WITH Storm Doris threatening to hit Wirral an energy supplier has issued advice to help customers stay safe in the event of a power cut.

Winds of up to 80mph tomorrow poses an increased risk of power outages if overhead lines are damaged.

Last year SP Energy Networks outlined a £21 million plan to modernise Birkenhead Grid Substation which supplies more than 162,000 homes and businesses in the borough.

Director of SP Energy Networks Stephen Stewart said: “Although power cuts are rare events for most people, in the event of a storm such as that forecast on Thursday we want to make sure our customers are prepared as much as possible.

“We have a team of engineers on hand in Wirral to fix faults and get people’s power supply back on as soon as possible if a power cut does occur.

“The quicker we are alerted to a power cut, the quicker we can respond.”

The following advice is being issued:

  • Keep the SP Energy Networks and new national 105 helpline numbers close to hand; 0800 001 5400
  • Keep your mobile charged – if your mobile is out of battery or signal, it’s worth having an analogue phone as this doesn’t run off the main electricity supply.
  • Keep a battery powered torch handy
  • Avoid leaving your fridge or freezer open
  • Unplug powered equipment
  • Priority Service Register – if electricity is crucial to your health ask to be included on our priority service register - this way if your power is off SP Energy can make sure you are supported.

An amber alert for gales has been issued across the North, Midlands and East between 6am and 6pm on Thursday in response to the strong winds and heavy rain forecast during Storm Doris.

Gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are expected on some roads, along with heavy rain and surface water.

And there is a particularly high risk to high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes on exposed sections of the network.

Drivers of high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes are being advised to avoid the M53 J1-J2 Wallasey to Birkenhead.