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What to do in an emergency

Find out what to do if you:

  • have lost electricity or gas supply
  • think you have a gas leak
  • are at risk of flooding or have an escape of water 
  • have any other kind of emergency including repairs

Power cut? Contact your local network operator online or call 105, the free power cut emergency number.

You can find out who your provider is here.

In the event of a planned power cut to your home, your energy provider will usually give you several days’ notice. You can check for planned power cuts on your provider’s website using the link above. Sometimes severe weather or damage to the network can disrupt power supplies. Either way, it is always a good idea to be prepared, particularly if there is someone with additional needs at home. 

Preparing for planned or unexpected power cuts.

Below we have provided some guidance about:

  • How to prepare for a planned or unplanned power cut
  • What to do if there is a planned or unexpected power cut to your home
  • What do after a power cut
  • Other frequently asked questions

Severe weather

If you are a support provider and planning for severe weather, take a look at this leaflet from the Energy Networks Association. It explains the precautions you need to have in place and who to contact in the event of a power cut or if you smell gas. Sometimes severe winter weather can cause problems, for example, gas appliances like boilers are more vulnerable to a breakdown in very cold weather.

 

Emergency FAQs - powercuts

How can I prepare for a power cut?
In the event of a power cut (planned or unplanned), we recommend that you plan for the worst case scenario. We have pulled together this handy guide.

This guide can help tenants who may get little support or support providers who provide support to our tenants.

How to prepare for a power cut
• Keep a torch handy – it is much safer than using candles, which can be a fire hazard
• Keep a blanket and warm clothing handy
• Fill a vacuum flask or/and hot water bottle in advance of a planned power cut
• Stock your cupboard with food and drink that doesn't require energy to prepare it
• Keep your mobile phone and laptop fully charged
• Register for the energy provider's priority register
• Talk to the medical provider about a power outage plan for any powered medical equipment and refrigerated medicines
• Check the network operator's website or social media channels for updates
• Keep fuel tanks for vehicles at least half full for emergency travel, as fuel pumps may not work if there is a power cut in your local area
• Make sure that you know how to use the manual option on any electric-powered doors and gates
• Save 105 to your phone – you can use this number to report unexpected power cuts
• Know the location of your fuse box, gas meter, or mains water supply tap and how they operate

It is a good idea also to prepare a box of emergency items, such as:
• First aid kit and any prescription medication
• Spare charged phone
• Spare torches and batteries
• Portable charger or power bank
• List of emergency contacts in case your phone runs out of charge
• Important documents
• Flask and hot water bottle
• Battery-powered or wind-up radio (useful for keeping up with relevant local news)


How can I get help with the local network operator?
If anyone has additional needs because of their medical or personal circumstances, you can contact the local network operator and ask about the free Priority Services Register.

The Priority Services Register is a free service to help people who have additional needs. It’s available to customers in England, Scotland and Wales. You can sign up by contacting your local network operator and energy supplier. Each keeps their own register.

Help you can get through the Priority Services Register
The type of help available will vary, depending on the individual circumstances and the support from their local network operator. All network operators can offer:

Advance notice of planned power cuts.
If anyone relies on the energy supply for medical reasons their network operator can tell them about planned power cuts. For example, when there are planned engineering works. Being on a Priority Services Register won’t mean the electricity supply will be restored more quickly or guarantee a power supply if there is a power cut.

Priority support in an emergency
Network operators can provide heating and cooking facilities or accommodation and direct contact and updates, such as by phone.

An identification and password scheme
This could include arranging a password or pictures that only you and the local network operator will know. The network operator will use these forms of identification so you can feel confident they are who they say they are if they need to visit or make contact.

Being registered for priority services does not guarantee a continuous supply of energy. As supply interruptions can happen all year round, it’s important that everyone is prepared and knows what to do if they happen.

Who is eligible?
You are eligible to register if you:
• have reached state pension age
• are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
• are recovering from an injury
• have a hearing or sight condition
• have a mental health condition
• have extra communication needs

You may also be eligible for other reasons, for example if you need short-term support after being in hospital.

It’s best to contact the network operator to check. And once registered, it’s important to keep their supplier or network operator updated if their circumstances change.

If you are a support agency, we would ask that you ensure that you help the tenants you support to register for this Priority Services Register. You can find out who your provider is here: https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator
How much notice will I get of a planned power cut to my home?
• In the unlikely event of a planned power cut to your home, your energy provider will usually give you several days’ notice. You can check for planned power cuts on your provider’s website.
• You can find out who your provider is here.
• You can also visit powercut105.com and inputting your postcode, you can check 24 hours before a planned power cut in your area.
What should I do if there is a power cut in my home?
• Switch off appliances - turn off items such as irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers, as they could pose a hazard if the power comes back on when you are not there or they can be damaged by power surges
• Leave a light on so you know when the power comes back on
• Wear warm layers such as hats, gloves and blankets
• Close doors and curtains to keep the warmth in the room
• Do not use a gas stove, BBQ, candles or oven to heat your home
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed and place a blanket over the appliance to keep its contents cooler longer
• If your mobile phone is running low on battery:
o Use the extra power saving mode if you have it
o Cut apps running in the background
o Turn down screen brightness
o Top up your battery in your car, if you have a car charger
• Check and see if your neighbours are safe, especially elderly or vulnerable ones
• If the power cut is unplanned or unexpected, contact your local network operator online or call 105, the free power cut emergency number. You can find out who your provider is here.
Can I use my phone during a power cut?
Cordless phones probably won't work during a power cut. They take their power from the mains, and most don't have battery backup. Traditional corded phones will work – you might want to keep one handy, so you can plug it in and make phone calls if you have a power outage. In most cases, mobile phones will work, so it is a good idea to keep them charged.
What if I need to power medical equipment or store medicine during a powercut??
Know Your Medical Needs - Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines.

Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
What about my food in the fridge and freezer during a powercut?
• If you keep your fridge and freezer doors closed, chilled and frozen food will last longer. UK Power Networks says food should keep for between four to six hours in the fridge and 15 to 24 hours in the freezer if you can avoid opening it.

Covering your freezer with blankets while your electricity is off will give extra insulation and could keep your food fresh for longer.
• If food defrosts in a freezer, bin it. Eating items that have thawed and then been refrozen can be dangerous.
• Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator (meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, and leftovers) after four hours without power or a cold source like dry ice.
Can I use the lift or stair lift in a power cut?
In a power cut, do not use a stair lift or a passenger lift. If you need help, call a friend, neighbour or family member. If you are struggling, you can contact us in the usual way.

Think about when the power cut is planned and avoid using the lift near this time.

If you are in a passenger lift when a power cut happens, the lift is likely to stop and you will become trapped until the power returns or you are manually released. Please note, this could take several hours. Press the emergency button and talk to the operator who will respond and organise help. Try to remain calm and not panic. The emergency lighting will work so that you can see.

If you are using a stair lift when a power cut happens, it is likely to complete its journey, as most stair-lifts have a battery back-up, however it may not work after this, until the power is restored. Stair lifts should not be used in an emergency situation. In the event that the stair-lift fails mid-journey, keep clam and try not to panic. Seek assistance if you can or take extra care to release yourself from the chair if you are able.
What about my pet during a powercut?
• According to Electricity North West, pets that require heat, such as fish or reptiles, should manage a couple of hours without power. If the power cut lasts longer than that, you may need to unplug your filters and remove them from the tank to stop toxins from entering the water.
• If you have fish, you could also purchase a portable dissolved oxygen meter and test the oxygen levels in the water. If oxygen is needed, take a small cup of the tank water and pour it back in or make a figure of eight in the water.
Will my boiler need resetting when power returns?
• Domestic boilers should automatically reset once the power returns, but if not, you will need to report a repair.
• We have plans in place to check any communal boilers that are known to need a manual reset.
What checks should I do when power is restored?
• When power is restored, please check that the power to your devices has returned, especially those that were in use when the power was cut. Please check that electrical appliances that are not in use are switched off/unplugged, especially any air fryers and/or charging devices.
• Fire alarms should be unaffected as fire alarm panels are fitted with batteries which can run without mains power for at least 24 hours, subject to there being an activation on site. All batteries would re-charge when fire alarm power is restored.
• Other electrical devices and installations in any communal areas should also automatically reset or recharge following a power cut, however if you notice a problem, you will need to report a repair.
• We have plans in place to check any communal devices or installations that are known to need a manual reset.
Will my smoke alarm still work during or after a power cut?
All smoke detectors will continue to work during and after a power cut. Brand new smoke detectors will last up to six months without power. All hard wired smoke alarms are fitted with a battery back-up. Batteries in smoke detectors are changed during routine servicing appointments, as required, however in the event of a battery becoming low, a warning bleep will sound. If you hear the warning sound, you will need to report a repair.
Will my intruder alarm still work during or after a power cut?
• Intruder alarm systems have battery back-ups which will last approximately 12 hours. Batteries in intruder alarm systems are changed during routine servicing appointments, as required, however in the event of a battery becoming low, a warning bleep will sound.
• If you hear the warning sound, you will need to report a repair.
Will there be any emergency lighting or heating in the communal areas of supported living schemes during a powercut??
• All emergency lighting is designed to operate for a minimum of three hours in the event of a power failure, and will recharge once the system is re-energised.
• It is likely that communal heating will not work during a power cut, however this should return once the power has been restored.
• We have plans in place to check any heating systems that are known to need a manual reset.
Can I travel during a power cut?
Depending on the cause, power cuts may affect your home or street. On rare occasions, a much larger area may be affected. It is good idea to only travel is you really need to, especially by car, as traffic lights will be not be working. A power cut may also affect fuel stations. Shops and supermarkets may also need to close. If you are using public transport, check before you travel.
How will a power cut affect security of external entrances?
• If there are electrical devices which control access to your scheme building, including a communal entry system operated with a fob, these will have a battery back-up and should cover a blackout period of up to 4hrs. Intercoms however are not likely to work during a power cut, unless they are linked to a warden-call system.
• Any powered electrical gates to schemes, etc. are unlikely to work as usual, but will be able to be operated manually in the event of an emergency. If you think you will need to operate the gate manually during any power cut, please contact your scheme coordinator who will provide you with the necessary information and/or instruction.
• If you notice a problem with any devices or installations after a power cut, you will need to report a repair.
• We have plans in place to check any communal devices or installations that are known to need a manual reset.
Will a power cut affect any scheduled or emergency repairs or compliance checks?
• In the event of a power-cut, we will re-schedule appointments for any planned works, repairs and/or inspections. Emergency repairs will continue, as long as it is safe to do so.
• You can report a repair here. You can also check the status of your repair in your online account.
How do I report an emergency repair?
For out-of-hours emergency repairs, please call us on 03333 202675. You can report non-urgent out-of-hours repairs online or by email.

