Emergency advice for Isle residents

Isle folk need not be ‘left in the dark’ during power cuts.
NEWS: News.NEWS: News.
NEWS: News.

Northern Powergrid is reminding people of vital contacts during power cuts, with the launch of a new digital campaign.

The campaign will see its message spread across social media channels around the whole of North Lincolnshire.

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The region’s electricity distribution company has a team of customer service advisors on hand 24 hours a day to answer calls to its emergency lines. Customers can also access information, including an online power cut checker service and top tips, on Northern Powergrid’s website www.northernpowergrid.com

Kelly Graham, Northern Powergrid’s head of customer service, said: “If there is a power cut, we want our customers to know that we’re here for them all day, every day to answer their calls.

“We invest significantly in our network to make it safe and reliable and this year we have invested more than £400 million. However, we also know winter brings with it the increased risk of storms and harsh weather which can occasionally damage our infrastructure and result in temporary power cuts. Our first priority is always to restore power to as many people as we can, as quickly as we can.

“This ‘Don’t be left in the dark’ campaign is all about ensuring our customers know who to contact us and how. We also want them to know what to do if they experience a temporary power cut while we work to restore their power.”

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Northern Powergrid urges people to remember to check on neighbours and relatives if they experience a power cut this winter, particularly those who may be elderly or infirm, after research by the company found seven out of ten people wouldn’t think to do so. It is encouraging those who may need extra support to sign-up to its Priority Services Register.

The service offers additional support to people with a disability, medical condition or very young families, who may need greater assistance during a power cut, by keeping them updated as a priority. Northern Powergrid uses its customer support vehicles during more prolonged power cuts to support local communities offering practical support such as stay-warm packs and hot drinks. It also works in partnership with the British Red Cross to provide additional care to customers on the register, when necessary.

The numbers to call during a power cut are:

* North East: Mobile: 0330 123 0877 Telephone: 0800 66 88 77

* Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire: Mobile: 0330 123 0675 Telephone: 0800 375 675

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Top tips to ensure people are prepared for a power cut during the winter months include:

• keep a torch handy – they’re much safer than candles. Consider investing in a wind-up torch so you don’t have rely on batteries.

• make sure you and your vulnerable relatives/neighbours have a charged mobile phone with important numbers, including Northern Powergrid’s contact details, easily accessible in case help is needed

• ensure you have a good supply of warm clothing and blankets in stock

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• consider investing in a wind-up radio so you can listen to your local radio station for updates

* fill a vacuum flask and a hot water bottle

* ensure you have food and drink in your home that does not require electricity to heat or prepare it

* regularly back-up work on your computer.

For more top tips, to find out how to report a power cut or see how Northern Powergrid works every day to manage the region’s power network visit www.northernpowergrid.com