Power cut warning for hundreds of Kettering residents
Hundreds of Kettering residents have been warned they will be without power over night after an electric issue in the north of the town.
Homes in Kingsley Avenue, Neale Avenue and Blandford Avenue are due to lose power at about 5.30pm on Sunday (January 25) with residents preparing for when the lights go out.
It is expected that power may be restored tomorrow morning.
A spokesman for Northants Fire and Rescue said: “Hundreds of homes in Kettering will lose their power supplies within the next hour following a serious fault identified by National Grid today (Sunday, January 25).
“Fire crews from Kettering were called to the initial site of the problem earlier this afternoon and the power operator has now confirmed that between 600 and 700 homes in three streets in the town - Kingsley Avenue, Neale Avenue and Blandford Avenue - will have their power cut off until the early hours of tomorrow morning as engineers resolve the problem which has been identified.”
Top tips for power cuts from AA Insurance
Lights
Have a plentiful supply of new batteries for radios and torches in the house, and keep them all in an accessible place.
A wind-up torch is worth having, as are glow sticks or a shake light.
Take care if you're using candles and matches. Place the candle in a heat-resistant bowl – this will not only reflect light, but also prevent fire if the candle is knocked over (cut long candles in half).
A power cut may not last long, but first switch off electric cooker hobs and appliances for safety. Leave one light or a mains radio on so you know when the power is back.
Stay warm
A house without heating will soon get cold. So it's important not just to stay warm, but to stay warm safely.
Extra layers of clothing will help to keep in body heat, and a blanket on the duvet will add extra warmth at night.
Close curtains, and shutters if you have them, to reduce heat loss through the windows.
Keep some dry wood for your open fire or wood-burning stove – check the chimney flues are clean before using them.
Modern household paraffin heaters are safe to use, but don't leave them unattended.
Never use a generator, barbecue or a fuel-burning camping stove indoors – these need adequate ventilation, or else they can produce poisonous carbon monoxide.
Food
While you can continue to cook on a gas hob during a blackout, you'll need some ingenuity to prepare meals if you have an electric cooker.
A full freezer will keep food frozen for about two days, and a fridge will keep cold for about 4 hours – open the doors only when necessary.
Order a home food delivery!