Dedicated helpline for those affected by Storms Eunice and Franklin in Cornwall
It is designed for residents who need support in the aftermath
A dedicated helpline has been set up for residents in Cornwall who need support in the aftermath of Storms Eunice and Franklin.
Cornwall Council says those affected by power cuts and needing extra support can call 0300 123 1118 from 9am to 6pm today and tomorrow and from 10am on Wednesday where a team can give advice and pass on specific needs to other agencies or departments.
As of Monday lunchtime, Western Power Distribution were working to reconnect around 4,000 properties in Cornwall without power after the storms.
The Council is encouraging residents to check up on vulnerable neighbours, relatives and friends, and asking those without power to wrap up warm and avoid using unsafe forms of heat.
Community spaces to access hot drinks and phone charging are open at Bodmin Shire Hall from 9am to 5pm today and tomorrow and St Austell Library all week from 9am to 5pm.
Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “With some homes still without power after Storm Eunice we now have additional homes suffering power cuts as a result of Storm Franklin.
“Engineers from Western Power Distribution are working flat out to reconnect households in difficult weather conditions, and we want to remind everyone to look out for any vulnerable neighbours, relatives and friends.
“Please call our dedicated helpline if you have specific needs and we will endeavour to help.”
Western Power Distribution (WPD) can offer hot food and alternative accommodation if required or reimburse the cost of hot food. If you or someone you know is worried or needs access to food and medication, the WPD support line is open 10am to 6pm on 0808 196 3651. To report a power cut - call 105 or visit www.powercut105.com
The Red Cross can also support vulnerable people in need. Their phone line is open 10am to 6pm: 0808 196 3651.
Cornwall Council is also providing emergency accommodation for anyone sleeping rough, on 0300 1234 161.
You can claim compensation from Western Power Distribution for power cuts during severe weather of £70 as a domestic customer and £70 as a non-domestic customer if power is off for 24 hours (Storm Category 1) or 48 hours (Storm Category 2). Ofgem checks and verifies storm categories. You can get a further £70 for each additional 12 hours of being off supply, up to a total of £700.
Food bank schemes in your locations can be found at Let's Talk Cornwall website.
Winter Warm and Well advise and information
The Winter Wellbeing guides have useful advice and information about staying warm, keeping well and being happy and safe this winter.
Organisations that can offer support, Monday to Friday, include:
• Volunteer Cornwall: 01872 266988, email requestforhelp@volunteercornwall.org.uk
• Benefit contact centre offer Crisis Awards of up to £1,500 to help people in emergency or disaster situations with their immediate needs: 0300 1234 121
• Community Energy Plus: 0800 954 1956
• Age UK Cornwall Helpline: 01872 266 383
• Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service: 0800 358 1999
• Disability Cornwall – lifestyle support scheme: 01736 697055, email
comf@disabilitycornwall.org.uk
• Citizens Advice: 0800 1444 8848
• Royal Voluntary Service: 0330 555 0310 (part of British Red Cross)
• Royal British Legion offer financial support for emergency situations: 0800 802 8080.
The Fuel Petroleum Service (FPS) runs a Cold Weather Priority scheme. This is designed to identify those customers most vulnerable to cold conditions. It ensures that your fuel supplier knows who you are and where you are. They can then take appropriate steps to ensure fuel availability. This is especially true in times of fuel shortage or extreme cold weather.
In Cornwall the following are members of the Fuel Petroleum Service (FPS):
• Heltor Ltd Cornwall Fuels 01726 72890
• Mitchell & Webber Ltd 01209 821881
• Opie Oils Limited 01209 215164
• Watsons Fuels Redruth Depot 01209 313366.
To keep up to date with the latest information please follow social media accounts:
• Cornwall Council on Twitter
• Devon and Cornwall Police on Twitter
• Met Office on Facebook
• Met Office on Twitter
• Environment Agency on Twitter
Remember to keep safe while you keep warm – do not use unsafe forms of heat, wrap up in extra layers and blankets.
Anyone with urgent but not life-threatening health concerns should ring 111.
If you are in danger, call 999.