Living alone: no power, heat or well water

Start here

1. Ring a neighbour. Ask them to check in and help you arrange water and warmth. ALONE: 0818 222 024, daily, 8am to 8pm.
2. Report the power loss: ESB Networks 1800 372 999. Check PowerCheck for updates.
3. Keep warm safely. Do not bring outdoor fuel-burning equipment inside or use a cooker to heat the room. Carbon monoxide can poison you. If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, switch off the appliance, open doors and windows, get outside at once and call 112 or 999. Do not go back in. Fresh air alone does not treat it. For gas homes, report the incident to Gas Networks Ireland on 1800 20 50 50.
4. Arrange drinking water. Ask your neighbour for help with supplies. For a private pump, ask a neighbour or a plumber for help. Contact an HSE Environmental Health Officer if you suspect contamination.

The scene this guide is for

You are alone in a rural home. The power is off, the oil heating has stopped and there is no water from the well. Many oil heating systems need electricity even with oil in the tank.

Wear layers and keep active indoors. Use heavy curtains to help keep heat in, and keep wall vents clear. See coping with a power cut for candles and lighting advice.

Calls and next steps

Call 112 or 999 for signs of hypothermia, including shivering, pale, cold and dry skin (their lips and skin may be blue), slurred speech, slow breathing, tiredness or confusion. Do not wait for ALONE to open.

Ask your council about local support. For private well advice, see the EPA; Meath County Council’s guidance is one example of local advice. Uisce Éireann’s 1800 278 278 is for public-water updates.

Read living alone safely, water from a private well, oil heating without electricity and checking on a neighbour.

Prepare before the next cut

Ask your electricity supplier about registering as a vulnerable customer if you depend on medical equipment or are at risk because of age or health. Make a plan before a power cut.

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Common questions

Will a full oil tank keep the heat on?

Not if your heating system needs electricity. Check the system’s instructions: OFTEC notes exceptions for manually lit vaporising appliances.

Who can I ask for help now?

Ring a neighbour and ask them to help arrange water and warmth, or contact ALONE on 0818 222 024, daily from 8am to 8pm.

Can I bring outdoor cooking equipment indoors?

No, outdoor fuel-burning equipment can cause carbon monoxide poisoning indoors.