Recent weather conditions across many parts of the UK have shown how important it is to be prepared and to have a plan in an emergency.
A loss of electricity can affect us and our homes – including an impact on our ability to cook food, an impact on communications, the risk of food poisoning and health impacts on the elderly and vulnerable.
The National Grid have compiled some useful tips that could help you prepare for a power cut.
Know who to contact
You should keep the contact information for National Grid handy by saving it on your phone or in a place you can easily remember or access. Contact them on 105 or 0800 6783 105.
Use these numbers to report a power cut or call for information and advice.
Stay connected
Check that you have a phone available that will work in a power cut – digital or cordless ones may not work.
It’s worth keeping a battery or solar charger handy so that you can recharge your smart phone or table and follow updates online. The National Grid update their online power cut map and Power Cut Reporter app.
Light the way
Have things like a torch or lantern ready as your usual lights won’t be working. For safety reasons, it is best not to use candles or paraffin lights as they can be dangerous and a fire hazard.
During a power cut
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Keep your freezer shut – depending on the type of freezer you have, the contents could stay frozen for up to 12 hours which could save you lots of time and money in needing to replace your frozen food.
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Protect sensitive electrical equipment such as computers with a surge protector plug.
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If you have a mains operated stair lift, check to see if there is a manual release handle that can be used to return it safely to ground level if it stops working.
National Grid provide additional support for vulnerable customers during a power cut. If you need to report a problem, use the free 105 nationwide emergency telephone number.
You can also find more information about the risks of a loss of electricity in Lincolnshire by visiting the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum website.