What to do if there's a utilities failure

Loss of gas or electricity

If the problem appears to affect only you and/or your immediate neighbours, you should contact your service provider.

Find out what to do if you smell gas.

If you believe are affected by the widespread loss of gas or electricity, you should:

• turn off your gas or electricity supply – it can be dangerous if you are not at home when the supply is reinstated

• listen to local radio updates (on a battery or wind-up radio) and act on advice and instructions from the utility providers or emergency services

• be prepared to make alternative temporary living arrangements if necessary – consider if you have family or friends you could stay with and who could look after your pets

• gather essential items together as well as an emergency bag if you have one

Power cuts

If you are affected by a power cut, you can:

• view a LIVE power cut map

• receive updates by texting POWER and your postcode to 80876

• call UK Power Networks 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 105
  

The UK Power Network has a Priority Services Register for people who are vulnerable in a power cut: apply now.

Loss of water

If you experience a loss of water turn off all your taps – including the mains supply – and contact Thames Water.

You might also be interested in

• find out what to do if your pipes freeze or burst
• find out what to do in the case of flooding
• find out what to do if you have a blocked drain or sewer

Priority services register

If you're vulnerable without gas, electricity or water, you can register for priority services: Priority Services Register.