TOP tips about what you should do if the electricity goes off have been issued to householders by a regional power company.
Northern Powergrid says it is spending millions of pounds on replacing and upgrading work this winter, but it is impossible to prevent power cuts everywhere in very bad weather conditions.
The first piece of advice is to turn off electrical appliances at the socket.
This is particularly important for heating and cooking appliances as the power could return at any time and potentially cause a safety hazard if you are absent, asleep or unaware.
Others tips include the use of battery-powered lamps or torches if possible instead of candles as they are safer, keep one light switched on so that you know when the electricity has returned and check on any vulnerable neighbours and relatives to make sure they are comfortable and well during a power cut.
Paul Norton, Northern Powergrid’s Head of Safety, said: “We do everything within our power to keep people on supply, but it would be unrealistic to assume that interruptions are never going to happen, especially when bad weather hits.
“Please be assured that when power cuts happen, our engineers will be out in all conditions to try to get your supply back on as quickly as possible.
“In the meantime, we ask that people do what they can to keep safe.”
Any vulnerable customers who would require assistance, whether medical or otherwise, in the event of a power cut should apply to be on the company’s Priority Service Register.
Telephone 0800 1692996 between the hours of 8.30am and 4.45pm, Monday to Friday.