Unison Says Prepare for No Power as Wind Whacks its Regions

Monday 6 October, 2014 – Unison Networks today advised its customers to prepare for periods without power as its regions of Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and Rotorua were being battered by high winds and wild weather.

Unison Networks’ Relationship & Customer Care Manager, Danny Gough, said small pockets of customers across its network regions were experiencing power outages, and with the wind set to stick around, the Company was preparing for outages to continue.

“Most of the North Island is being battered by severe winds, which can bring lines down and cause trees and debris to damage the network.

“Our crews are working hard to restore power to those areas that have been affected on our network, but in weather like this, it is imperative we make sure it is safe for our team to carry out repairs. So, we ask for our customers’ patience as we work to reconnect those who experience no power.”

He said it was therefore timely for customers to prepare for power outages.

“As part of your household emergency kit, make sure you have a battery operated radio and torch, a full gas bottle for cooking on your BBQ, and if you rely on electricity for heating, we also recommend a portable gas heater.”

Should the power go out, Unison advises the following safety precautions:

• Check for fallen or damaged power lines. Never touch wires or lines lying on the ground, hanging from poles, or objects such as trees that may be touching them. Fallen lines or wires may still be carrying an electrical current and could shock, injure or even kill if touched.
• Turn off the power at the main switch if you suspect any electrical damage in your home. If the power goes out, turn off all electrical appliances to prevent possible damage by a power surge when the electricity supply is restored.
• Remember that if the electricity network is damaged, it may take a number of hours to be reconnected, so make sure you have your household emergency kit ready.

-Ends-

 

For more information, contact:
Danny Gough, Unison Relationship & Customer Care Manager
021 739461

 

Important information sources:

• To report a fault, call 0800 2 UNISON.

• Learn more about safety around fallen power lines, and being prepared for no power:  http://www.unison.co.nz/tell-me-about/safety/safety-around-fallen-power-lines.