No one likes being left in the dark but winter’s arrival means power cuts are a possibility. It pays to be prepared in case your lights go out – here are four tips from National Grid Electricity Distribution.
Tip one – Prepare your home
Have a torch and an analogue phone ready (cordless or digital phones don’t work in a power cut). A wind-up, solar or battery-powered radio will enable you to listen to local updates. Also, have an external battery charging pack available so you can charge smartphones or tablets. Protect sensitive and valuable electrical equipment with a surge protector. Keep your freezer shut, as depending on the freezer, the contents can stay frozen for up to 12 hours.
Tip two – Keep the free electricity emergency number handy
Call 105 to report a power cut, 24 hours a day. Text phone users can dial 18001 0800 6783 105 to use Text Relay to access the service. There’s also a 24-hour live chat feature on the company’s website.
Tip three – Check your cupboards
Have food or drink available that doesn’t require electricity to heat or prepare. That way, if you’re without power for any length of time, you won’t go hungry.
Tip four – Keep battery backups
Make sure essential medical equipment and stair lifts have a battery backup so that they are able to keep running until your power comes back on.
National Grid also offers extra support for customers in vulnerable situations, including people with disabilities, the elderly and anyone who relies on powered medical equipment.
By signing up to National Grid Electricity Distribution’s free Priority Services Register, households with additional needs can call a dedicated and direct number during a power cut to get straight through to help and advice.
Customers are kept informed of how long they will be without electricity and, during prolonged power cuts, the company can call upon the British Red Cross or local caterers to provide hot refreshments and welfare support.
Jocelyn McConnachie, National Grid Electricity Distribution’s director of customer excellence, said: “We’re committed to supporting customers with extra needs because we recognise power cuts can cause anxiety and stress.
“We urge people who qualify to sign up for more tailored support. It’s free and anyone interested in joining should call 0800 096 3080 or go visit the National Grid Electricity Distribution website.”
Find out more about National Grid’s Priority Services Register, reporting power cuts to its Safety and Security of Supplies Service and what to expect if it needs to visit you, through information statements at www.nationalgrid.co.uk/winter
