Brits told to do one thing before power cuts hit during winter

Households right across Britain are being told to carry out one crucial task before the depths of winter arrive - when power cuts pose the greatest threat to our homes.

The National Grid confirms that power cuts occur most frequently during winter months, when extreme weather conditions are at their peak and energy consumption reaches its highest levels.

However, with snow, ice, gales and torrential downpours battering Britain this winter, home assistance company HomeServe has disclosed that one in five people haven't got a clue how to restore electricity by resetting their fuse box, potentially leaving them in darkness for extended periods when outages strike.

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When a power cut occurs, even momentarily, your property's fusebox will typically 'trip' to safeguard your appliances or your home's electrical wiring from experiencing surges, which can present serious hazards.

Yet despite our overwhelming dependence on technology within the home, 18 per cent of Britons wouldn't have the foggiest idea how to restore power at the fusebox, according to HomeServe - and this is precisely what residents are being urged to familiarise themselves with ahead of winter, reports the Express.

The National Grid states regarding winter power cuts: "Emergency power cuts are only implemented to protect the electricity network from more damage, which would be more disruptive for a much longer period. They are a last resort and wouldn't affect everyone at the same time.

"In addition, unplanned power cuts are a possibility every winter as these are often caused by unforeseen events such as extreme weather. In the case of this type of power cut, your local distribution network operator (DNO) will do their best to repair the issue and restore power as quickly as possible."

A HomeServe spokesperson warned: "Surprisingly, 18 per cent of Brits admit they don't know how to reset their fuse box, prompting HomeServe's experts to urge people to brush up on basic electrical fixes ahead of the festive season. This is more important as data from HomeServe shows a 19 per cent increase on average in electrical callouts during November."

Your fusebox is typically found in your cellar, kitchen cupboards or occasionally a hallway. It resembles a white metal box containing numerous switches, and is frequently positioned close to your electricity meter.

When a blackout occurs, it will switch off, and you'll have to locate it in the darkness to flip the switches back to the 'on' position to get your lights working again even after the grid has been restored.

Sam Starbuck, HomeServe's home expert, stated: "Electricity really is the oxygen of our homes - without it, the impact can be significant. With smart gadgets controlling everything from heating to security, a power cut can seriously disrupt daily life.

"We're urging the nation to brush up on basic electrical fixes, like resetting a fuse box, so they're better prepared for power outages.

"For more complex issues, having reliable insurance or home assistance is essential. As we become more dependent on smart tech, ensuring any electrical faults are quickly resolved will help you to have a stress-free festive season without unexpected disruptions."

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