When the power goes

Know what to do

Clear steps for before, during and after a power cut. Save this page on your phone so it opens when the lights go out.

Power just went out?Who to call

During the cut

The lights just went out

Check if it's only your home. Look out at the neighbours and the street lights. If they still have power, check your trip switch in the main board. Push any switch that has dropped back up. After a storm, keep well away from fallen cables and report them to Enemalta. If someone is hurt, call 112.
Report it to Enemalta. Call their free 24/7 helpline, 8000 2224, or report it online. Their live outage map shows faults they already know about.
Keep the fridge and freezer shut. A closed fridge stays cold for about 4 hours, a full freezer for about 48.
Switch off the aircon, TV and computer. Turn them off at the wall, because the power can surge when it comes back. Leave one light switched on so you know when it returns.
Use torches or LED lanterns, not candles. If you do use candles, put them in a proper holder, away from curtains, and never leave them burning in an empty room or near children.
Stay cool. Close the shutters on the sunny side, drink water often, and sit in the coolest room. A damp cloth on the neck and wrists helps.Stay warm. Put on layers, use blankets and keep doors and windows shut. Gather everyone in one room. Never use a gas heater or barbecue in a closed room.
Check on older neighbours and relatives. This matters most in summer, when heat is the main danger during long cuts.Cold and damp are hard on older people too, especially at night.
Never run a generator or barbecue indoors. That includes enclosed balconies. Their fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can kill without you smelling it.

Before

Get ready for summer

Work out how much water and food to keep for your household.
Keep a torch where everyone can find it in the dark, such as a kitchen drawer.
Charge your power banks when a heatwave is forecast.
Fill empty freezer space with bottles of water. They keep the freezer cold for longer and give you cold drinking water.
If your flat relies on a water pump, keep a few large bottles of water filled.
Learn how to open your electric gate or garage door by hand.
Keep some cash at home. Card machines and ATMs may not work.
Save Enemalta's number, 8000 2224, in your phone.

Before

Get ready for winter storms

Work out how much water and food to keep for your household.
Keep a torch where everyone can find it in the dark, such as a kitchen drawer.
Charge your power banks when strong winds or storms are forecast.
Keep warm layers, blankets and a hot-water bottle where you can find them.
If you use a gas heater, keep the room aired and fit a carbon monoxide alarm.
If your flat relies on a water pump, keep a few large bottles of water filled.
Learn how to open your electric gate or garage door by hand.
Keep some cash at home. Card machines and ATMs may not work.
Save Enemalta's number, 8000 2224, in your phone.
After a storm, keep away from fallen cables and report them to Enemalta.

After

When the power comes back

Switch appliances back on one at a time, not all together.
Check the food. Throw away meat, fish, dairy and cooked food that has been above 5 °C for more than two hours. If in doubt, throw it out.
Don't donate food that was in a fridge or freezer during the cut. Food banks can't check if it's safe.
Recharge your power banks and backup battery straight away.
If an appliance was damaged, take photos and keep the receipts for your insurer. You may also be able to claim from Enemalta.

Stuck in a lift

If a power cut stops the lift

Stay calm. The lift will not fall, and there is enough air.
Press the alarm button and call the number shown in the lift.
If nobody answers, call the emergency number 112.
Don't try to force the doors open or climb out.

Where next?

Build a power cut kitBe ready before the next one.See the kit Find who to callEnemalta, emergencies and support.Get help