Here's some top tips and frequently asked questions to help you prepare for storms or other situations that may affect your power supply.

• What do I need to prepare for an emergency?

  It's important to ensure that you're prepared for storms or other situations that may affect your power supply.
  

  Civil Defence have some great guidelines on how to prepare for an emergency. It's a good idea to put together an emergency survival and getaway kit.

• What should I do before a power outage?

  • Ensure you have enough drinking water to last three days. Fill buckets and baths (if you have one) for washing and toilet flushing.
  • Keep your mobile phone charged. Make sure you have a car charger for your devices to ensure you can keep in touch and keep informed.
  • Have a torch handy (it's safer than candles which can be a fire hazard)

• What should I do during a power outage?

  • Check this page for regular updates. We refresh our website outages information at least half hourly, so if you can't see your outage please check again in a few minutes.
  • Alternatively phone us on 0800 10 40 40. During widespread outages our call centre can experience high call volumes from customers across our network, so you may be placed in a queue to speak to an operator. We appreciate your patience. You can also follow our Facebook page for any updates during business hours.
  • If you or a family member, friend or neighbour is medically dependent on power, make arrangements to get to a hospital or other place that is safe.
  • Turn off sensitive electronic equipment and unplug from the power sockets.
  • Don’t open your fridge or freezer unless it is necessary – these will stay cold for much longer if they are kept closed.
  • Stay at least EIGHT metres away from damaged powerlines or electrical equipment.
  • If you go out be aware that street and traffic lights may not be working.