Local emergency Grant Funds

LOCAL EMERGENCY GRANT FUNDS

Dodington Parish Council are pleased to announce that they have diverted part of their 2020 – 21 budget into an ‘Covid-19 Emergency Fund’ set up to help locally based organisations and charities that are supporting residents in the Chipping Sodbury, Dodington and Yate area through this current crisis.

Please see guidelines and application forms at

https://www.dodingtonpc.org.uk/launch-of-emergency-fund/

If you are unable to print and need hard copy – don’t hesitate to contact the parish council who will get paper copies to you

Once completed either email to : clerk@dodingtonpc.org.uk or pop in the post to our office address (there is a rota for going into office and checking for mail).

Dodington Parish Council, Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, Chipping Sodbury. S Glos. BS37 6JZ.

** Note the next council meeting when grants will be considered is 13th May 2020 – so if possible please get your application into us by 10th May 2020 **

You can apply to this fund as well as the Yate Town Council Battle Fund

Be Winter Ready - some easy advice

Be Winter Ready is a national campaign to encourage people to prepare in case they experience a power cut or gas emergency this winter.

Here's some simple advice:

• Know your free emergency numbers: In a power cut dial 105 or, for a gas emergency, dial 0800 111999.
• Prepare your home: Keep a torch handy and get your appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Register as a vulnerable customer: Vulnerable households can get extra support by signing up to the Priority Services Register. If you live in the Midlands, South West or South Wales you can register with Wester Power Distribution here. If you live in a different area you can contact your gas or electricity network to find out more. Visit www.energynetworks.org to find out who your network operator is. 
• Keep your eyes open: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and, if you have a power cut or a gas emergency, please check on your neighbours. 

New national emergency number for power cuts

There’s a new FREE number to call if you have a power cut

105 is a new number that you can call to report or get information about a power cut. It will put you through to your local electricity network operator – the company that manages the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses in your area.

105 is a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales, and you can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones. It doesn’t matter who you choose to buy your electricity from - anyone can call 105.

You can also call 105 if you spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put you, or someone else, in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, call the emergency services too.

Don’t be left in the dark.  Call 105.

To find out more, visit powercut105.com

POWER CUT TIPS

What should I do during a power cut?

• Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.
• Leave a light on so you know when the power cut has been resolved.
• Check to see if your neighbours are okay.
• Wrap up warm.
• Contact your electricity network operator to report the power cut, either by calling 105 or via their other channels. Visit powercut105.com for details of your local network operator.

How can I prepare for a power cut?

• Keep a torch handy – it’s much safer than using candles.
• Get a battery-powered or wind-up radio (useful for keeping up to date with relevant local news).
• Keep warm – keep a blanket and warm clothing handy, and fill a vacuum flask or hot water bottle.
• Stock your cupboard with food and drink that doesn’t require electricity to prepare it.
• Keep your mobile phone and laptop fully charged.
• Check your network operator’s website or social media channels for updates.

Can I use my phone during a power cut?

• Cordless phones probably won’t work during a power cut. They take their power from the mains and most don’t have battery back-up. 
• Traditional corded phones will work – you might want to keep one handy so you can plug it in and make phone calls if you have a power cut. 
• In most cases, mobile phones will work if they are charged.

I’m on the Priority Services Register. Should I now call 105?

The Priority Services Register is for people who might need extra support during a power cut; for example, people who need electricity for vital medical equipment. If you are on the Register and you have a power cut, you should continue to call the phone number that you have been given.