Unison Warns Customers to be Safe as Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc

Saturday 6 August, 2016 1.45pm – Following the region-wide Transpower fault on Unison’s Hawke’s Bay network, Unison is urging customers to prioritise the safety of themselves and others, as severe weather looks set to continue.

“First and foremost, we want our customers to stay safe. Hawke’s Bay is being battered by severe weather, and this too resulted in Transpower’s fault, which supplies Hawke’s Bay.

“We ask customers to stay well away from fallen power lines and poles and the immediate area, to always treat lines as live. Should live lines have fallen on objects like fences and trees on them, electrical currents can travel through them, so stay clear of the area until Unison or emergency services advise the area to be safe,” said Relationship Manager, Danny Gough.

“We are working to secure any damaged areas of the network that may pose a safety risk to the public, but we ask for customer’s vigilance at this time.”

He advised customers to prepare for prolonged periods without power as the wild weather was set to continue, and urged those who are medically dependant, to make alternative arrangements.

“Large pockets of customers across Hawke’s Bay are already experiencing power outages, and with the wild weather set to stick around, we are preparing for further outages throughout the day and night.

“Our crews are working hard to restore power to those areas that have already been affected by power outages.”

He said, however, in weather like this, it was “imperative we make sure it is safe for our team to carry out repairs, so we ask for our customers’ patience as we work to reconnect those who experience no power”.

Customers can visit Unison’s website (www.unison.co.nz/outages) for regular updates on outages and restoration work, as well as their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Unison’s advice to customers:

• Check for fallen or damaged electricity lines. Never touch wires or lines lying on the ground, hanging from poles, or objects such as tree branches that may be touching them. Fallen lines or wires may still be carrying an electrical current and could shock, injure or even kill if touched. Unison is urging anyone who sees a power line down to call 0800 2 Unison.

• Turn off the power at the main switch if you suspect any electrical damage in your home. If the power goes out, turn off all electrical appliances to prevent possible damage by a power surge when the electricity supply is restored.

• Remember that if the electricity network is damaged, it might take some time to get reconnected, so make sure you have a battery operated radio, a torch, spare batteries, and a full gas bottle for your BBQ as part of your emergency kit.

• Owners of homes and businesses that have suffered water damage must also be aware their property, and appliances within it, may also have electrical damage. Unison is advising people to engage a qualified electrician and to talk to their insurance provider.

• Medically dependant customers are advised to prepare for the likelihood of no power and make alternative arrangements in advance.

Check Unison’s website (www.unison.co.nz/outages) for regular updates on outages, and/or Unison’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for further information on restoration work.

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