Power Cut With a Baby or Pets: UK Guide

Feeding a baby safely

• GOV.UK says ready-to-feed formula is the safest option when there’s no tap water or no way to boil it. Keep a few days’ worth with your kit.
• Powdered formula needs freshly boiled water. If you have to use bottled water, GOV.UK says check the label for sodium and sulphate limits, boil it, and use it within 30 minutes of cooling.
• Keep spare sterile bottles or disposable pre-sterilised teats, since electric sterilisers won’t work.
• If you breastfeed, keep going. Have snacks and water within reach for yourself.

Keeping a baby warm and safe

• Keep everyone in one room, close the curtains and shut doors to unused rooms.
• Dress your baby in layers and use a baby sleeping bag of the right tog for the room. Never use adult sleeping bags, hot water bottles or electric blankets for babies.
• Use a battery lantern or torch instead of candles, which GOV.UK warns against.
• A room thermometer helps you judge layers when the heating is off.
• Stock nappies and wipes for at least 3 days, as the official checklist advises.

Looking after pets

• Keep at least 3 days of pet food and bottled water, as GOV.UK’s checklist includes.
• Fish tanks: a battery-powered air pump keeps fish alive for hours. Insulate the tank with blankets to slow cooling.
• Reptiles and other heat-dependent pets: ask your vet now about safe ways to keep them warm without power.
• Keep pet medication that needs refrigeration in a closed fridge, and know how long it lasts out of the fridge.
• Dogs and cats get unsettled in the dark and quiet. Keep them indoors and close to you.

Frequently asked questions