no fridge
With the door shut, a fridge stays cold for about 4 hours.
Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), "What to do with food from the fridge and freezer after the blackout?" (29/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Food with a long shelf life that does not need refrigeration or cooking, such as tins, dried fruit and nuts; buy food you would normally eat.
Keep a manual can opener.
Ready.gov (FEMA, US), "Emergency kit" (Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Camping stoves and charcoal grills are for outdoors, never indoors.
FEMA (US), "Be prepared for a power outage" (P-2199, December 2023, Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled and can kill.
Government of Catalonia, Civil Protection: "Avoid poisoning from boilers, stoves, heaters and chimneys" (07/01/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
35% (34.9%) of those who missed something said it was a way to cook without power.
Spanish Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), study 3513: snap survey on the 28 April blackout (29–30/04/2025, 1,752 interviews, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Day 4 · Light and power
Torches are safer than candles.
A charged power bank, to charge phones or compatible medical devices.
10% of those who missed something said it was torches, candles or something similar.
Spanish Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), study 3513: snap survey on the 28 April blackout (29–30/04/2025, 1,752 interviews, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Day 5 · News without the internet
An FM radio that runs on batteries or is wind-up.
Write down the frequencies of the national or local radio stations you use for news, for updates during outages.
Get your information only from official channels and do not spread rumours.
Spanish Red Cross, "What you need to know if the authorities order you to leave your home" (in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Calls to 112 in the Basque Country quadrupled in the first 4 or 5 hours of the blackout.
Basque Government, Director of Emergency Response, in Orain (EITB, 29/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
46.8% had no battery radio at home.
Spanish Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), study 3513: snap survey on the 28 April blackout (29–30/04/2025, 1,752 interviews, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Never run a car inside a garage, even with the door open.
FEMA (US), "Be prepared for a power outage" (P-2199, December 2023, Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Day 6 · Health, papers and cash
During the blackout many card machines and cash machines failed, and card payments fell by 41–42% in the affected areas.
European Central Bank, "Keep calm and carry cash", Economic Bulletin 6/2025 · consultado el 31/10/2026
Keep some cash, in coins and notes, in case electronic payments or cash machines are disrupted.
Printed copies of important documents, such as passports and insurance policy details.
A first aid kit: waterproof plasters, bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash, sterile dressings, gloves, medical tape and tweezers.
Write down a list of everyone's regular medication and doses.
Request repeat prescriptions in good time, up to 5 working days before you need the medicine, so you are less likely to run out in an emergency.
If you depend on medicines that need to stay cold, ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do without power.
FEMA (US), "Be prepared for a power outage" (P-2199, December 2023, Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Spare glasses and hearing-aid batteries.
Government of Catalonia, Civil Protection: "Civil protection for older people" (in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Day 7 and the Clock-Change Rule
Run drills: practising the plan often is what makes it work.
Spanish Red Cross, "Getting ready for an emergency" (June 2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Practise, correct and update the family plan from time to time.
Spanish Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Emergencies, "Family emergency plan" (Psychology Unit, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Set a reminder every six months to check expiry dates and swap out items that need replacing.
Check the kit every six months and replace anything about to expire.
American Red Cross, "Be Red Cross Ready" guide (Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
In the UK the clocks go forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October.
Shopping · Your budget and the one-hour minimum kit
The checklist: water, food that needs no fridge or cooking, a torch, a battery or wind-up radio, a charged power bank, cash, a first aid kit, blankets and copies of documents.
A wind-up radio does the same job as a battery one.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Keep a manual can opener.
Ready.gov (FEMA, US), "Emergency kit" (Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
A torch with spare batteries, or a head torch.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
The power goes off: the blackout card
Torches are safer than candles.
For updates during outages, listen to the national or local radio stations you use for news.
Do not open the freezer, and open the fridge as little as possible: the storage times only hold with the doors shut.
Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), "What to do with food from the fridge and freezer after the blackout?" (29/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Fill containers or the bath with tap water.
112 Extremadura (Spain), blackout advice broadcast by Canal Extremadura (28/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Unplug electrical and electronic devices so they are not damaged when the power comes back.
FEMA (US), "Be prepared for a power outage" (P-2199, December 2023, Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
If the lines are busy, send text messages instead of calling.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Family emergency plan" (in Catalan) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Do not travel unless you need to.
112 Extremadura (Spain), blackout advice broadcast by Canal Extremadura (28/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Use your phone as little as possible to save the battery.
112 Extremadura (Spain), blackout advice broadcast by Canal Extremadura (28/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Call 105 to report a power cut.
