Storm Goretti is forecast to bring very strong winds, heavy snowfall and rain across parts of the UK.
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning and is also advising that power cuts are likely in many areas. Paul Collins, Technical Director of NICEIC – the UK's leading certification body for the electrical industry – offers his expert guidance:
In the event of a power cut: It can be hard to predict the damage caused by a storm, and power cuts happen without warning.
If you’ve lost power, check the power cut is not localised to your house only by looking at your consumer unit (fuse board) for any switches that might be down or off. Reset these switches accordingly. Always alert your electricity provider as soon as you experience a power cut in your area.
The sooner an engineer is sent out to investigate the cause, the sooner you’ll have your power restored. Call 105 to report the incident.
If your power has gone out, unplug all your smaller appliances and electrical equipment. Additionally, switch off larger appliances, such as electric showers using the switches.
Doing so will prevent any electrical surge damage that may occur when the electricity is eventually restored. Minimise opening your fridge and freezer and consider filling flasks with hot water for food and drink preparation.
Avoid using candles for light and always have a fully charged torch stored somewhere easily accessible. Keep your phone battery for communication not lighting. If you are familiar with your consumer unit, and your electricity is not restored after the outage is reported to be fixed, you may be able to reset it.
However, if you suspect there is a wider electrical issue, do not attempt to resolve it yourself, always contact a NICEIC-registered electrician to assess any electrical issues. Householders can use the NICEIC Find a Trusted Tradesperson tool to find a registered electrician in their area.
NB: The advice provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional guidance. Homeowners and renters are strongly advised to seek the assistance of certified businesses for any repairs, inspections or other actions involving general repairs and electrical system repairs.