Power cut: how to prepare, and what to do when it happens

Updated 26 September 20263 min read

On 28 April 2025 at 12:33, the whole of mainland Spain and Portugal lost power at once. Most homes had it back that night or the next morning. It was a useful reminder: a long power cut is rarely dangerous, but it is much easier with a few things prepared.

In short

In a long power cut, more than the lights go: fridge, heating, lifts, card payments and sometimes mobile networks.
Have ready: a torch per person, a battery or crank radio, charged power banks, some cash, water and food that needs no cooking.
During the outage: keep the fridge closed, unplug sensitive devices, use your phone sparingly.
Never use a generator, barbecue or gas heater indoors: carbon monoxide kills.

What stops working

Lighting, fridge and freezer. Obvious, but it is what you notice first.
Heating and hot water. Many gas boilers and heat pumps need electricity to run.
Water in tall buildings, where pumps push it to the upper floors.
Lifts, garage doors, entry phones.
Card payments and ATMs. Shops that stay open may only take cash.
Mobile and internet. Networks may become slow or unavailable, especially as backup batteries run down.

Prepare before it happens

Light and information

A torch or headlamp for each person, with spare batteries
A battery or hand-crank radio — often the only way to follow official updates
Charged power banks, and the habit of keeping them charged

Everyday essentials

Some cash in small notes
Water for three days: about 6 litres per person
Food that needs no cooking or refrigeration
Important phone numbers on paper

Around the house

Know how to open your garage door or electric gate by hand
If someone depends on a powered medical device, ask the provider what to do in an outage
Warm layers and blankets within reach in winter

Most of this overlaps with a normal emergency kit. The full list is in the go bag checklist.

During the power cut

Keep the fridge and freezer closed. Every opening lets the cold out.
Unplug sensitive devices (computer, TV) to protect them when power returns. Leave one lamp switched on so you know when it’s back.
Prefer torches to candles. If you use candles, never leave them unattended.
Use your phone sparingly. Text rather than call, keep the lines free for emergencies, and save battery.
Listen to the radio for official instructions.
Avoid unnecessary journeys: traffic lights may be out.
Check on neighbours who live alone, are older or depend on medical equipment.

When the power comes back

Plug devices back in gradually, not all at once.
Check the food in the fridge and freezer. If in doubt, throw it out.
Recharge power banks and replace any batteries you used — so you’re ready next time.

Tip: print this page and tick things off as you go.

The 72H Kit

Rather have it done?

Everything on these lists that belongs in a bag, already chosen, tested and organised into seven modules. For 1–2 people.

See the kit

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