Self-start advice to the public during power failure
Call 105 or visit http://www.powercut105.com/ if you have a power cut. To check to see if there is a power cut in your area, please use the Power Track map provided by Scottish & Southern Electricity and UK power network.
The energy infrastructure in LB Hounslow is generally robust and though large failures are unlikely, the systems are complex, and problems may happen for a range of reasons.
How to prepare in advance
- A torch with charged batteries or a wind-up dynamo torch. You can also buy battery-powered lights that plug into a power socket and come on automatically during a power cut
- At least one phone that doesn’t run off the mains supply, ie an analogue telephone or mobile
- A battery-powered radio and fresh batteries, as you may be able to receive updates on the incident
- A warm balnket.
Tips for a power cut
- Use a car radio, wind-up radio, or battery-operated radio, and keep supplies of batteries.
- BBC Radio 1 – 4 and BBC local radio will continue to operate
- Use a torch – they are safer than candles
- Turn off all your electrical equipment, except one light which will let you know when the power comes back on
- Limit the use of any laptops and mobile phone to preserve battery power.
- Keep warm by staying in one room and use alternative form of heating safely.
- Remember, the streetlights may also be off so, take care if you go out.
- Keep an eye on any elderly or ill people who live nearby.
For more information please visit the Scottish and Southern Electric website advice on power cuts.
