Agencies work together to keep vulnerable residents safe and warm

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, local utility providers and Warm Homes Health People joined forces earlier this month visiting homes to advise on general home safety advice and identify residents who would benefit from additional support in the event of a cut to water, gas or electricity supplies. Electricity firm UK Power Networks, was among the agencies in Kirkley on February 9 visiting homes. There was also a team based at the Kirkley Children's Centre and at the Kirkley Community Centre to provide expert advice for local residents.

UK Power Networks has a Priority Services Register which means it can provide additional help, support and advice during a power cut to vulnerable customers on the register, and people with special needs or health conditions.

Matt Rudling, director of customer services at UK Power Networks, said: 'We know from our previous partnership work with local fire and rescue services that this is a great way of giving information to people who may be eligible to apply for extra support in a power cut.

'All sorts of people can feel vulnerable without electricity and we want to spread the word about the additional free services we can provide to those on our Priority Services Register.'

Customers on the register can access extra help services including a 24-hour priority phone number, a dedicated team who'll keep them updated during a power cut, tailored support if needed such as home visits, advice and keeping friends and relatives updated, and in certain cases a hotel overnight and transport to the hotel,

Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: 'Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service visited residents in Kirkley to give safety advice, help them to check their fire alarms and encourage regular testing.

'Events like these are a great way to engage with the community and raise awareness about fire safety in the home.'

? To join the register visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority, call 08001699970, or email psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk