Powerless

Ask the children what happens in a power cut and how this affects homes. They should think about how we rely on electricity for many everyday activities, and how to manage without it.

One way to begin might be to list these activities. Ask them to think of ways of overcoming these problems. Examples include: keeping fridges and freezers closed as much as possible; having a phone available that does not need an electricity supply, i.e. a charged mobile phone or an analogue corded phone, having alternative heating sources (gas heaters, coal or wood-burning fires or stoves) and alternative lighting sources (candles, torches, gaslights, oil lamps, battery lanterns); not leaving candles or gas heaters unattended or too close to flammable materials; making sure electrical appliances are switched off (a hot hob or electric heater could be dangerous if it switches on unexpectedly when a flammable item is near); leaving a light switched on to alert when the power returns; switching off computers and other sensitive equipment to avoid damage from surges when power is restored, using a corded phone or a charged mobile phone to access the power company’s website.