Storms and technical malfunctions can also cause power cuts. During a blackout, you are advised to monitor the communication provided by your own power company.

In Finland, power cuts are seldom of a long duration. We have prepared a number of checklists that instruct you how to be proactive and prepare for possible power cuts of not more than a few hours, and what to do when the blackout ends.

Before a power cut

  • At home, it is advisable to have a back-up power source, some spare batteries, a battery-operated radio, and flashlights and/or headlamps. Make sure that you can find these supplies easily in the dark.
  • Check that the smoke detectors in your home are working.
  • Make sure that you have the necessary first-aid extinguishing equipment, such as a fire blanket and a hand fire extinguisher, at home.
  • If you intend to prepare any food using an alternative heat source, ensure safe operation and maintenance of the device.
  • Additionally, it is a good idea to consider, in advance, what to do if the temperature in your home drops.
  • Before a power cut occurs, also think about the consequences that a blackout will have outside your home: at the workplace, in traffic, at the grocery store, etc. Familiarise yourself with the power cut instructions provided by the daycare centre, school and workplace.

During a power cut

  • At the start of the blackout, switch off all electrical devices that heat up. These include stoves, ovens, sauna heaters, microwave ovens, electric kettles, coffee makers, irons and hairdryers.
  • Do not forget to unplug any devices that you are charging, as well as your television. When power returns, a power spike can damage your computer, television or other devices.
  • Use LED luminaires where possible.
  • If you use candles, never leave them unattended. Place them at an adequate distance from one another, on a nonflammable surface.
  • If you know that a power cut is imminent, do not use the lift.
  • You may get water from the tap during a power cut, but it can be burning hot.
  • For information about the telephone and mobile phone network, monitor the communication provided by your own operator.
  • The emergency number is for urgent emergencies only – never call it because your power is cut.
  • If you go outside, keep a flashlight with you – you might need it if the street lights go off. Remember to wear suitable reflectors.
  • Leave the light switch on in one room, so that you will see when power is restored.
  • On the radio, monitor the communication provided by the authorities. Public service announcements will be published on the Yle Radio Suomi channel and in the 112 application.

After a blackout

  • Immediately make sure that all electrical devices that heat up have been switched off. 
  • Do not plug all your electrical devices back in right away. A sudden peak power load may cut the power again.
  • For example, it’s a good idea to turn radiators on one at a time, and to take a short break in between. Electrical sauna heaters also cause a very high single load.
  • Blow out any candles.
  • Where necessary, charge your back-up power sources.
  • Return flashlights and the other items you used during the power cut to their familiar places. 
  • Boil drinking water before consumption, just in case, as power cuts also cause disruptions in the supply of water.