Keep warm in a power cut UK: a plain guide for the first day
Last reviewed 24 October 2026 · 6 min read
Quick checklist
Quick checklist
0 of 8 doneWhy a power cut can mean no heating
Many gas boilers need mains electricity to run their controls and pumps, so a power cut can switch off your heating too. This is true of most modern gas boilers but not every system, so check your boiler's manual. Check your boiler's manual to see whether yours does. Never alter or repair a gas boiler yourself. Call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Electric heaters, heated blankets and electric underfloor heating all stop in a power cut.
How to keep warm in a power cut in the UK
Choose one room
Heat travels, so a small space is easier to keep warm than a whole house. Pick a small room, ideally one with fewer outside walls, and move there together.
- Close the curtains to hold in heat.
- Shut the door, and roll a towel along the bottom of it to block draughts.
- Close other doors to keep warmth in.
- Everyone stays together, so you share body warmth.
Wear layers
Several thin layers hold more warmth than one thick one. Put on a base layer, a jumper, a hat, warm socks and slippers. A thermal base layer set (Retailer link coming soon) adds warmth under clothes you already own and costs little. Check the current price.
Use blankets and a sleeping bag
Wrap up on the sofa or bed with blankets. Fleece blankets (Retailer link coming soon) are cheap, light and easy to share. A season-rated sleeping bag (Retailer link coming soon) holds heat well, but it costs more. If you own one for camping, put it with your blankets now.
Eat and drink
Your body makes heat from food, so eat regular meals and snacks you can eat cold. Our store cupboard essentials list has ideas. A hot drink helps, and a vacuum flask (Retailer link coming soon) filled before the power goes will stay warm for hours. If a storm warning is out, fill it that day.
Use a hot-water bottle with care
A hot-water bottle with a cover (Retailer link coming soon) is comforting to hold. Only use one if you can fill it safely. Follow the maker's instructions on filling, use the cover, and replace old or split bottles. For babies and young children, ask your health visitor or NHS 111 how to keep them warm and safe overnight.
Keep an eye on the temperature
NHS advice for cold weather is to heat the rooms you use to at least 18°C if you can. In a power cut you may not reach that. A battery indoor thermometer (Retailer link coming soon) shows how cold the room is, which helps you decide when to get help. If anyone is shivering hard, drowsy or confused, call 999 or NHS 111.
What not to do
These four rules matter most.
- Do not use a gas cooker, oven or hob to heat a room.
- Do not use a barbecue, charcoal, camping stove, gas heater or generator indoors, in a garage or near a window or door. They give off carbon monoxide, a gas you cannot see or smell, and it can kill.
- Do not run a car engine in a garage to warm up.
- Do not rely on candles for warmth. They give little heat and are a fire risk. Use torches instead. Our guide to the best lights for a power cut has options.
Fit a working carbon monoxide alarm, and test it as the maker advises. Our guide to how to test a carbon monoxide alarm shows how.
Looking out for others
Babies, older people, and anyone who is ill, disabled or on medical equipment can get cold or unwell more quickly. Check on neighbours if you can do so safely.
- Report the cut. Call 105 in Great Britain to reach your local network operator. In Northern Ireland, look up your network operator's number now and keep it with your contacts.
- Ask about extra help. The Priority Services Register is a free list for people who may need support in a power cut. Our guide to power cuts when someone relies on medical equipment explains who can join and how.
- Get health advice. Call NHS 111 if someone feels unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.
Plan ahead
A short plan makes the first night much easier. Add warmth to your household emergency plan, and look at our power cut checklist for the rest of the kit.
Do this today (free)
- Choose the room your household would use in a power cut.
- Gather blankets, jumpers, hats and socks and keep them in one place.
- Find a torch and put it in that room.
- Save 105 in your phone and write it on paper. In Northern Ireland, look up your network operator's number.
- Test your carbon monoxide alarm.
If you have £10, £25 or £50
These are budgets, not quotes. Prices change, so check the current price first.
- About £10: a flask and a spare pair of warm socks.
- About £25: add a fleece blanket or two and a thermal base layer.
- About £50: add a sleeping bag and a battery thermometer.
Questions people ask
How do I keep warm in a power cut?
Pick one room, close the curtains and doors, and put on layers: a base layer, a jumper, a hat and warm socks. Use blankets or a sleeping bag, and have hot drinks from a flask. Do not use a cooker, barbecue or camping stove to heat your home, because of the carbon monoxide risk.
Will my central heating work in a power cut?
Often not. Many gas boilers and heating systems need mains electricity for their pumps and controls, so a power cut can switch your heating off too. Check your boiler's manual or ask the maker. Do not try to alter or repair a gas boiler yourself; call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Is it safe to use a camping stove or gas heater indoors in a power cut?
No. Camping stoves, gas heaters, barbecues, charcoal and generators give off carbon monoxide, a gas you cannot see or smell, and it can kill. Never use them indoors, in a garage or near a window or door. Fit a working carbon monoxide alarm and use layers, blankets and a single warm room instead.
Who needs extra help to stay warm in a power cut?
Babies, older people, and anyone who is ill, disabled or relies on powered medical equipment can get cold or unwell more quickly. Check on them early. Call 105 in Great Britain to report a cut and ask about the Priority Services Register. If someone seems unwell, call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Sources and further reading
Sources
firesidefolk.com/power-cuts/keep-warm-in-a-power-cut-uk · Last reviewed 24 October 2026 · Fireside Folk