WESTERN Power Distribution has put measures in place ahead of the expected arrival of Storm Jorge over the weekend.

Strong winds and some heavy rain is forecast in Somerset and the company has a number of measures in place to ensure it's ready for any impact on the electricity network.

A spokesman said: "Once again, preparations will be in place so that, whatever the weather, we can work to restore power supplies quickly and safely for you if they are disrupted."

There will be:

*additional operational and engineering staff ready and on stand-by to respond to any network issues;

*additional contact and control centre operatives available to manage the electricity network and to help customers with their enquiries;

*arrangements in place to open offices early as required, if they have not already been required to be open overnight;

*helicopters available to fly and identify badly affected areas to hasten repairs if safe to do so from first light;

*all non-essential work cancelled on the extra high voltage network and non-essential maintenance on the 11kV network.

Call the company free on 105 if you spot any damage to its equipment or experience a power cut.

People are advised to:

1. Keep Western Power Distribution's telephone number handy or save it in your mobile phone (105 or 0800-6783105) so that you can report a power cut or call for information and advice;

2. Keep a battery/solar charger handy so that you can recharge your smartphone or tablet and follow updates on social media, our online power cut map or Power Cut Reporter app;

3. Keep your freezer shut – depending on the type of freezer you have, the contents could stay frozen for up to 12 hours;

4. Check that you have a phone available that will work in a power cut – digital or cordless ones may not work;

5. Have things like a torch or lantern ready (it is best not to use candles or paraffin lights);

6. Protect sensitive electrical equipment such as computers with a surge protector plug;

7. If you have a mains operated stairlift, check to see if there is a manual release handle that can be used to return it safely to ground level if it stops working.