When the mains goes off, a little backup power keeps the basics going.
A torch, a radio and a charged power bank cover most short power cuts. If you add a generator, safety regulators are clear about where it runs and how it connects.
Pick a generator size to see what one electrical safety regulator says it can typically run. The bar shows how much it can power.
Based on Energy Safe Victoria's 2026 generator safety fact sheet. Always check the power rating on each appliance label and follow the generator's instructions.
TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING
Distance for fumes, time for a call.
One figure on where a generator goes, one on keeping a landline working.
20 feet
Generator from buildings, at least
Washington State Department of Health says generators should be at least 20 feet from buildings, away from windows, doors and vents. Even then fumes can drift in, so keep a working CO alarm inside.
DISTANCE · WASHINGTON DOH
1 hour
Back-up battery for a landline, minimum
If your landline will not work in a power cut, the Prepare site says your provider might offer a free solution, such as a back-up battery unit, for a minimum of one hour, so you can call the emergency services.
LANDLINES · UK GOVERNMENT
In a life-threatening emergency with no working landline, the Prepare site says to try 999 or 112 on a mobile: emergency calls automatically roam onto all available networks.
FOUR THINGS TO DO NOW
Ready before the lights go.
Most of this costs little or nothing. It is about knowing what works without mains power, and keeping it charged and easy to find in the dark.
Put the basics in one place
A battery or wind-up torch and radio, spare batteries and a charged power bank, kept somewhere easy to find in the dark.
Ask how your phone and devices cope
If you rely on a landline, a personal alarm or a connected health device, ask the provider how it works in a power cut.
Fit carbon monoxide alarms
The NHS suggests one for each room with an appliance that burns gas, oil, coal or wood. If you use a generator, choose alarms with battery power.
Plan generator use in advance
Add up the wattage on the appliance labels, use a heavy-duty extension lead rated at least as high as the generator, and keep fuel stored safely outside living areas.
AI-generated image, not a photograph of a real person or place.
THE HIDDEN DANGER
Back-feeding puts others at risk.
AI-generated image, not a photograph of a real person or place.
Plugging a generator into a wall socket to power the house wiring is called back-feeding. Energy Safe Victoria and Washington State's health department both warn it can endanger utility workers and neighbours on the same local network.
Washington's guidance says the only safe way to connect a generator to house wiring is a transfer switch fitted by a qualified electrician. Otherwise, plug appliances into the generator directly or through a heavy-duty outdoor extension lead.
Questions
Questions people ask
Can I run a generator in the garage with the door open?
No. Washington State Department of Health says never use one in a garage, carport, basement or other enclosed or partly enclosed space, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not stop carbon monoxide building up.
What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?
The NHS lists a headache, dizziness, feeling sick, weakness, tiredness and confusion, chest and muscle pain and shortness of breath. Symptoms may ease when you go outside. Go outside and get medical advice; call 999 if someone finds it hard to breathe, is confused or has lost consciousness.
Is it safe to leave a power bank charging overnight?
London Fire Brigade advises not leaving items continuously on charge after the charge is complete, says it is best not to leave a phone plugged in overnight, and says never to cover chargers or charging devices.
What should I do if a battery starts to swell?
London Fire Brigade says stop charging immediately, turn the device off, do not remove the casing or tamper with it, and contact the manufacturer or a certified technician.
Why not just use my phone's torch?
The UK government's Prepare site says you probably won't want to, because it drains the phone's battery more quickly. It suggests a battery or wind-up torch, and says torches are safer than candles.
