What can we learn from Storm Eunice? If there is a Weather Warning:

Inside

• Fully charge your computers, phones etc. ahead of time. Remember you can use your car to charge these, make sure you have the correct adaptors.
• Fill a flask.
• If your water is pumped, ensure you have sufficient stored water.
• Buy torches, candles, matches and batteries in advance and get them out.
• If you expect a power cut (storm / high winds) or if there is lightning in the area, turn off your PC and other delicate electrical items because a power surge can damage them.
• Switch off your appliances, so they do not start working in the event you’re out when the power comes back on.
• If the power goes off, try to limit opening the freezer and fridge.  
• If the power goes off, keep warm by wrapping up in extra layers of clothes, blankets, duvets etc.
• Please stay safe, do not put yourself or others at risk by using unsafe forms of heat e.g. barbeques and patio gas stoves indoors.
• Have emergency numbers to hand.  

• Western Power have posted details to affected homes outlining the process for automatic compensation, without any requirement to make individual claims.
  • Storm Eunice was a category 2 storm so:
    • After the first 48 hours without power you are eligible for £70 compensation.
    • There will then be another £70 for every further 12 hours.
    • All eligible customers will receive a letter and a compensation payment based on the eligibility criteria set by Ofgem.
    • You should receive that within ten working days.
    • WESTERNPOWER.CO.UK

Western Power Distribution – Storm Eunice: Ofgem’s Guaranteed Standards Compensation Scheme

Outside

• Store and secure outside items so they do not become a danger to you or to others.
• Take care of your pets, keep indoors if possible. If shutting chickens in etc., ensure they have ventilation, food and water.  
• Be flood aware and find out how to prepare. If your home starts to flood call the Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188 (24 hour).
• Collect your medications and essential supplies beforehand so you don’t need to travel.
• Avoid travel, unless absolutely necessary.
• If you do have to make a journey be prepared:
  • Take extreme care.
  • Take coat, sturdy boots and warm clothes in case you break down or have to leave your vehicle.
  • Expect road closures and disruption due to fallen trees and debris.
  • Expect road damage and hedges to be collapsed.
  • Expect falling tiles / branches / trees and flying debris.
  • Expect difficult driving conditions e.g. strong winds and driving rain.

• Rail and bus services were disrupted, always check before leaving home.
• Please stay safe and do not do anything to put yourself or others at risk.

Communication

• Please post local updates on www.facebook.com/SouthHillParish or send it to editor@south-hill.co.uk to be added to the Connection web site www.south-hill.co.uk

• If you receive The CONNECTION newsletter we can send updates by email, if you are not signed upsend your email to editor@south-hill.co.uk

• Local radio updates www.heart.co.uk/cornwall/news/traffic-travel

• Facebook, Next Door, Twitter etc.

• Contact your neighbours:
  • To establish whether your issue is an isolated case.
  • To look out for and check on vulnerable neighbours.

• Postal and rubbish collection services were disrupted. Please safely store your rubbish for next collection.

• If you find yourself in a situation where you believe you are in danger, call 999.

• Please contact NHS 111 first, unless you have a serious or life-threatening injury or illness.

• Cornwall Council’s emergency line is: 01872 323752 Offers support and advice and passes specific needs on to other agencies or departments.

• Cornwall’s 24/7 NHS Mental Health support line 0800 038 5300 FREE 24 hour, if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s mental health..

• Report a fallen tree blocking a road or causing danger. Inform the owner, one of our parish councilors or call Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 222 (24 hour), or  www.cornwall.gov.uk/report-something/

• If the tree has pulled down / damaged cables / poles these could be live. Do NOT touch them. Contact Western Power Distribution.

Call 105 or 0800 678 3105 105, www.westernpower.co.uk, info@westernpower.co.uk.

• To report a power cut Western Power are our energy supplier call 105, www.westernpower.co.uk   info@westernpower.co.uk

• Home flooding – call the Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188 (24 hr). Report flooding to the Environment Agency Incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 (24hr).

Please email and let us know if we missed anything, your thoughts, your suggestions, any other comments or concerns to editor@south-hill.co.uk.

Thank You. Stay Safe.