Backup power and fuel

Power stations, generators and storing petrol and diesel safely at home.

Choosing backup power

A power bank is enough to keep phones charged for a few days.
A battery power station can run lights, phones and small appliances. It burns no fuel, so it’s safe to use indoors. Keep it charged and check it every few months.
A generator runs on petrol or diesel and can power more for longer, but it must only ever be used outdoors.
Work out what you need with the power calculator on the Backup power item: the watts running at once, and how much energy you need each day.

Only use it outdoors, never in your home, garage, shed or any partly enclosed space, and keep it away from open doors and windows. Its fumes contain carbon monoxide, which you can’t see or smell.
Fans and open windows don’t stop carbon monoxide building up. Fit battery carbon monoxide alarms inside your home.
Keep it dry and away from anything that could catch fire.
Turn it off and let it cool before refuelling. Fuel spilled on a hot engine can catch fire.
Plug equipment straight into it with heavy-duty extension leads. Don’t connect it to your home’s wiring.
Don’t plug in more than it’s rated for. Check with the power calculator.

You can keep up to 30 litres of petrol at home without telling anyone. To store more (up to 275 litres) you must tell your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority in writing.
Use approved fuel containers: plastic ones hold up to 10 litres each, and metal ones up to 20 litres.
Never keep it in your home or in a space attached to it. A secure outbuilding well away from the house is best.
Fill containers outdoors, never past the line on the label, and keep flames, cigarettes and sparks well away.

The 30-litre limit is for petrol. Diesel catches fire less easily than petrol, but it’s still flammable and corrosive.
Store it just as carefully: in proper fuel containers, outside your living space, away from your escape route, and secured against theft and arson.

Checked against official guidance on 1 Nov 2026. In immediate danger, call 999.