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Power cuts

Think about how power cut might affect your home and what you can do to minimise its impact. For example, consider which devices rely on electricity: lights, stove, fridge, washing machine, TV, radio, and charging your devices. Electronic door locks and gates may also stop working. In many cases, your home’s water supply and sewage system depend on electricity too. During prolonged power cuts, shops, chemists, and petrol stations might be closed. Make sure you have all the essential supplies at home to manage on your own for at least a week. Better safe than sorry - so stock up today!

Water supply and sewage systemHeatingHousehold suppliesCommunication services and cashWhat to do during a power outage?

Water supply and sewage system

Store drinking water at home if your water supply depends on electricity or if you’re unsure how it works. If you’re connected to a public water system, check with your local council or water company to find out if and how water supply is ensured during a power cut.

  • Make sure to have at least one day's of drinking water supply at home (3 litres of drinking water per person per day). Think about where you could get additional drinking water if needed. You can locate the nearest natural water source online from here.
  • If you collect water from a natural source, including melted snow, boil it at a high temperature for 10 minutes or use water purification methods such as filters or tablets.
  • Pay attention to announcements from your local council about water supply for residents.
  • Remember, during a power cut, sewage systems may also stop working, which could lead to flooding, contamination, and the spread of diseases. As an alternative, you can use rubbish bags placed in the toilet or consider portable or composting toilets.

Heating

If your home heating depends on electricity, think about alternative options. For central heating, check with your local council or service provider whether and how heating will function during a power cut in your area.

  • If you have a stove, fireplace, or wood-burning oven, make sure they are properly maintained and use them responsibly keeping in mind fire safety.
  • If these options are unavailable, focus on keeping just one room warm. Close doors, windows, and ventilation openings, and seal any gaps where heat could escape.
  • When using alternative heating devices, such as gas heaters, follow the operating instructions and fire safety guidelines carefully.
  • If you have a generator, ensure it is in working order and that you have enough fuel. You can find information about emergency fuel stations online.
  • If it gets too cold at home, consider staying with nearby friends or family or contact your local council for assistance.

Household supplies

Keep a stock of food at home that you can use even if cooking isn’t an option. A grill, camping stove, or portable cooker can also be helpful for preparing meals—just make sure to follow all fire safety rules!

  • Your food supply should include items you normally eat and can rotate regularly. Don’t forget about your pets!
  • Some of the food should be easy to prepare and have a long shelf life. Good options include ready-to-eat items like canned food, crackers, biscuits, nuts, and muesli bars.
  • Remember, never leave an open flame unattended, as burning produces toxic gases. Use camping stoves, portable cookers, and outdoor grills only outside!
  • Ensure you have flashlight or candles at home (or other alternative light sources). It’s also a good idea to keep spare batteries in stock.
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Communication services and cash

During a prolonged power cut, ATMs and shops may stop working.

  • Keep some cash in your wallet so you can pay even if card payments aren’t available. It’s a good idea for everyone to have enough cash set aside to cover a week’s essential expenses. Even a piggy bank might hold enough for small purchases.
  • Make sure your power banks are fully charged! These can be used to charge your phone, lamp, radio, and other essential devices. Use them sparingly and only when necessary to extend their usage time.
  • If communication and electricity are unavailable, stay informed about the situation using a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Alternatively, you can use a car radio - just make sure to keep your fuel tank at least half full at all times. Remember, the government shares updates on ERR channels and Vikerraadio. You'll find more information about the communications channels in crisis from this link.
  • Find out from your local government office where your nearest resilience centre is located. They can provide information, advice, and assistance during emergencies.
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What to do during a power outage?

  • Turn off your electrical devices.
  • If your power company hasn't told you about the outage, let them know about it (check for helplines here).
  • Use alternative ways for heating your home, getting water, cooking food, and staying informed. To keep warm, stay in one room, and keep doors and windows closed.
  • Avoid opening your fridge and freezer too often so the food stays cold longer.
  • Use battery-powered devices, like your phone, sparingly and only when really needed. Turn off apps that use a lot of energy on your phone.
  • Use alternative energy sources (like generators or batteries) wisely and only if necessary, to make them last longer.

If you're struggling to manage safely at home during a power outage, reach out to your local government for help.




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