Find out what an emergency repair is here https://www.residewithprogress.org.uk/information-for-professionals/support-providers/report-a-repair/#https://www.residewithprogress
What do I do if I think there is a gas leak?
If you can smell gas or think there’s a gas leak, stay safe by following this advice:

Open your doors and windows so the gas can escape
Don't smoke or use matches or cigarette lighters
Don't turn light switches or anything electrical on or off, including mobile phones
If you can, turn off your gas supply at the meter and leave it switched off until you're sure it's safe to turn it back on again

Then you should go outside and call the National Gas Service Emergency Line on 0800 111 999 to report a suspected gas leak. They'll advise you from there.

Don't go back inside until they've given you the all clear.

Call us on 03333 202675 if you don't seem to have gas coming to your property, but you don't smell a gas leak.

What do I do if there is a flood or escape of water?
If you are being affected by flooding (you can check your flood risk and keep up-to-date with the latest situation here: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/) or experiencing an urgent water leak in your home, then please contact us immediately on 03333 202675.

If water has escaped and caused damage, we call this ‘escape of water’ – and it’s important to know what to do if it happens.

What is escape of water?
Escape of water is the insurance term used to describe a water leak within your home. It’s not the same as flooding which is often from extreme weather or another external event.
What are the five most common causes of escape of water?
• Household appliance leaks, for example washing machines
• Sinks and bath drains
• Frozen pipes
• Radiator or boiler leaks
• Rainwater gutters

How can escape of water damage affect me?
Escape of water can damage your personal belongings and your home, so we strongly recommend you have suitable contents insurance. If the damage to your home is significant, you may need to move into temporary accommodation whilst repairs are done. Speak to us if you have any flooding in your home.

How can I protect my home from escape of water damage?

Household appliance leaks
Where we are responsible for household appliances, we will ensure they are fitted by a competent person. If you are responsible for your own household appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashers, ensure they are fitted by a competent person, e.g., a plumber as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check your appliances for any blockages and make sure you clear out any filters regularly. Your support worker can help you.

Sinks and bath drains
Look out for signs of mould or wear and tear in the tile grout, and make sure sealant is maintained and replaced when needed. If you are concerned about mould please let us know.

Do not pour cooking fat or oil down your kitchen sink or drains; they will begin to run slowly and eventually block up – causing water to overflow.

Frozen pipes
When the outdoor temperature is below freezing (0° C), try to keep your heating on frost protection to prevent the water in your pipes from freezing. Your support worker can help you to do this.
Smart water detectors can help prevent a small leak becoming larger. It’s worth checking with your utility company if these could be provided (sometimes free of charge).

Radiator / boiler leaks
If you need to regularly top up a gas combination boiler, you may have a leak. Please report this contact us immediately on 03333 202675. Look out for small rusting patches, water on the pipes, or dampness on the floor.

Rainwater gutters
Ensure all external gutters and down pipes are clear of grass and leaves. Report any issues to ourselves.

Stop taps
Ensure you know where to find your stop tap in your home. This is usually under your sink, but may also be under the stairs or in a downstairs toilet.
Every six months, make sure you turn your stop tap off and on to help prevent it from seizing, or ask your support worker if they can do this for you.
There is often a small valve called a ballofix.

This has a slot for a screwdriver, and by turning the slot a quarter turn, you can isolate the supply to the basin, sink, bath, and toilet cistern. This isolates to one appliance, allowing you to still get water to all other parts of your home. Again, contact us or your support worker if you need help.

What do I do if I have an escape of water?
If you have escape of water in your home, such as a water leak, please take reasonable action to stop any further damage to your home. If you don’t take action, this may affect your insurance claim and you may need to pay a contribution. If you need help, you can ask your support worker.

We recommend you:
• Switch off the water supply using the stop tap
• Switch off the appliance causing the leak if possible, or avoid using it
• Move your personal items from the affected area if possible
• Place a container to catch the leak if possible
• Soak up the leak with towels or mop if possible

Please call us on contact us immediately on 03333 202675 to report this as an emergency repair. The line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If needed, we’ll then send someone to help you as soon as possible to stop the leak, or the damage caused.

If your home has any escape of water, please move your personal items from the affected area to avoid damage if possible. As a housing provider, we do not insure your personal items and we strongly recommend you have suitable contents insurance.