105 is the number to report a power cut in England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland uses 03457 643643.
If you are apart, follow the plan: the meeting point and the outside contact.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Family emergency plan" (in Catalan) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Look out for relatives and neighbours who are dependent or vulnerable.
112 Extremadura (Spain), blackout advice broadcast by Canal Extremadura (28/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
If the power is off for more than 4 hours, throw away meat, fish, eggs, milk, soft cheese and leftovers.
Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), "What to do with food from the fridge and freezer after the blackout?" (29/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
After 4 hours without power, throw away perishable food from the fridge. If in doubt, throw it out.
WHO Europe, "Protecting your health before, during and after floods" (15/11/2024) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Do not trust how food looks or smells, and do not taste it to check.
Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), "What to do with food from the fridge and freezer after the blackout?" (29/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
A closed freezer lasts 24 to 48 hours; anything that still has ice crystals can be refrozen.
Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), "What to do with food from the fridge and freezer after the blackout?" (29/04/2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
The usual instruction is to stay at home; you leave only if the authorities say so.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Get ready for emergencies" (in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Generators, camping stoves and grills, never indoors: carbon monoxide kills.
FEMA (US), "Be prepared for a power outage" (P-2199, December 2023, Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Call 105 for free to report a power cut in England, Scotland and Wales.
UK government (Cabinet Office), Be Ready: "Power cuts" (October 2026)
Network operators must restore power within 12 hours outside severe weather (24 or 48 hours in a storm) or pay compensation; you do not need to make a claim.
The water is off
Each water company offers its own extra help to customers who need it: ask yours.
Bringing water to a rolling boil is enough; then let it cool on its own, without adding ice, and keep it covered.
WHO, "Boil water", technical note WHO/FWC/WSH/15.02 (14/01/2015) · consultado el 02/11/2026
A boil water notice means tap water might contain bacteria, viruses or parasites: bring it to a rolling boil and let it cool before drinking or using it for food.
Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), "Receiving a Boil Water Notice"
During a water supply interruption, check your water provider's website for alternative sources of water in your area; customers on the Priority Services Register get alternative supplies arranged for them.
UK government (Cabinet Office), Be Ready: "Water supply interruptions or outages" (October 2026)
It's very hot, maybe with no power
Pick the coolest room in the house and spend time there, especially at night.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
If your home cannot be kept cool, spend 2–3 hours a day somewhere cool.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
If your home cannot be kept cool, spend 2–3 hours a day somewhere cool.
WHO Europe, "#KeepCool in the heat" (08/06/2026) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Visit older or sick people who live alone at least once a day.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
UKHSA issues heat-health alerts (yellow, amber, red) with the Met Office from 1 June to 30 September; anyone can sign up to get them by email.
Met Office severe weather warnings are separate from UKHSA's weather-health alerts.
Close windows, shutters and curtains during the day, especially on the sunny side; open them at night when it is cooler outside.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Close windows, shutters and curtains during the day, especially on the sunny side; open them at night when it is cooler outside.
WHO Europe, "#KeepCool in the heat" (08/06/2026) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Drink regularly; avoid alcohol and too much caffeine or sugar.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Drink regularly; avoid alcohol and too much caffeine or sugar.
WHO Europe, "#KeepCool in the heat" (08/06/2026) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Cool showers or baths, and light, loose clothes.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Older people, babies and people with chronic illness are most at risk from heat.
WHO Europe, "#KeepCool in the heat" (08/06/2026) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Dizziness, weakness, intense thirst or headache: move somewhere cool, rest and drink water or fruit juice; see a doctor if it does not pass.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Hot, dry skin, confusion, fits or unconsciousness: call for medical help at once. Meanwhile, somewhere cool, lying down, clothes off, cold wet cloths and fanning.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Never leave children, dependent adults or pets in a parked car.
WHO Europe, "#KeepCool in the heat" (08/06/2026) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Avoid physical effort in the hottest part of the day.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Heat exhaustion: move the person somewhere cool, remove extra clothing, give plenty of fluids and cool their skin; they should feel better within 30 minutes. Get help from NHS 111 if you need advice.
Call 999 if the person is still unwell after 30 minutes, or has hot skin that is not sweating, confusion, a seizure or loss of consciousness: heatstroke is a medical emergency.
It's very cold and the heating is off
Homes can become cold very quickly when the heating goes off: blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing.
UKHSA cold-health alerts focus on 1 November to 31 March, with yellow, amber and red levels; you can sign up by email.
