|
How many people does it
take the National Grid keep us safe over Christmas?
IT'S not just Santa who was working
on Christmas Eve. Whilst many of us are made last minute plans, watching
Christmas TV and wrapping presents, National Grid engineers, had been
working around the clock make sure our gas supplies are safe over the
festive period.
Throughout the year, engineers are on hand day and night to tackle
potentially dangerous gas leaks. So, as we fire up our ovens to cook the
festive feast and enjoy all the traditional seasonal activities, safety
conscious National Grid is urging people to be extra alert to potential gas
leaks over the holidays.
It is estimated that around 63,300 calls will be made to the 24 hour
National Gas Emergency Service number:- 0800 111 101010; over the holiday
period. Over 2014 nearly 4,000 emergency calls were received from the North
West region.
So, while you had been enjoying the Christmas TV specials, here's an idea of
how busy the engineers where in 2014 and figures for 2015 will be far, far
higher:-
► During Doctor Who (1 hour), 1710 calls.
► Strictly Come Dancing (1 hour 15 minutes), 224 calls.
► Downton Abbey (2 hours), 358 calls.
Just before Christmas Eve, John Duckworth, head of operations in the North
West told us that:- "Our engineers play a vital role at this time of
year in making sure homes, shops and business have a safe and reliable gas
supply throughout the festive season. For us it's business as usual. Our
staff will be ready to answer calls and deal with any gas related problems
that might arise on Christmas Day just as they would on any other day of the
year."
The Call Centre team will be responding now to all event s over New Years
Eve and through out 2016, to calls of gas escapes and dispatching engineers.
If you smell gas follow these simple safety
steps:-
► Call the National Gas Emergency:- 0800 111 101010.
► Do not smoke or light matches.
► Do not turn electrical switches on or off.
► Open doors and windows.
Turn off the meter at the control valve unless the meter is in the cellar.....
|
North West |
Call outs over Christmas 2014 |
|
Greater Manchester |
384 |
|
Manchester Centre |
340 |
|
Macclesfield |
344 |
|
Oldham |
261 |
|
Wirral |
156 |
|
Southport/Bootle |
225 |
|
Liverpool Centre |
1510 |
|
Garston |
1101 |
|
Ellesmere Port |
144 |
|
Crewe |
123 |
|
St Helens |
2810 |
|
Accrington |
202 |
|
Blackpool |
1104 |
|
Kirby Lonsdale |
123 |
|
Barrow in Furness |
68 |
|
Longbridge |
262 |
|
Horwich |
237 |
|
Wigan |
204 |
|
Total |
31,006 |
Where you or are you on call with the National
Grid? If you are, please let us know what you have been doing to keep us with
happy over Christmas, via emailing us to:-
News24@SouthportReporter.Com. |
