Thousands in Keith and Huntly at risk of having no gas overnight amid freezing temperatures
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THOUSANDS of people in Keith and Huntly are in danger of being left without gas overnight as temperatures sit below freezing.
A gas outage began early this morning, with a 3.30pm update from gas network company SGN saying they are working hard to restore services "as quickly as possible".
SGN is now asking for community help. In the coming hours, they will deliver a letter to each affected property with instructions on how to turn the gas supply off at the meter, along with a label to display in their windows.
If everyone turns off their gas supply, using the five steps, which are also listed below, then SGN should be able to get things running again quickly.
- Turn off all your gas appliances. For example, your boiler, cooker and gas fire.
- Turn off your gas supply at the meter. Your meter could be under the stairs, in a cupboard or in a meter box outside your property. Give the emergency control valve (a spanner-style handle) a quarter turn in either direction so that it’s at a right angle with the gas pipe. There may be yellow tape on the pipe to guide you.
- Display the appropriate label on your front door or window to let us know whether you have turned off your supply, whether you need help to turn off your supply or whether you don’t have a gas meter. Make sure the label is facing outwards for SGN to see.
- If you smell gas at any point, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
- Do not turn the gas meter back on until advised by SGN to do so.
For more information and help, call SGN's 24-hour customer service team on 0800 912 1717.
Moray Council's help and advice
Currently, Moray Council is identifying vulnerable council house tenants, with Health and Social Care Moray doing the same for its vulnerable clients. The Grampian Coronavirus Assistance Hub is making calls to those on the shielding list in Moray to check what support is required.
Moray Council is also contacting its 450 council house tenants with gas heating to determine what further support might be needed.
The council's chief executive Roddy Burns said: “All agencies are pulling together to ensure the welfare of all residents in Keith and the surrounding area at an already difficult time.
“I would encourage anyone to share the information being published on keeping safe, warm and secure with neighbours, elderly and vulnerable family and friends in particular. We are making contact with residents as best we can but any help in spreading these messages is appreciated.
“We will continue to assist our residents and partners as long as is necessary."
Council tenants who haven’t heard from the local authority yet can request additional support by calling 0300 123 4566.
The council have issued the following tips for keeping warm.
- Have plenty of hot drinks like tea, coffee or hot water.
- Stay snug and warm with lots of layers. Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer as this will trap the heat better to keep you warm. Socks, slippers, hats and gloves are great, too, and are a good idea to keep you warm in bed.
- Try not to sit for more than one hour – get up and walk around. If walking is a problem try moving your arms and legs whilst sitting, or wiggling your fingers and toes.
- Cover yourself with a blanket if you are sitting for long periods and put your feet up if you can – the air is colder near the floor.
- Keep curtains closed for added insulation.
Politicians looking to help
Many local politicians are looking to help aid the situation.
Douglas Ross, Moray's Conservative MP, contacted SGN after hearing about the unfolding situation this morning.
He said: “Given the near-freezing temperatures outside just now, this is a matter that must be addressed urgently.
“I am working with SGN and Moray Council to see what support can be offered to those affected.
“SGN has said it is contacting those on its priority list, which is a welcome step. There will undoubtedly be vulnerable people for whom the loss of heating will be more challenging.
“I have asked for updates throughout the day and will pass on any more information as and when I receive it.”
Conservative councillor for Keith and Cullen Laura Powell said: “With everyone being told to stay at home due to the coronavirus restrictions, there is nowhere for people to go.
“That is why it is all the more urgent for SGN to identify the problem and take action to fix it so that heating can be restored to homes here in Keith and in Huntly.”
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead added: "With the really cold weather, this really couldn’t have happened at a worse time. I would encourage people to make sure vulnerable or elderly neighbours and loved ones are safe and able to keep warm.
“It really is an awful situation for everyone affected but I know that SGN’s team are working flat out to fix the problem as quickly as they can.
"I’m grateful to the workers for their efforts, and also to the Moray Council and the other emergency responders, that are doing all they can to support local residents."
