The best batteries for an emergency kit, and how long they last in storage
Updated 1 October 2026
Guides
Plain-English help for power cuts, storms and cold snaps. Every guide links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.
Torch or candles in a power cut? Why a torch is safer, and which one to keep
Updated 1 October 2026
How to prepare for snow and ice: your home, path and car (UK)
Updated 1 October 2026
What to keep in your medicine cabinet: a UK checklist, and how to store it safely
Updated 1 October 2026
Which hand warmers are best? Rechargeable, reusable or disposable, and how to use them safely
Updated 1 October 2026
How to take a temperature with a digital thermometer, and which type to keep
Updated 1 October 2026
Will my boiler work in a power cut? Combi, system, oil and LPG explained
Updated 30 September 2026
Do solar panels work in a power cut? UK homes, batteries and plug-in panels
Updated 30 September 2026
How to prepare for a storm in the UK: a 48-hour checklist
Updated 30 September 2026
Will my landline work in a power cut? The digital switchover, battery back-ups and telecare
Updated 30 September 2026