Blackouts

How to act during a power cut:

First check the fuses. If they are intact, find out whether the electricity of your neighbour or neighbouring houses is working.
If the electricity is out from a larger area, the problem is already known and actions to fix it have started. Most electricity suppliers have a taped recording of the malfunction on its fault service number, which will give information on the blackout situation in your area.
When the electricity comes back but acts unusually, for example the lights burn brighter or dimmer than usual, the reason might a break in the electricity network's neutral wire. This can result in equipment damage, fire and, in the worst case, the risk of electric shock. In such situations, switch off the electricity from the main switch and call your electricity supplier's fault emergency number.
When a power cut lasts longer, prepare yourself with warm clothes, especially in the winter, and home storage supplies. Instructions regarding home storage supplies can be found in the appendices.

Good to know during a power cut - electrical appliances that have been switched on (e.g. cooker or ovens) should be switched off so that they do not pose a fire risk when the power comes back on - the fridge and freezer will go out and you should avoid opening them so that food does not spoil - the water supply may be interrupted during a power cut, as the water supply pumps run on electricity. It is not always possible to provide information in advance. You can find out about anticipated power cuts by following the information provided by the authorities, for example via YLE.