This can impact us in different ways depending on the time of the day or the time of the year. In Winter, nights are darker and lighting becomes more of a problem as the nights draw in. During the Summer lighting is not such a problem when it is still light in the evening and early morning. 

In today’s world most of us have a torch on our mobiles but remember this drains the battery heavily so it’s best to only use in emergencies for short periods of time. Therefore, it’s always convenient to have a torch to hand, know where it’s located in your home and how you could easily put your hands on it. Make sure you have spare batteries if the torch is battery operated. Better still, wind up torches or lanterns are available which require no batteries at all.

Candles can be used but they present a fire hazard, so it is best to stick with torches. Glow sticks are an inexpensive source of light that can be used and are safe to use around children as a source of comfort and reassurance. 

How can we while away the hours? Board games or anything of this kind are useful to bring out; a pack of cards and a game or two can make the time pass faster and ease the frustration of not having any power. This can also keep children more engaged and again focused on something other than the lack of power. 

It’s good to prepare if you have any elderly relatives; do they know where they could find their torch or wind-up lantern so they can move around safely? 

Warmth - if your heating is run on electricity think about how you can keep warm. Extra layers and blankets are a great way to keep some extra heat in on those cold evenings. 

Battery power packs are a reliable source of power to draw on when the electricity goes off. The mobile phone network may still be operating but your phone runs out battery. A power pack will give you the ability to charge your phone and still use it at the same time.