More than 40 percent of Brits rely on candles during a blackout despite fire hazards
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As the UK is warned potential blackouts are on the horizon, how are Brits preparing for the plunge into darkness?
A survey by Energizer has revealed that almost half (41 percent) of UK respondents rely on, or would rely on, candles and matches predominantly during a black out, despite the potential risks this may pose - more than 1000 house fires are caused by candles each year.
The blackouts would see people looking for alternative light sources and with such a large percentage of the country reaching for candles, and power cuts and blackouts preempted for January and February 2023, it’s more important than ever to prepare safely - especially with over a third of UK general respondents having not heard about the potential upcoming blackouts.
With regards to the plan of action during a blackout, over one in five UK general respondents who own at least one torch keep them in the garage, meaning they’re not easily accessible should the lights go out inside the house.
Keeping a durable torch, and freestanding lights or lanterns, in easy-to-reach spots can make a stressful situation like a blackout much easier to navigate.
24 percent of Brits reported they would first reach for their phones if they had the choice of anything in the occurrence of a blackout.
Although most phones feature a torch, draining your phone battery can limit means of essential communication.
Saving battery power for emergencies should be a priority.
12 percent of Brits don’t have any torches in their home at all, and 17 percent of those who do have a torch in their home wouldn’t know where to find it in the occurrence of a power cut.
The National Grid has issued numerous alerts regarding blackouts hitting Britain, with the advice stating that we should be prepared for power outages and to minimize usage where possible.
The blackouts would mean kitchen appliances, lights and hot water would all be unavailable to a majority of UK households, so preparation is key with it being reported that these could be happening as soon as January and February 2023.
The cold weather sees a spike in usage of electricity, and the high-demand hours could lead to a "tight electricity margin" with UK households using more appliances than usual during evening hours.
A spokesperson for Energizer, manufacturer of batteries and commissioner of the research, said: “It’s understandable that some people haven’t considered the upcoming blackouts, as a country it’s not something we’ve had to properly prepare for at scale for decades.
"The recent findings of the survey we commissioned show that preparation truly is key, with so many people relying on candles and matches instead of a reliable torch or light source despite the potential hazards they create.
“Power shortages are possible early next year, and it’s so important to have the resources to be able to be safe in your home in the dark.
"Especially for anyone with vulnerable family members, it’s crucial to plan ahead and invest in the essentials, such as a quality torch, blankets and snacks to keep comfortable and safe during the outages.”
