Loss of Gas or Electricity
The gas and electricity companies would be responsible for the practical and operational management of the incident. These companies have well established plans and procedures in place to respond to incidents, which can range from the management of a local incident to a national level disruption
What to do
Report outages
- If you experience a power cut, you can call ‘105’ to report it and get further information.
- For loss of gas, if in doubt call the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999.
Prepare for the effects
- Keep doors and windows closed, including internal doors. This will trap heat in one or two rooms.
- Block draughts by fitting draught excluders, or by rolling a towel and wedging it under your door.
- Dress warmly, layering up with cotton, wool or fleece. If it’s really chilly indoors you might benefit from outdoor clothes too, such as a coat, hat and scarf.
- Keep one light switch turned on so you know when the power returns.
- If you have neither gas or electricity, cook foods outside on a barbecue. Never use a barbeque inside a home, tent or caravan.
- Use foods that don’t require cooking, such as salad vegetables, tinned meats, breads and breakfast cereals.
If you smell gas
- Turn off the gas at the meter, ventilate the property, extinguish flames, and call 0800 111 999.
- Avoid using electrical switches and evacuate if the leak is in a cellar or basement.
We can all be better prepared
Our The ‘Are you ready’ booklet brings together advice from various organisation to help you and your family take simple steps to reduce risk, prepare for and respond to emergencies such as fire, flood and loss of power.
Stay tuned into the UK forecast
Ensure you have access to a phone, such as a charged mobile phone or land line that doesn’t rely on electricity to operate, and device chargers.
Emergency Supplies & Kit
A basic emergency kit should include a battery‑powered or wind‑up radio, torches, spare batteries, bottled water, tinned food, and a first aid kit.
Keep an eye on the temperature of your home
It is recommended that people who may require additional support sign up to the gas Priority Services Register (PSR) on 0800 389 8000.
Medication
Ensure that any medication is accessible and that you have a plan to obtain essential medication if the outage is prolonged.
Turn off Gas and Electricity
Make sure you know how to turn off your gas or electricity in an emergency. These could be in or outside of your property.
What to do if your property was flooded
Food
Do not refreeze any defrosted food this can cause food poisoning.
If you smell gas
Turn off the gas at the meter, ventilate the property, extinguish flames, and call 0800 111 999. Avoid using electrical switches and evacuate if the leak is in a cellar or basement.
Gas
In the case of a loss of gas, DO NOT simply turn on your own gas supply. A gas emergency engineer will visit every property to complete the safety checks required to turn a property’s gas supply and check gas appliances. Should further work need to be done on your gas appliance, a Gas Safe engineer will need to be called.
Supporting your Community
Community resilience means people and neighbourhoods using local skills, knowledge and resources to look after themselves and each other during emergencies, working alongside but not replacing emergency services. Being prepared—knowing the risks you face, having basic plans for your household, and identifying neighbours who may need extra help—reduces harm and speeds recovery, especially when responders must prioritise the most urgent cases.
Many communities formalise this readiness with a simple Community Emergency Plan template and supporting guidance, which captures practical arrangements and contact details, so groups can act quickly and coherently. Testing those plans is equally important: simple checks (for example, a call‑out to verify contacts) or full exercises (such as opening a local Place of Safety) reveal gaps and build confidence. Local multi‑agency groups, like the LRF Community Resilience Group in Gloucestershire, provide a toolkit, guidance and workshops to help communities prepare and practise.
Protecting your Business
Business continuity management (BCM) ensures that an organisation can continue operating during disruptions. It involves analysing business processes, assessing risks, and creating plans to maintain critical functions. Key steps include identifying potential threats, evaluating their impact, and developing strategies to mitigate risks.
The BCM plan should include clear procedures for recovery, regular testing, and updates. It also covers compliance with regulations like the Protect Duty, which addresses counter-terrorism measures. Regular testing ensures the plan’s effectiveness and readiness in case of emergencies. Business continuity management helps organisations identify the risks that could interrupt operations and put in place proportionate plans to reduce disruption and recover quickly. It’s essential because businesses with continuity arrangements are far more likely to survive major incidents—flooding, fire, cyberattacks or staff shortages—and small firms in particular can suffer disproportionate harm from even short interruptions. A simple, common‑sense approach—gather colleagues, list core activities, and assess what might go wrong and how likely it is—will reveal the biggest remaining risks to plan for.