Are you power cut prepared this winter?

Orkney’s Local Emergency Coordination Group (OLECG) is encouraging local householders to take some time now to ensure they’ve got all they need to hand if there are power cuts over the winter months.

Hayley Green – Orkney Islands Council’s Corporate Director for Neighbourhood Services and Infrastructure -  co-chairs OLECG. She said: “The winter months – whether it be through storms, snow and ice, or bird strikes on power lines – sees fairly regular power cuts in Orkney.

“Taking a couple of hours now to check your cupboards to make sure you’ve got everything you need for such an eventuality will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

“Do you have adequate torches, spare batteries, battery operated lights, power packs for charging your phone and emergency numbers to hand?  Have got enough food and fuel in for if the power is out for a while and your local shop can’t provide you with what you need?

“Folk will be aware that there is the potential opportunity for significant power cuts early next year as we face the challenge of disrupted energy supplies from Europe.

“Our current information is that these rolling power cuts are unlikely – and that potentially the infrastructure in Orkney could cushion us from the impact.

“However it would be wrong for Orkney Islands Council and its emergency planning partners not to prepare for this – and as such there’s significant work going on in the background to prepare for every outcome – we’d encourage local householders to do the same.”

More information on the potential for power cuts  – and preparing for them  - is available at https://www.ssen.co.uk/power-cuts-emergencies/electricity-supply-emergency-code-esec/ and https://ready.scot/respond/loss-utilities