Keeping Parents Warm & Fed if there are Blackouts

@User84 Thanks. See some now

Put emergency power cut lightbulbs into Amazon

Maybe invest in a hay box type thing - Amazon do this - Wonderbox Thermal Cooker - Haybox Cooker Kit. Heat casseroles that are all in one and can be put into hay box to finish cooking and keep warm. They can then eat hot food whenever they want.
Get a big pump action flask for hot water for drinks.
Use triple wick, wide-based candles that are stable, in the middle of big table.
Hot water bottles, fleece hoodies, thick warm dressing gowns that aren’t too long. Warm well soled slippers.

HI @caringcarer are these the light bulbs with storage capacity? I've tried Google, but can't find them Do you have a link? thanks.

Instead of hot water bottles have you looked at these?

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0014LJKUA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They're aimed at pets (!) but I have them for my elderly parents. They're like a hard disc that you microwave for about 5mins. They get warm rather than hot, but they stay warm for hours, so if power cuts are planned you can heat them in advance. I think they're safer than hot water bottles as won't burn fragile skin.

I just thought I'd add that there was an item on our local news the other day about this sort of thing; they were interviewing a firefighter about household safety during power cuts. He very strongly advised against people using camping stoves and barbecue devices in the event of power cuts, as they are meant for outdoor use and, in some cases, can send out harmful toxic gases. I mention it as the OP refers to a camping cooker.

It is quite worrying. Best wishes to you all this winter. x

But the cost of it isn’t the issue here, it’s about keeping two vulnerable elderly people warm and safe…and that’s priceless! It also couldn’t be easier to use, there’s nothing to think about as it’s “plug and go”.

also, and I accept I may use mine differently to other people - you only need it switched on for half the time you want it to be giving out heat, because the heat storage aspect works even when it’s not switched on…

I have an everhot. They are very expensive to run now that prices have shot up. It’s a bad purchase I’m afraid unless you have solar panels

Could you invest in something like an Everhot electric mini stove (they’re not cheap!) which could be plugged in and keeping them warm whilst the power is on but which will give out heat for a long time - hours - after it goes off? It also has a small oven space inside and a cooking ring on top so they could warm food and drinks at the same time? If we’re looking at 2 hour blackouts one of these would easily cope with that if heated up fully beforehand.

Watch out if your parents use electric recliner chairs. My mum got stuck fully reclined when electricity went off and was unable to get out of the chair to let us know! The Alexa also went off so she couldn't shout it to call us.

If you check their zone you mat well find they’re in a different one to you. My PIL live about 20 mins away and they are in a different zone to us so their cut times will be different to ours

An energy box might be a good idea? Usb charable torches, power bank, leads etc on a shelf in the living room and one upstairs. Then those little push on / motion stick on lamps as shown upthread

Another worry is that things like aidcall buttons won't work.

I wouldnt give them hot water bottles if they are cognitively slowing and maybe have stiff fingers, too much chance they will spill the water and burn themselves. I would get a box of the skiing hand and foot warmers, they heat up when you open the packet and last for hours. I would also get a charging bank for their mobile phones (assuming they have one) and a lantern style torch or hat with built in torch but only get something with big on and off buttons. Also a list of emergency numbers to call to stick in the fridge and some camping meals that self heat when opened.

Wind up torches/ lanterns are good. Thermos flasks that you can put soup etc in. A good knitted blanket is very warm. Hats. Maybe write a list of what they have / can do and keep it to hand in case they get flustered? Or to remind them where they put things?

Fulighture Bayonet Light Bulb [4 Pack], B22 Base 12W (100W E...

I think this will answer energy blackouts.

Don’t know if this will be readable but it’s the priority list. It’s very limited.

Priority list doesn’t apply in the emergency rota scenario I’m afraid.

How about a more industrial version of the "snap to activate" glow bracelets that kids have? Would your parents have the dexterity to snap them?

Flask with hot soup in. You can get wide neck flasks you can put other hot food in too eg. Baked beans or tinned spaghetti. Warm fleece blankets to snuggle on sofa. I have heard you can buy a light bulb with a storage capacity in it. So whilst electric on it is lit but it draws extra electricity to keep lit up when electricity out. I expect they are expensive but great for elderly parents. I am going to look to buy a couple.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/995049/esec-guidance.pdf

zone can be found on powercut105.com

Rota

Where is this rota? Just had a Google and can’t find anything.

Get them some of these basic battery wall touch lamps.

You can stick them to various surfaces within there reach in different rooms so they can just touch on and off as needed. Can also just have unstuck in bedside drawer/ kitchen drawer as convenient portable light options they can use on table as needed.
Ideally at least one in toilet, near stairs, near bed and kitchen. Can be stuck under kitchen cabinets now for example so not lost.

solar battery sensor lights for outside front door, on driveway incase street lights off to help prevent falls. Our wall mount ones are still bright on sensor after 10 years.