Met Office severe weather warnings are separate from UKHSA's weather-health alerts.
Older people, children and people with chronic illness may need a warmer home than others.
WHO, Housing and health guidelines (23/11/2018) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Hypothermia: remove wet clothes and use blankets to warm the person.
European Resuscitation Council, "ERC Guidelines 2025 for Everyone" · consultado el 02/11/2026
Camping stoves and charcoal grills are for outdoors, never indoors; generators too: carbon monoxide kills.
FEMA (US), "Be prepared for a power outage" (P-2199, December 2023, Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Do not use a barbecue or camping stove indoors; portable generators are also a source of carbon monoxide.
Fit a carbon monoxide alarm; anyone working on gas appliances in your home must be a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE), "Gas safety: frequently asked questions"
If you smell gas, call the gas emergency number 0800 111 999, open doors and windows and turn off the supply at the meter if you know where it is.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE), "Gas safety: frequently asked questions"
If you smell gas, avoid flames and sparks: do not smoke, light matches or use electrical switches; leave the property.
A breakdown or crash on the road
On a motorway, leave at the next exit or pull into a service area if you can; if not, stop in an emergency area, lay-by or on the hard shoulder, as far left as possible.
Switch on your hazard lights.
Put on high-visibility clothing if you have it within easy reach.
Get out on the side furthest from the traffic and wait well away from the vehicle, behind the safety barrier where there is one.
Do not return to your vehicle, even if it is raining, cold or dark.
If you cannot get out safely, stay in with your seat belt and hazard lights on, and call 999; or press your vehicle's SOS button and ask for the police.
Do not place a warning triangle on the motorway.
Quote the numbers and letters on the marker posts so the emergency services can find you.
On an ordinary road, put a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, taking great care; never on a motorway.
Do not stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic; wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night.
At a crash, use hazard warning lights, ask drivers to switch off their engines and call 999 with full details of the location and any casualties.
An alert goes off on your phone
An emergency alert can make a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, even if the phone is on silent.
The government does not need your phone number or location to send you an alert.
Do not read or respond to an alert while driving or riding: find a safe and legal place to stop first.
The service will never ask you for personal details.
You can check an alert on the GOV.UK current alerts page.
Emergency Alerts work on 4G and 5G networks, on iPhones with iOS 14.5 or later and Android 11 or later; phones that are off, on 2G or 3G, or wifi-only will not get them. On older Android phones, search the settings for "emergency alerts".
A flood warning
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Turn off your gas, water and electricity, if it is safe to do so.
If you have to leave because of flooding, turn off your utilities, and follow the emergency services if they ask you to evacuate.
Never drive through flood water.
Flood water is hazardous and can contain chemicals and waste.
Medicines and medical documents in waterproof bags.
WHO Europe, "Protecting your health before, during and after floods" (15/11/2024) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Never switch on, switch off or use an electrical device while standing in water.
WHO Europe, "Protecting your health before, during and after floods" (15/11/2024) · consultado el 02/11/2026
If you are told to evacuate, do it.
WHO Europe, "Protecting your health before, during and after floods" (15/11/2024) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Go home only when the authorities say so, and have gas and electrical appliances checked by a professional before using them.
WHO Europe, "Protecting your health before, during and after floods" (15/11/2024) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Clean up with a mask, rubber boots and waterproof gloves, and keep children away from muddy or contaminated areas.
WHO Europe, "Protecting your health before, during and after floods" (15/11/2024) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Do not walk or drive through flood water: it can hide sharp objects and fallen cables.
WHO Europe, "Protecting your health before, during and after floods" (15/11/2024) · consultado el 02/11/2026
A flood warning means flooding is expected; a severe flood warning means danger to life.
GOV.UK (Environment Agency), "Flood alerts and warnings: what they are and what to do"
With a flood warning: move family, pets and valuables to a safe place, turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe, and put flood protection in place.
GOV.UK (Environment Agency), "Flood alerts and warnings: what they are and what to do"
Flood warnings are free, by phone call, text or email; Floodline, 0345 988 1188, is a 24-hour service.
A storm, strong winds or snow
Check the latest weather warnings, and sign up on the Met Office website for email alerts and warnings.
The Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service covers hazards such as storms and flooding, across the UK.
Call 105 to report a power cut.
Met Office weather warnings are yellow, amber or red; a red warning means a very high likelihood of a risk to life.
You're told to leave home in 10 minutes
Follow the advice of the emergency services if they ask you to evacuate for your safety.
If you have to leave because of flooding, turn off your utilities.
