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how to cook safely without electricity

Eat food that needs no cooking first. Save heat for hot drinks and one hot meal a day.

A gas hob often still works in a power cut. Camping stoves and barbecues are for outside only.

what to do

  1. Start with no-cook food

    Tins, crackers, cereal and fruit. Keep fuel and effort for when you need them.

  2. Try your gas hob

    If the ignition is electric, light it carefully with a long match. Never leave it unattended.

  3. Cook outside with a camping stove or barbecue

    Keep it well away from doors, windows and vents, and on a firm surface.

  4. Boil only what you need

    Then keep the rest hot in a vacuum flask for drinks later.

  5. Keep a fire blanket in the kitchen

    It puts out a pan fire. Never use water on burning oil.

  6. Fit a carbon monoxide alarm

    Near any room with a gas, oil or solid fuel appliance. Test it monthly.

  7. Keep food safe

    Eat from the fridge first, then the freezer, then the cupboard.

what to have ready

Check what you already have first, then buy only what is missing.

check your cupboard see the ready-made kits

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where this comes from

Sources checked 24 September 2026.

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