Highland has been named as the worst area in Scotland for power cuts according to the latest figures.
The data, which has been released by Uswitch.com, shows the region suffered 173 power outages in the past month with each incident lasting an average of 5.7 hours.
This compares with Edinburgh, which was the second worst area in Scotland and the eighth worst in the UK, which had 168 power cuts last month with each lasting an average of 6.1 hours.
According to the research Norfolk was the worst hit region in the UK – it experienced power disruption 385 times during the past month and each one lasted an average of 25.8 hours.
Locations that experience the worst blackouts are scattered across Britain which would suggest it is not due to geographical location or remoteness.
The report also revealed that 20 per cent of those surveyed did not know how to respond during a blackout and nearly a third – 30 per cent – of Brits said they were not prepared for one either.
To be prepared residents are urged to:
• Charge their phone and use their car to charge devices – just in case they need to get in touch with family, friends or work;
• Turn off appliances – things like the cooker, hair straighteners and electric fires cannot be left unattended so make sure they are switched off just in case the electricity comes back on when you are out;
• Insulate your food – freezer food can usually last a few hours without power to keep it cool, however, if you’re worried about it defrosting, blankets can provide extra insulation.
Sarah Broomfield, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “From being cold if without central heating in winter, to not being able to cook food for your family – if households are left without electricity for long periods of time, a series of problems can start to arise.
“That’s why it’s important to follow the tips from Uswitch – especially if you’re in one of the worst-affected areas, such as Norfolk, Cornwall or Shropshire – to make sure you’re fully prepared if a blackout were to affect your area.
“If you’re one of the 22 per cent of Brits that experienced a power cut this year, it’s easy to forget to do things, such as turn off cookers and hair straighteners, especially if you’re mid-way through using them when a blackout occurs. Be sure to take a look at the map that shows how frequently blackouts occur in your area.”
To check the interactive map visit here .
Having trouble getting out to pick up your weekly newspaper?
Get a digital copy of the Northern Times delivered straight to your inbox every week and read the full newspaper on your desktop, phone or laptop.
