Consumer Council Issues Energy And Travel Advice For Severe Weather
Tuesday 3 January 2012
With the continuing severe weather across Northern Ireland the Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off or if their travel is cancelled.
If your electricity goes off:
If you depend on electrical equipment that is vital to your health contact NIE to get on its critical care register on 08457 643 643.
- Leave one light on. Leave your fridge/freezer switched on with the door shut to maintain a low temperature;
- Check your fuses and trip switches. Then check if your neighbours are without power;
- Check that all other electrical appliances and machinery are switched off at the wall;
- As a source of light, it is preferable to use a torch, oil or gas lamps rather than candles when your electricity is off. If you must use naked flames, please take extra care and make certain that they are put out before you go to bed;
- Check on elderly neighbours in your area to make sure they are ok; and
- Avoid driving your car. If you must drive be extra careful as street and traffic lights in your local area may also be disrupted.
If your power is off and you want more information, contact NIE's Customer Helpline on 08457 643 643 - have your customer number and postcode ready. In the event of widespread electricity loss, when you call the Helpline, you might speak to an operator or you might be connected to NIE's automated service.
Severe weather has also caused disruption to some Irish Sea Ferry services.
Ferry passengers are advised to contact their ferry company for the latest sailing information. Copies of 'Plain Sailing' - a consumer's guide to ferry travel - are available to download from the Consumer Council website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 121 6022.
Air passengers are also advised to check the latest flight information to make sure they are aware of any disruptions or delays.
The Consumer Council is encouraging air passengers to make sure they know their rights when travelling. The Consumer Council's 'Plane Facts' guide includes everything passengers need to know when flying, including your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled. Passengers can request a free copy of Plane Facts from the Consumer Council by phoning 0800 121 6022, e-mailing complaints@consumercouncil.org.ukor by downloading a free copy or mp3 audio version from www.consumercouncil.org.uk.
As part of the Consumer Council's winter campaign, the Council has put together a handy wallet-sized leaflet called 'Weather the Winter'. This provides key advice and telephone numbers to help consumers get through the winter period. These leaflets are available to download from the Consumer Council website www.consumercouncil.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 121 6022.
ENDS
1. Consumer Council media contact: Pauline Gordon, telephone, 028 9067 4813 or 079 0997 2704 or e-mail, pgordon@consumercouncil.org.uk
2. The Consumer Council is an independent consumer organisation, working to bring about change to benefit Northern Ireland's consumers. The Council campaigns for high standards of service and protection and a fair deal for all. It also carries out research, gives advice and publishes reports and other publications. It deals with individual complaints about buses, trains, planes, ferries, natural gas, electricity, coal and water.
3. For more information, visit our website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk
