Unison advises Taupo residents to prepare for a night without power

2.30pm, Tuesday 20 March 2012 – Unison Networks Ltd is advising customers to ensure they are prepared for the possibility of a night without power as wild weather hampers repairs to damaged lines.

Adverse weather conditions have caused outages in pockets across the Taupo district, and continuing high winds are delaying lines crews’ efforts to repair damaged power poles and lines, and continuing to cause further damage.

Unison Customer Relations Manager Danny Gough is advising customers to ensure they are prepared for a night without power.

“We have pulled in extra resource to help restore power as quickly as possible, but conditions currently pose a safety risk for our lines crews, prohibiting us reconnecting some customers. We recommend that householders ensure they have access to a battery operated radio, a torch, spare batteries, and a full gas bottle for their BBQ.”

Mr Gough reminded customers to call Unison first if they do experience an outage on 0800 2 UNISON (0800 286 476).

ENDS

During power outages, Unison regularly advises the following safety precautions:
• check for fallen or damaged electricity lines. Never touch wires or lines lying on the ground, hanging from poles, or objects such as tree branches 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 might take a number of hours to get reconnected, so make sure you have a battery operated radio, a torch, spare batteries, and a full gas bottle for your BBQ as part of your emergency kit.

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