Advice on power cuts (Suffolk)

Subject: Severe weather update

Severe weather update

UK Power Networks staff are working in poor weather conditions to restore electricity supplies to groups of customers across the East of England. Winds of up to 70mph moving across the region have caused localised power interruptions. Although there are not widespread interruptions to customers' electricity supplies, the stormy conditions have brought fallen trees and branches into contact with overhead power lines, cutting off power supplies in some areas.
Our team of engineers are working from one job to the next in torrential rain and strong winds, making supplies safe and reconnecting power as swiftly as possible.
Safety is our first priority and we are advising members of the public who spot an overhead power line which is brought down in the high winds to keep well away. They should contact our helpline on 0800 783 8838. This number can also be called free from a landline to report power cuts to us.
If your constituents are without electricity and have spoken to one of our advisers, or heard a recorded message with information about a fault in their area, then we are aware that they are without electricity and will restore their power as quickly as possible. At this stage, we are asking your constituents to please avoid phoning the call centre repeatedly to keep the lines free for those reporting public safety incidents and new faults.
If constituents are affected by a power cut, we advise them to:

* Check to see if neighbours are also without power and if they have already reported it to us. If not, ring our power cut helpline to check we are aware of the fault (numbers above)
* Turn off electrical equipment, except a light to show when power is restored
* Keep curtains and furniture away from heaters to avoid fires
* Avoid using candles and never leave them in unoccupied rooms
* Cut out draughts by drawing the curtains
* Keep a torch nearby
* Keep warm by staying in one room, or even in bed. Central heating boilers won't work without electricity. If you use another form of heating, use it safely. Never move a bottled gas or oil heater when it is lit
* Keep a phone in the house which is not dependent on a power supply.
* Street lights may also be off, so take care if you go out.
* Keep an eye on elderly, or ill people, living nearby. If you have a gas cooker, try to make sure they have some hot food or drink, even if it's a flask of water.