SP Energy Networks has issued safety advice to help Lanarkshire residents remain safe in the event of a power cut caused by forecast high winds this weekend.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning from todayday through to Monday, with high winds of more than 70mph expected to cause traffic delays and cancellations to transport services, with the potential for power supplies and mobile phone coverage to also be affected.
SP Energy Networks says it has been working hard to improve the electricity networks’ resilience during extreme weather to help reduce the chance of power loss, and always responds to any issues as quickly as possible.
However, in the event of road closures caused by high winds, it says it may be harder for engineers to quickly reach faults in the network, so residents in affected areas are being encouraged to prepare.
Craig Arthur, SP distribution director for Central & Southern Scotland, said: “Due to the potential for damage to our power lines, power cuts become more likely in high winds and it’s important our customers are fully prepared – just in case.
“Our teams of engineers are on hand 24/7 and will come out to your area as quickly as possible in the event of power outages, so the sooner we know about a power cut, the more quickly we can begin work to get electricity restored. You can report any power outages to us by calling the national emergency helpline on 105 – please don’t assume we already know about it.”
Craig’s top tips for being prepared in the event of a power outage are:
· Have the national 105 emergency helpline on hand – it’s best to keep this on the fridge or saved in the contacts on your mobile phone.
· Store a battery or wind-up torch – leave this somewhere you can access easily so you can use the torch to check on the fuse box and make your way around the house safely.
· Beware of fallen power lines – power lines may have fallen because of high winds so beware of this when venturing out of your home.
· Keep your mobile charged – having your mobile phone charged means you can give us a call on the national 105 emergency helpline. It’s also worth having an analogue phone as this doesn’t run off the main electricity supply.
· Join the free Priority Services Register – if electricity is crucial to your health (for instance, if you use medical equipment at home) or you have a child aged five or under, or you just feel you need a little extra help, ask to be included on SP Energy Networks’ Priority Services Register by calling 0330 1010 167 or text PSR to 61999.
For more information on what to do in the event of a power emergency, visit spenergynetworks.co.uk.
In the event of a power cut call the national 105 emergency helpline.
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