If there is time, disconnect the electricity and gas and shut doors and windows.
Spanish Red Cross, "What you need to know if the authorities order you to leave your home" (in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
If the lines are busy, text your outside contact.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Family emergency plan" (in Catalan) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Use only the routes the authorities give.
Spanish Red Cross, "What you need to know if the authorities order you to leave your home" (in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Get your information only from official channels and do not spread rumours.
Spanish Red Cross, "What you need to know if the authorities order you to leave your home" (in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
With smoke, stay indoors with doors and windows shut.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice during the wildfires" (16/06/2023) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Go in, stay in, tune in: go indoors and close all doors and windows, stay in until told otherwise, and listen to local radio; do not collect children from school unless told to.
In an emergency the local council opens rest centres to give temporary accommodation to people who have been evacuated or cannot return home.
The grab-and-go bag
For leaving home: spare clothes and shoes, a raincoat, toiletries and house and car keys.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
A whistle to call for help, a foil emergency blanket and a multi-tool.
Spanish Red Cross, "Shall we check the kit?" checklist (2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
A list of emergency contacts and copies of documents.
Spanish Red Cross, "Shall we check the kit?" checklist (2025, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
A charged power bank, to charge phones or compatible medical devices.
Blankets and warm clothing.
FFP2 masks against smoke.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice during the wildfires" (16/06/2023) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Children with an ID wristband in case they get lost.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
For babies, nappies and their food.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Pet: carrier, lead and muzzle, food, water and bowls, its papers and a photo of you together.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Its health booklet and any medication it takes.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Outdoors in the heat: a hat and sunglasses.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
In depth · The car
Check the latest weather warnings before you set off.
Switch on your hazard lights and put on high-visibility clothing if you have it.
Never leave anyone, or an animal, in a parked car.
WHO Europe, "#KeepCool in the heat" (08/06/2026) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day.
WHO Europe, "Public health advice on preventing health effects of heat" (2011) · consultado el 02/11/2026
In snow and ice, do not drive unless your journey is essential; carry de-icer and an ice scraper, a torch, warm clothing and boots, a first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel.
If you get stuck in snow, stay with your car.
A break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.
Children must normally use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall.
Dogs and other animals must be suitably restrained in the car, for example with a seat belt harness or a pet carrier.
In depth · Older people and dependants
The Priority Services Register is a free service across England, Scotland and Wales; you can join if you are medically dependent on electricity, use medical equipment that needs power, or have a child aged five or under.
Your supplier and your network operator both keep a Priority Services Register; if your gas and electricity come from different suppliers, contact each one.
If you switch supplier, you need to ask to join their Priority Services Register.
On the register you may get priority support in an emergency and, wherever possible, advance notice of planned power cuts.
Each water company offers its own extra help: ask yours.
With their doctor, a plan for using their devices and storing their medication during a power cut.
FEMA (US), "Be prepared for a power outage" (P-2199, December 2023, Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Generators, never indoors: carbon monoxide kills.
FEMA (US), "Be prepared for a power outage" (P-2199, December 2023, Spanish edition) · consultado el 31/10/2026
In planned and unplanned power cuts, network operators must offer customers on the Priority Services Register extra help, for example battery packs to charge phones or medical equipment; what each company offers is different.
In depth · Insurance and papers
Flood Re is a joint initiative between the Government and insurers to make flood cover in home insurance more affordable.
Whether your policy uses Flood Re is up to your insurer: ask them.
Keep printed copies of important documents, including insurance policy details.
Complain to the business first; if you are unhappy with its final response, or it has not replied within 8 weeks, you can bring the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
In depth · Children
Keep routines for meals and sleep, and limit the news.
UNICEF Europe and Central Asia, "How parents can support their children and themselves following distressing events" (05/05/2023) · consultado el 02/11/2026
It is fine not to have all the answers; adults also need support for themselves.
UNICEF Europe and Central Asia, "How parents can support their children and themselves following distressing events" (05/05/2023) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Fears, nightmares, wetting the bed and clinging are normal reactions.
UNICEF Europe and Central Asia, "How parents can support their children and themselves following distressing events" (05/05/2023) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Seek professional help if reactions are severe, last more than a month or get worse.
UNICEF Europe and Central Asia, "How parents can support their children and themselves following distressing events" (05/05/2023) · consultado el 02/11/2026
In depth · Pets and you
A registered microchip and a photo of you with your pet.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Get it used to the carrier before you need it.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Food, water and medication for several days, and its health booklet.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Find out who could take it and which shelters or hotels accept animals.
