Severe or extended power cuts are relatively rare in the UK, but bad weather or a failure of infrastructure can cause outages, and in winter, this can be disastrous for households and businesses. At best, losing power for any length of time is an inconvenience, but at worst, it can be dangerous – especially for vulnerable people.
However, with proper preparation, you can keep your home warm and your family safe. Our guide will help you make an effective plan, so you have backup heating and fuel solutions to see you through any winter power cuts.
Emergency heating solutions
The best solution for emergency heating during a power cut is a portable gas heater. These standalone units provide reliable warmth without requiring any electrical connection, making them ideal for use in an emergency.
Benefits of portable gas heaters:
- Generate strong, immediate heat that can warm a room quickly
- Completely independent of the electrical grid
- Easy to move between rooms as needed
- Cost-efficient to run compared to electric alternatives
- Safe when used correctly with proper ventilation
- Available in various sizes to suit different rooms
At Four Seasons Fuel, we supply a range of propane and butane gas cylinders to power your portable heater. You can always call us for assistance if you have questions about which fuel type is best.
Other backup heating options include:
- Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces: If you have a fireplace or wood burner, ensure you have a good stock of seasoned firewood before winter arrives
- Multi-fuel stoves: These versatile appliances can burn wood, coal, or smokeless fuel, to help keep you warm until the power comes back on
- Hot water bottles and thermal blankets: For personal warmth, traditional hot water bottles (filled before the power goes out) and emergency thermal blankets provide additional comfort
Cooking during power cuts
Power outages don’t just affect heating; your cooking options are limited if you rely on an electric cooker. And nobody wants to go too long without a hot meal in winter! Your gas hob will still work, and another solution is a gas-powered barbecue. Not just for use in the summer, a gas BBQ is simple to operate, suitable for boiling water, and can be used safely in a covered outdoor environment, as long as there’s proper ventilation. Our BBQ and patio gas cylinders will ensure you’ve got the right fuel to cook a hot meal even when the electricity is off.
If you have a camping stove, you’ll find this works perfectly for making hot drinks, warming soup and preparing simple meals. Just remember to stock up on Campingaz fuel ahead of time! If you don’t already have a camping stove, our double cast iron boiling ring is suitable for camping but will also allow you to cook in a power cut, and can be powered by either propane or butane.
Your winter power cut supplies checklist
Beyond heating and cooking, a well-prepared household should have several key items ready before winter weather strikes:
- Torches with spare batteries: Keep several torches in easily accessible locations throughout your home
- Candles and matches: Remember to use candles with caution and never leave them unattended when lit
- Fully charged mobile phone and power bank: Keep a portable power bank charged so you’ve got the use of your phone
- List of emergency numbers: Including UK Power Networks (105), your energy provider, and local fuel suppliers
- Bottled water supply: Aim for 3-4 litres per person per day for drinking and cooking
- Non-perishable foods: Tinned goods, dried pasta, rice, cereal, and long-life milk are all useful to have in your cupboards. Don’t forget to stock up on pet food, too
- Kettle for gas hob or BBQ: If you have gas cooking capability, a kettle will make life in a power cut easier
- Well-stocked first aid kit and essential medications: Check it’s complete and nothing has expired
- Warm blankets and sleeping bags: Extra bedding for cold nights
- Toolkit: Make sure you have basic tools for minor repairs
We also recommend always having one or two spare gas bottles at home. This simple precaution ensures you won’t be left without heating or cooking capability when you need it most.
What to do when the power goes out
When a power cut strikes, follow these steps:
- Check if it’s just your property: Look at neighbouring houses to determine if it’s a local or widespread outage
- Report the outage: Call the National Grid’s power cut helpline on 105 to report the problem and get updates
- Turn off electrical appliances: Prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored
- Set up emergency heating: Get your portable gas heater running in your main living space
- Dress warmly: Layer clothing and use blankets to maintain body heat
- Prepare your cooking solution: If it’s set to be a long outage, set up your gas BBQ or camping stove in a safe, well-ventilated location
Preparing your home before winter
Taking preventative steps before winter arrives can reduce your vulnerability to power cuts and their effects. Here’s what to prioritise:
- Home insulation
Proper insulation helps your home retain heat longer during power cuts:
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- Check loft insulation is adequate (at least 270mm depth recommended)
- Seal gaps around windows and doors with draught excluders
- Use heavy curtains to minimise heat loss through windows
- Consider secondary glazing for single-glazed windows
- Fuel stock management
If you rely on LPG, coal, or firewood for heating:
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- Order fuel well before the winter season when demand is lower
- Keep fuel stores covered and dry
- Monitor fuel levels regularly throughout winter
- Maintain a minimum reserve for emergencies
Our fuel delivery service covers homes and businesses throughout Sussex, so make sure you place your fuel order long before your supply starts running low.
- Heating system maintenance tips:
- Service your boiler annually before winter
- Bleed radiators to ensure efficiency
- Know how to restart your boiler after a power cut
- Understand which heating systems will work during outages – for example, your gas boiler won’t work without electricity
How to stay safe during power cuts
When using gas heaters and cooking equipment, follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of accidents:
- Ventilation is essential: Always ensure adequate ventilation when using gas heaters or camping stoves
- Carbon monoxide awareness: Install carbon monoxide detectors in rooms where you’re using gas appliances
- Clear surroundings: Keep flammable materials at least one metre away from heaters
- Supervision: Never leave gas heaters or stoves unattended, especially overnight
- Stable positioning: Place heaters and stoves on flat, stable surfaces away from high-traffic areas
Winter power cuts are unpredictable, but investing in portable heaters and maintaining an emergency fuel supply can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a genuine crisis.
Contact us today to discuss your emergency heating needs and ensure you have the fuel supplies necessary to stay warm all winter long.