Better not. Candles cause lots of fires during power cuts. Use LED torches, head torches or lanterns, which give more light and are safe with children and pets.

Look at the fuse box: if a switch has tripped, the problem is yours. If everything looks fine, see whether the street lights or the neighbours' homes have power. Your distributor's fault line number is on your electricity bill.

With the door closed, the fridge stays cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer lasts about 48 hours, and a half-full one about 24. Open them as little as possible and, if you're unsure about any food, throw it away.

Phone masts have limited backup batteries, so coverage may drop if the power cut goes on. A text message often gets through when a call won't. Save battery and keep a battery radio for official information.

Never. Generators produce carbon monoxide, an odourless gas that can kill. Always outdoors, away from doors and windows. Only battery power stations can be used indoors.

Wait a few minutes and plug appliances back in gradually, starting with the fridge and freezer. Check the food and replace batteries, water and anything you've used up.