Phones and internet down
Your mobile, landline or internet stops working.
Card machines and payment apps stop working too.
Updated
Do now
- In an emergency, call 999 or 112. Emergency calls from a mobile connect to any available network, not just yours.
- If you can't get through, try a landline as well as a mobile.
- If you still can't get through and it's safe, go to the emergency services in person, or to your nearest police station.
- Use cash for the essentials. This is why the list has it.
- Put the FM radio on for news.
- Use your phone sparingly, to save the battery until you can charge it.
Check on
- Neighbours who live alone, or who might need extra support.
- Anyone who relies on a telecare alarm or a landline.
Don't
Don't: keep redialling the same number and run your battery down. Try 112, a landline, or go in person if it's safe.
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
If you rely on your landline
Most landlines now run over the internet, so they stop in a power cut unless they have a backup battery. If you rely on yours (for example, you have no reliable mobile signal indoors, or you use a telecare alarm), ask your provider for a backup. Ofcom expects providers to give one free to customers who rely on their landline, enough for at least 1 hour of calls to the emergency services.
The kit for this
Read next
- Why the checklist says FM radio, and which one to get
Why it has to be FM and work without the mains, and the two we'd buy.
- Power banks: what the number on the box means
What mAh means, how much you need and how to keep it charged.
- Cash and documents
Some cash, printed documents, and a wallet to keep them dry.