SEVERAL hundred Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD) engineers and support staff are on standby to deal with the potential damage caused by the anticipated stormy weather.

The staff are being mobilised throughout depots and offices across central southern England to repair any damage caused by the anticipated 75mph winds.

Extra call handlers are also on hand to give customers advice and to talk to anyone who may lose their electricity supply. Calls will be made to vulnerable customers and co-ordination is being undertaken with local resilience groups to ensure their welfare.

A power cut can be particularly distressing for vulnerable customers who rely on electricity, such as the elderly, those with medical requirements, the disabled and people with young babies.

In the event of a power cut, customers are being urged to take some simple steps to maintain their welfare while SEPD work to restore their power. This could include boiling some water for a thermos flask and ensuring you have batteries for a torch.

SEPD has invested significantly in strengthening the local electricity network this year in order to increase resilience over the winter.

However, in some areas, the network may be affected by the exceptional weather event and resources have been put in place to be able to restore power as quickly as possible.

Any customers who do lose their electricity supply are urged to contact Southern Electric’s dedicated team on 08000 727282 to report damage or report neighbours or friends who may need extra help.