How to Draught-Proof and Insulate a Loft Hatch (UK)
In many homes the loft hatch is a thin board sitting loosely in a frame — a cold, draughty gap in an otherwise insulated ceiling. Two jobs fix it. First,…
Are Portable Gas Heaters Safe to Use Indoors? (UK)
Never use a portable gas heater in a bedroom or bathroom, and always have a carbon monoxide alarm in the room. Calor’s own guidance rules out bedrooms, bathrooms and any…
7 Ways to Light Your Home in a Power Cut Without Candles (UK)
The government’s Be Ready advice is simple: “Torches are safer than candles.” The best set-up for most homes is: a torch for each person, kept where you can find it…
Emergency Kit for Dogs and Cats: What Your Pet Needs for 3 Days (UK)
The government’s Be Ready checklist lists “pet food and bottled water”. Council emergency planners go further and recommend keeping at least 3 days’ food and water per pet, food in…
Can You Use a Water Filter During a Boil Water Notice? (UK)
No, not a jug filter or a plumbed-in filter. Anglian Water says “you cannot rely on domestic water filters to remove bacteria”, and Thames Water says “do not use domestic…
How to Cook and Boil Water in a Power Cut Safely (UK)
Electric and induction hobs, kettles and microwaves won’t work in a power cut, but the Food Standards Agency (FSA) says “gas cookers may continue to function”. Many gas hobs can…
What to Do With Freezer Food After a Power Cut (UK): How Long It Lasts and When to Throw It Away
Keep the freezer door shut. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that food in a full freezer stays frozen for up to 48 hours, or 24 hours if it’s half…
Which Radio Station Should You Tune to in a UK Emergency? BBC Local Radio FM Frequencies
In most UK emergencies, tune to your BBC Local Radio station on FM, or to BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru or BBC Radio Ulster. The government’s…
How to Flush the Toilet When the Water Is Off (UK), and Emergency Toilet Options
If your water is off but the sewers are working, you can still flush: fill a bucket and pour it into the toilet bowl. Use water you can’t drink, such…
How to Make Up Baby Formula in a Power Cut or When the Water Is Off (UK)
If you formula feed, keep some ready-to-feed liquid formula in your emergency kit. New Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidance, published on 2 November 2026, says that if both the water…