Government of Catalonia, Interior: "Emergency kit" (updated 26/02/2026, in Spanish) · consultado el 31/10/2026
Never leave a pet in a parked car.
WHO Europe, "#KeepCool in the heat" (08/06/2026) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Almost everyone affected by an emergency feels distress (anxiety, sadness, poor sleep, tiredness, irritability), and it usually improves over time.
WHO, "Mental health in emergencies" (06/05/2025) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Support from family and community helps.
WHO, "Mental health in emergencies" (06/05/2025) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Look after yourself: eat, drink, rest and avoid alcohol.
UNICEF Europe and Central Asia, "How parents can support their children and themselves following distressing events" (05/05/2023) · consultado el 02/11/2026
Samaritans: call 116 123 any time, from any phone, for free.
For urgent mental health help, use NHS 111 or ask your GP for an urgent appointment; if a life is at risk, call 999.
Our own advice
These tips in the guide do not come from an official source: they come from how homes, buildings and appliances work, or from common sense. We list them here so you know which ones they are.
In many buildings water is pumped up to the higher floors electrically: with no power, the water can go too.
With no power there is no lift: keep water and food upstairs and a torch by the door for the stairs.
With no power, electric garage doors and shutters will not move, and the front door will not open with a fob or keypad: find the manual release.
Someone who cannot hear: phone alerts vibrate, but agree who will pass on the news.
Water in 5 or 8 litre bottles, with the date written on each, and one small bottle per person where it can be found in the dark.
With no power, the electric ignition of a gas cooker will not spark: you need matches or a lighter.
A fitted gas cooker is fine for cooking, with its air vent clear.
One torch per person, ideally a head torch, one by each bed and another by the front door.
A 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank gives roughly 2 to 4 phone charges, depending on the phone.
Download the map of your area on your phone for offline use.
Saline and rehydration salts in the first aid kit.
Keep the cash in the waterproof bag, separate from your everyday wallet.
Check whether it is just your home: the fuse box and the neighbours' windows.
Switch off the hob, oven, iron and heaters, and leave one light on so you know when the power is back.
A text needs signal but not internet; in flight mode neither texts nor alerts arrive, so turn it off now and then.
Do not use the lift; if someone is stuck inside, do not force the doors: call 999 and keep talking to them.
When the power comes back, plug devices back in gradually.
Find your water stopcock and the one for the boiler or hot water tank.
Wet wipes, hand gel and bin bags cover washing and the toilet when the water is off.
Drinking water first for babies, older people and anyone unwell; other water for the toilet and washing up.
When the water comes back, run the cold tap until it runs clear; if it stays cloudy, do not drink it and ask your water company.
Do not drink water from an unknown source, do not add bleach to drinking water unless you are officially told to, and do not mix bleach with other cleaning products.
Most British homes have no air conditioning and hold the heat.
Most gas boilers need electricity to work.
The warm room: small, with a door, ideally without outside walls; gaps blocked with towels, and aired for a few minutes a day.
Bring in or tie down anything the wind could blow away: bins, garden furniture, trampolines.
Stay indoors, away from windows, in a storm; do not shelter under trees or go to look at the sea.
Check on neighbours who live alone, by phone if you cannot get there.
On a train, follow the staff and do not step onto the track; on a plane, follow the crew and leave your bags behind.
Tell the people around you about an alert, especially older people and anyone without a phone.
In a long power cut the phone masts can go down and alerts may not arrive.
Do not call 999 to ask whether an alert is real, and do not go out to look at the danger.
Use flood barriers or air brick covers if you have them.
Do not go back for belongings, or take routes you were not given.
FFP2 masks filter dust and smoke particles, not gases.
A portable jump starter gets the car going with a flat battery without waiting for another car, and charges your phone; jump leads need another car's battery.
In the car, a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, a blanket, water, snacks and a phone charger; in snow, a full tank.
If the medical equipment's battery is about to run out and the power is not back, call 999 and say when it will stop.
Keep the medical equipment charged all the time, not only when a storm is forecast.
With someone who has dementia or gets frightened: short, calm sentences, one at a time, and someone stays with them.
No candles or flames near oxygen.
Film your home room by room and photograph valuables; keep a copy outside the house.
Before cleaning or throwing anything away, photograph the damage and the height the water reached, and keep receipts for urgent work.
Ask your insurer before throwing away things that cannot be cleaned, such as carpets and mattresses.
Explain it to children on a calm day, and give them a job: feeling useful calms them.
Get your news from one source, at set times, not all day.