No Blackout If There's A Whiteout

The company responsible for distributing electricity around Yorkshire says they're ready for whatever the winter weather throws at them this week.

With predicted strong winds and snowfall on higher ground between Tuesday evening and Friday morning, the pressure could be on Northern Powergrid.

The firm says that all non-essential works have been cancelled so that engineers are on hand to respond to emergency issues that could occur. Additional engineers and more call centre staff are also on stand-by.

A company spokesman said today, "Our smart-technology friendly website, which includes a power cut checker service, Twitter (@northpowergrid) and Facebook pages will be used to provide regular updates and advice 24-hours a day to local people.

"Customers with a disability, medical condition or very young families, who may need greater assistance during a power cut and have signed up to the company’s Priority Services Register, will be kept updated as a priority. Northern Powergrid is also ready to use its customer support vehicles during any potential prolonged power cut to support local communities offering practical support such as stay-warm packs and hot drinks. Our partnership with the British Red Cross will also help provide additional care to customers on the register, when necessary. Anyone interested in joining the Priority Services Register can sign up on line via Northern Powergrid’s website or call 0800 169 2996.

"Maintaining and restoring power safely is Northern Powergrid top priority so we will be closely monitoring the weather forecast in order to co-ordinate any responses as quickly as possible. We're also urging local people who spot any damaged cables or equipment not to approach the area and contact the company immediately on

0800 375 675 0330 123 0675 by mobile

Northern Powergrid's cut advice and tips include:

• turn off electrical appliances at the socket (this is particularly important for heating or cooking appliances as your power could return at any time and potentially cause a safety hazard if you are absent, asleep or unaware) - keep one light switched on so you know when power is restored - keep a battery or wind-up torch handy – they’re much safer than candles - have a charged mobile phone with important numbers, including Northern Powergrid’s contact details, easily accessible - check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives - ensure you have a good supply of warm clothing and blankets handy and some food and drink in your home that does not require electricity to heat or prepare it - only call 999 in the event of an emergency.