Over the past 10 or 15 years heavy snow fall and high winds have resulted in the electricity being off for a number of days at a time for some residents and back in 1987, following the Great Storm, the electricity was off for 2 weeks for some people!

Now, we don’t want to come across as the ‘Nanny State’, however, if we were all prepared for a lengthy spell without electricity it might make things much easier when it does happen, and it will! Here are some suggestions of steps you could take to be prepared:

• Prepare an emergency box and put it in the shed or garage. This might contain:
• Wind up or battery powered lights (with spare batteries)
• Candles and matches
• A portable radio (wind up or battery)
• An analogue telephone (that doesn’t require a separate electricity supply)
• Drinks, especially bottled water
• Tinned or dried food for a number of days and something to cook it on such as a camping stove
• Extra blankets and warm clothes
• Explore all options for charging electronic devices, this might help you communicate with the outside world.
• Ensure you have an adequate supply of all medicines you take
• Get to know your neighbours and be prepared to help them if they need help
• If you require additional help or assistance during an emergency, ensure your name is on the Priority Services Register with the UK Power Networks. You can do this on line by searching for ‘Priority Services Register’. If you don’t have access to the internet please speak to the Good Neighbours (tel. 07707 850126) who will be able to help you.

A starter emergency box is also available from UK Power Networks for those who are vulnerable. Mrs Helen Lewis (Tel. 411232) has a supply of these and would be pleased to hear from you if you would like one. Remember, if you do prepare an emergency box, review its contents annually; you wouldn’t want to call on it only to find all the food was out of date!