Horsham District Council

HORSHAM DISTRICT COUNCIL ADVICE on power failure
14 October 2004 midday

THERE have been a number of mini tornadoes overnight on the 13th/14th October 2004 and one of these damaged some 14 properties in Horsham Town – in Kerves Lane, Brighton Road, St Leonard’s Road and Bennetts Road. It also brought a number of trees down in the Bennetts Field area.

Further south, another mini tornado in the Storrington area brought down overhead power lines leaving approximately 300 properties without power.

EDF ENERGY has informed the Council that they have four teams working on checking and repairing the damaged lines. They will inform the Council of when the repairs are likely to be completed once the full extent of the problem is known.

EDF ENERGY’S contact number is:- 0800 783 8866. Those aware of any information which may assist EDF in identifying a fault are asked to call 0800 028 4269.

The following advice is given to residents in the event of a power cut:

• Your freezer, if full, will keep everything frozen for about two days without power. A half full freezer will keep food frozen one day, providing you keep the door closed.
• If power will be off for an extended period, try moving the food to friends’ freezers. Your refrigerator, without power, will keep food cool 4-6 hours depending on the kitchen temperature.
• Thawed food? Food that still feels refrigerator-cold can be cooked and used immediately. Discard any thawed food that has risen to room temperature and remained there 2 hours or more.
• Do not re-freeze food which has defrosted.
• Immediately discard anything with a strange colour or odour.
• It may be possible to use barbecue equipment to provide hot food and drinks but this should be done outside the house. 
• Care should be taken if using candles for emergency lighting – be aware of the fire risk.
• If you know of elderly or infirm neighbours be a good neighbour and check that they are all right.

Ends

CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
(01403) 215549

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