Be Prepared For Inclement Weather

Be Prepared For Inclement Weather

Tropical Cyclone June is expected to move onto the upper North Island later today. Since 2000, New Zealand has missed a number of major tropical storms, but the most recent damaging one was Cyclone Wilma in early 2011, which caused damage to parts of Northland and Coromandel. A number have reached New Zealand but have fizzled just a few hours before reaching land. Cyclone June is not expected to be as strong as Cyclone Wilma.

As a precaution, Vector would like to remind customers that outages may be possible due to these weather conditions.

Remember to;

• Stay clear
Stay away from any fallen power lines or trees lying across power lines. The lines could still be live, and could be conducting electricity through the tree. So for your own safety, stay clear and call 111.

• Switch off sensitive equipment
Sensitive electrical and electronic equipment such as your TV, computer, stereo and digital recorder can be affected by a power surge when power is restored. It’s a good idea to switch this equipment off until the power is back on.

• Keep the fridge closed
Food in refrigerators and freezers will last longer if you keep the doors closed while the power is off. A freezer will usually keep food frozen for up to 24 hours without power.

• Check the stove
Make sure elements on your stove, the kettle, and electric heaters are turned off. This ensures they don’t come back on without you noticing when power is restored.

• Avoid cordless phones
Your telephone is not usually affected when power fails. But cordless phones which are plugged into your electricity supply may not work.

• Medical dependency

People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should ensure they are prepared for power disruptions and if there is an immediate health threat, contact their health provider or call 111.

NETWORK SUMMARY for week ending 19 January 2013

ELECTRICITY

A busy weekend for Vector crews with two car v pole incidents in Mangere and Mt Eden along with three building fires in Favona, Waikowhai and the CBD where we assisted the Fire Service in making the sites safe.

Trees coming down on power lines caused an outage at Piha on Friday. Generators were brought in as access to the downed lines was difficult.

Contractors struck an electricity cable while carrying out work in Papakura during the week. Field crews worked on the fault and made urgent repairs. Power was restored within two hours.

Lines were reported down in Mt Eden and Titirangi this week and our crews attended to the incidents quickly.

Trees were found to be touching power lines in Warkworth causing a power outage, meanwhile, in Waiwera, our crews made repairs to a damaged pole.

GAS

A smell of gas was reported in Montgomerie Crescent, Hamilton. Crews were on scene quickly and repaired a damaged gas pipe.

PROJECTS

The major cable reinforcement project in Church Street, Onehunga is progressing well with trenching and ducting complete and the cable currently being installed along the route. The first circuits are due to be livened at the end of this month with the all circuits running early February.

ends

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