Be Ready for Severe Wind Gusts in Dunedin and Otago

Winds of this strength have the potential to bring down trees and power lines, and can create electricity-related hazards.

Please secure trampolines and other outdoor equipment to reduce the risk of wind-blown items causing power cuts and damage to powerlines.

Always keep well clear of downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live at all times.

Aurora Energy is monitoring the situation and has response crews on standby ready to respond should severe wind gusts arrive this afternoon as forecast and cause damage.

During a power cut, please remember that the safety of the public and Aurora Energy’s field contractor staff is of primary importance at all times. They will respond as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.

To report downed lines, or trees in power lines, please contact Aurora Energy on 0800 22 00 05.

To report a loss of power, please contact your electricity retailer.

We urge people to be ready for the possibility of power cuts and know how to keep safe around electricity.

Before a storm:

• Securely fix trampolines, outdoor furniture and other heavy items to the ground. Wind-blown trampolines have caused power cuts in previous storms.
• Be prepared for power cuts. Make sure you have adequate food supplies, warm clothing and bedding, torch and spare batteries, battery radio and an alternative source of heating and cooking.

During and after a storm:

• Always keep well clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live at all times
• Watch out for falling tree branches as these can cause damage to power lines.
• Avoid possible damage to electrical appliances when power is restored by switching off appliances at the wall.

People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should ensure they are prepared for power disruptions and if there is an immediate health threat, contact their health provider or call 111.

ENDS