WITH Storm Dennis set to bring more strong winds and heavy rain across Warrington and Cheshire this weekend and SP Energy Networks has issued safety advice to help keep customers safe in the event of a power cut.
A week after Storm Ciara, parts of the country are set to be hit by 70mph winds with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for gale force winds and possible flooding which could cause traffic delays and cancellations to transport services.
SP Energy Networks, the electricity distributor for Cheshire, has been working hard throughout the year to improve the power networks’ resilience during extreme weather conditions to help reduce the chance of power loss. Flooding on roads can make it difficult for SP Energy Networks engineers to reach faults in the network, therefore it is important for residents across Cheshire to be prepared.
Stephen Stewart, Director at SP Energy Networks’ for Cheshire said: “Power cuts are rare but during storms they become more likely and the weather can also make it difficult for our engineers who are working to fix any issues that may arise.
“Therefore, with Storm Dennis forecast, it’s important our customers in Cheshire are fully prepared for a power cut, just in case.
“Our team of engineers have been working hard to increase the resilience of the network. We do however, have a team of engineers on hand 24/7 who will come out to your area in the event of any power outages caused by the extreme weather. You can report any power cuts to us by calling the national emergency 105 helpline.”
Stephen Stewart’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 powered 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 powerlines – 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 that you can give us a call on the national 105 emergency helpline. Alternatively, if your mobile is out of battery or signal, it’s 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. If your power is off, we can make sure you are supported. Find out more about joining the PSR here.
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 new national 105 emergency helpline.
Forecast for Warrington Feb 14-18
An unsettled period with strong winds and heavy rain.
This Evening and Tonight:
A few showers through the evening, but these will ease leaving a largely dry night with clear spells. Turning cloudier and windier towards dawn, with rain just about reaching the far south. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
Saturday:
An unsettled day ahead with heavy rain and gales, sometimes severe, across the region. There could be heavy downpours at times, with hail and thunder a possibility. Maximum temperature 12 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Staying very windy on Sunday, but somewhat drier with sunshine and showers. Monday and Tuesday will see sunshine and blustery showers, some which will be wintry over hills. Staying windy.
