30 minutes until the power goes off: Do these things now

When a power cut is announced in advance, preparation is not only about the supplies you already have. What you do during the final minutes before the electricity is switched off can make the interruption much easier to manage. This is particularly useful during planned or rotating cuts, when households may receive a short warning before their area loses power.

About 30 minutes beforehand, charge the devices you are most likely to need: your mobile phone, power bank, rechargeable lamps, radio and, if necessary, a laptop. Prioritise useful equipment rather than trying to run every appliance at once.

Around 20 minutes before the cut, think about water. Buildings that rely on electric pumps, pressure systems or private wells may also lose water service. Fill drinking bottles and a small container for basic needs. For a short planned interruption, there is normally no need to store excessive quantities.

About 15 minutes beforehand, finish whatever is already running. Complete cooking where possible, save open computer files and stop washing machines or dishwashers in a controlled way. Avoid allowing important tasks to end simply because the power disappears.

Keep fridge and freezer doors closed from this point onwards. Every unnecessary opening lets warmer air inside and reduces the time food stays cold.

During the final five to ten minutes, shut down sensitive electronics properly and unplug them where appropriate. Computers, televisions, games consoles and similar devices can remain disconnected until the supply returns and becomes stable. Put a torch in one fixed, easy-to-reach place.

Tell everyone in the household what is about to happen. Children, older people and guests should not be surprised when the lights suddenly go out. Keep mechanical keys accessible in case electric door releases, intercoms or garage doors stop working.

When power returns, do not immediately switch on every major appliance. Allow the supply a little time to stabilise and reconnect equipment gradually. During rotating cuts, another interruption may follow later.

The greatest advantage of a scheduled power cut is the warning. A simple 30-minute routine turns the final period before the outage into an organised transition rather than a last-minute scramble.