LLR Prepared is the Local Resilience Forum for the policing area covering Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. It has statutory responsibilities arising from the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, which requires specific organisations within a policing area to work together to prepare for, respond to and recover from different emergencies.

Partners are required to respond in the event of emergencies, in their respective roles and jointly, to safeguard the lives, property and wellbeing of residents, communities and businesses and to mitigate the consequential impacts.

You can find out more about LLR Prepared on our dedicated website:

Prolonged power cuts are rare events in the UK but even short term disruption to power supplies caused by severe weather or technical problems can result in significant disruption to normal daily life.

To better prepare people and communities for the impacts of power cuts we have developed a short animated video which is accompanied by an advice list.

Preparing for Power Cuts Advice:

• Keep a few torches handy with a spare supply of batteries and avoid using candles
• Keep a wind-up or battery powered radio ready so you can listen to local radio updates (don't forget to make a note of local radio station frequencies)
• Keep an analogue phone as backup - many modern telephones, especially digital or cordless ones, won't work without power
• Keep a portable power bank charged up to recharge mobile phones, tablets and other devices
• Decide what means you would use for cooking and hot water if you normally rely on electric appliances - speak to neighbours about their plans and agree to share if it makes sense to do so
• Protect sensitive electrical equipment (e.g. computers) with a surge protector plug
• Make sure any work on your computer is backed-up and saved regularly
• If you have a mains-operated stair lift, check if there is a manual release handle that can be used to return the stair lift to ground level if it stops working
• Make sure any medical equipment you have at home has a battery backup
• If warned in advance that the electricity will be turned off, boil some water and keep it in a thermos flask
• Don't open the freezer door unless you have to – this helps food stay frozen for longer.
• Make sure that any family members, friends and neighbours who depend on electricity for medical reasons or communication and would be vulnerable in a power cut are registered on the Priority Services Register of their electricity supplier
• If you have elderly or infirm neighbours, in the event of a power cut please check to make sure they are comfortable
• Remember that you can phone 105 for information in the event of a power cut
• Go to our website for other advice on preparing for emergencies

The British Red Cross community reserve volunteer program is a new volunteering opportunity allowing you to make a difference during a flood, fire or any other major emergency near you. Sign up today and take the first step towards being prepared in a crisis. Anyone can become a community reserve volunteer; no specialist skills are required and quick training is provided at the scene.

Watch the video below and check out the British Red Cross' website for more information about becoming a community reserve volunteer.