Prepare for power cuts

If a power cut takes place in the middle of winter, it’s good to be prepared in case it leaves you without heat and light for a prolonged period of time. It’s also good to know that your Direct Line Home Contents Insurance can cover you for the cost of some related damage such as spoiled freezer goods…

Power cuts can happen for a variety of reasons: there could be a problem with the local or national network, a tripped switch or fault in your home, or a disconnected power supply due to building works (you should get advance notice of this by letter from the council) or due to an unpaid bill.

Find the cause of the cut

You can often ascertain the cause of the power cut by looking to see if it has affected the rest of the street’s supply. If this gives no clues, then contact your local electricity distribution company. You can get the number from www.nationalgrid.com/UK, or from the details on your electrics bill. They may ask you to check your trip switch and to look at the display on your meter so make sure you know where these are and keep a torch nearby to guide you there. If they are already aware of an interruption, you may get a recorded message that will tell you that they are dealing with the problem already.

If the problem is not associated with the grid, then something may have happened to the electrics in your home. You should first check whether the circuit breaker in your fuse box has been ‘tripped’ (this refers to the ‘trip switch’ in your fuse box which will point the wrong way if it has gone off). This can happen, as a safety measure, when your system becomes overloaded. If your trip switch seems okay and the power refuses to return, then you may need to call an electrician out. Members of Direct Line’s Home Response 24 home emergency cover (stating electrics on their policy) benefit from access to thousands of skilled tradesmen, including electricians, ready to help you 24 hours a day should such an event occur. You can now get this from just £2 a month. Alternatively, if you have a Direct Line Home Insurance Plus policy, you will have this cover under the Home Emergency section.

Be on standby

The most obvious piece of advice is to have an alternative source of light handy should power be interrupted. You can use candles (although these should never be left unattended), although a couple of torches – one per member of the family – are a safer idea. If you only have candles, don’t forget to keep matches or a lighter nearby! It’s also wise to leave one light switch on, so you know when the power comes back on.

When the power goes down, your heating will probably be affected too. Try to retain the heat in one room by congregating together and keeping doors closed. Make sure you can easily locate cosy clothing and blankets for all the family. And if you can make a hot drink – on a gas stove lit with a match, for example – then make regular batches to help everyone stay warm.

If you have neighbours who are not so capable of looking after themselves (if they are old or infirm, for example) then make the effort to see if they are ok. If the power cut goes on for some time, a hot drink and some company can be hugely appreciated.

You should also switch off and unplug any sensitive electronic appliances such as personal computers, videos, hi-fi, TV, satellite receivers and answering machines. This will prevent them from being damaged when the power returns.

Plus, don’t open fridges and freezers any more than necessary. Freezers without power will start to defrost, so place a towel on the floor beneath to avoid a flood. If food does perish as a result, it can be more expensive than you think so it’s good to know that Contents Insurance automatically covers you for any fridge or freezer content loss, up to £500 (unlimited for Direct Line Home Insurance Plus Policy). If the power cut is a deliberate act of the electricity supplier (for example disconnecting power for building works), Direct Line does not cover any loss of food. However, electricity suppliers should provide their customers with warning in such circumstances.

So don’t wait for a power cut to happen before you take action. Get covered for an emergency with Direct Line Home Contents Insurance and Home Response 24 today.