The clocks go back this weekend and it’s good to be prepared for what else that can bring
Householders should make sure they stockpile three items ahead of the weekend(Image: Getty Images)
Householders in Scotland are being urged to gather three essential items ahead of the weekend. The clocks fall back this weekend as Daylight Saving Time officially ends on Sunday, October 26 at 2am. The clocks will go back an hour signalling the start of start of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
And, of course, it means that the nights will darker as the days shorten. And in a depressing double whammy, it marks the time of year where the weather gets wetter and colder too.
Now householders are being told to make sure they have three things as it’s also the time of year where power cuts are at their most frequent.
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Electrical safety certification body NICEIC, said: “We are also in the midst of storm season, when power cuts are more of a risk.”
And seemingly right on cue, just days before the clocks go back, parts of the UK are expected to be battered by a Storm Benjamin, with Met Office weather warnings in place on today (Thursday, October 23).
The NICEIC said households should make sure they have a fully charged torch, plus extra batteries and a power bank to hand, reports The Express.
Paul Collins, Technical Director of NICEIC, said: “If you haven’t already, now is the time to put together an essentials kit in case of a short-term power outage.
“NICEIC’s recent survey of 2,000 UK adults found 45% of people don’t own the most basic of backup equipment – a torch. Nearly one in eight homes don’t have any backup power essentials.
Clocks going back coincides with bad weather and power cuts(Image: Karl Dolenc via Getty Images)
“A fully charged torch is a must during a power cut. Keep your phone battery for communication purposes and for updates from your electricity provider. If possible, store a torch on every floor of the house in an accessible place – one being next to your bed – plus some extra batteries. A fully charged power bank is a vital source to have too.”
They do warn against using candles in the even of a power outage, however, due to the ‘significant fire risk’.
He added: “Always avoid using candles during an outage as they pose a significant fire risk. The same survey revealed over a third of people would rely on candles for light. Candles dotted around the house are at risk of being forgotten about, and walking around with a candle is ineffective and more likely to drip wax. Plus, it could be dangerous if you trip while walking with a candle.
“You may want to fill any available flasks or hot water bottles with boiling water too before any power cut happens. If your home and/or hot water is heated by a boiler or a heat pump, it will not work, unless it is supported by backup power, because these are typically powered by electricity.”
When a power cut happens, you should also unplug appliances, the NICEIC says.
Mr Collins adds: “If your power has gone out, unplug all your smaller appliances and electrical equipment. Additionally, switch off larger appliances, such as electric showers using the switches.
“Doing so will prevent any electrical surge damage that may occur when the electricity is eventually restored. This advice is also essential during an electrical storm, to protect appliances from potential lightning strike power surges.”
