UK Power Networks: Preparation for possible severe weather event

Posted on December 10, 2014

Today is a normal day across the electricity networks with no widespread power cuts due to the weather. However, UK Power Networks is working closely with the Met Office to track the strong winds that are forecast to hit the UK tomorrow, Thursday. These strong winds are due to affect the Eastern and Southern areas of our network overnight Thursday 11th December and early Friday 12^th December.

If the storm materialises and affects power supplies, our paramount focus will be on restoring electricity to customers as quickly and safely as possible.

We are currently monitoring the weather closely and are in regular contact with the Met Office as the forecast develops. Click here for the latest forecast from the Met Office.

Our electricity network is built to be resilient but extreme weather can affect overhead power lines. Our emergency plans have been put in to place, with hundreds of extra engineers and other staff on duty to deal with situations as and when they arise.

As always our priorities in these situations are public safety and restoring supplies to customers as quickly and safely as possible.

In communication with customers, we urge the public to stay well clear from power lines and anyone spotting a damaged power line needs to report it to UK Power Networks.

For any power cut enquiries please contact us 24 hours a day by:

• Calling 0800 31 63 105 or 0333 32 32 105 if calling from a mobile. 
• Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk for the latest update
• Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut and type in your postcode to our live power cut map
• Follow us on twitter for updates @ukpowernetworks
• Like our Facebook page and see updates here

Preparing for a power cut

Below is some advice on how our customers can prepare for a power cut:

• Keep our freephone number handy
• See the website for some useful videos offering you advice during a power cut.
• Keep spare batteries for radios and torches – local radio stations often broadcast helpful information
• Keep an old-fashioned corded phone which you can plug in, as cordless phones won't work in the event of a power cut
• Dress warmly in several layers of clothing, stay in one room or even get into bed
• Take care if using candles, tea-lights and other naked flames
• Keep fridges and freezers closed, with a blanket over as they will stay cold for many hours
• Switch off all your electrical equipment, except one light which will let you know when the power comes back on
• Remember the street lights may also be off so take care if you go out
• Look out for elderly neighbours; please consider taking them round a flask of hot water or hot food

Source: UK Power Networks