Following the recent devastation of Storm Arwen, and the reports that Storm Barra is expected to arrive in the UK today (7 December), I have been contacted by UK Power Networks with a briefing on their preparations for the Storm, and useful advice and contacts numbers to pass onto constituents should they be required.

UK Power Networks have advised people to stay clear of power lines and report damaged power lines immediately by calling 105 free from either a landline or a mobile phone. If you see that electricity lines are down or causing a significant risk to the public you should call 999.

Anyone experiencing a power cut should:

• Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut and type in their postcode to view our live power cut map, with details of individual power cuts
• Call 105 free of charge to speak to our customer service team, report a power cut or damage to the electricity network
• Tweet @ukpowernetworks to report a power cuts or to receive updates
• Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk for the latest updates

UK Power Networks also provide extra help to customers on their Priority Service Register during a power cut.  Households with older or disabled people, those with children under five, or where someone uses medical or mobility equipment that requires electricity as well as other reasons can join the register. You can find out more information about the Priority Service on their website: ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority.