Some very useful information, put together by West Felton WI.
Many thanks to the WI and to Colleen Hughes, editor of West Felton newsletter, for permission to send the advice out to the Ruyton and District Mailing List.
from Sue Ozagir
Changes in our weather patterns and political situations means that the possibility of power cuts is very real so it is a good idea to be prepared with regard to:
(a) lighting, (b) keeping warm and (c) keeping in touch
LIGHTING
Having a couple of wax candles is not the best way of providing lighting when the electricity goes off. First of all, they do not provide a great deal of light, they burn out and it is dangerous to walk round the house carrying a lit candle
Consider keeping good sized torches somewhere easy to get to, downstairs (kitchen drawer) and upstairs (bedside cabinet). Make sure they work and have a supply of spare batteries for them. LED torches provide better light – the higher the Lumens the brighter the torch will be.
Consider buying LED work lights to replace old torches as these are ultrabright and provide a wider area of light and can be suspended or stood on a surface
Head torches are also good to have to hand as they provide superbright focussed strong light to enable you to read, knit or crochet. They also leave your hands free if you have to cook or carry things around the house in a power cut. Long lasting batteries that can be charged using a USB cable. Available from camping sports/camping shops or online at around £10.
You can also get battery operated LED table lamps; and battery lights that look like ordinary switches - great for the bottom and top of the stairs.
KEEPING WARM
Not everyone is lucky enough to have an Aga and/or a wood burner so how else can we keep warm?
Hot drinks and hot water bottles are a great way to keep warm. Consider investing in a little Calor gas stove/ring found in camping shops or online. This can be used to heat up liquids for drinks and hot water bottles and even warm up foods. Make sure you buy extra cartridges – pack of 4 = £10.
Consider buying throws to have handy in the lounge for when you sit down at night – available for as little as £4.
Many stores and supermarkets now stock lounge wear or night wear in snuggly fabrics as well as bedding in fleece, brushed cotton and even 'teddy' bedding, which are much warmer to sleep in than cotton.
Heating – if we are in for long periods without electricity you could even buy a Calor gas heater.
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Being in the dark with no TV is very isolating. Make sure you can stay in touch.
Make sure your neighbours and friends have your phone/mobile number so they can check in on you. Keep your mobile fully charged and consider buying a POWER BANK so that you can still charge your phone even if the electricity has gone off.
A battery operated radio or even a rechargeable radio will provide company and keep you in touch with the news.
Register for the Priority Services Register with your energy providers if you are retired and or vulnerable to ensure you get priority support in case of power cuts.
