Supporting Keith residents experiencing loss of gas supply

The outage began early on Tuesday 2 February and SGN engineers are working to restore the supply.

SGN is co-ordinating a letter drop to all affected households, and will offer additional support to vulnerable residents. Moray Council is identifying vulnerable council house tenants, Health & Social Care Moray is doing the same for its vulnerable clients, and 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. Council tenants who haven’t heard from the local authority yet can request additional support by calling 0300 123 4566.

Moray Council 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’d 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’re making contact with residents as best we can but any help in spreading these messages is appreciated.

“We’ll continue to assist our residents and partners as long as is necessary. Members of other communities in Moray can play their part by remaining at home, apart from essential purposes, to allow resources to be concentrated on the Keith area just now.”

Tips for keeping warm:

• Have plenty of hot drinks like tea, coffee or hot water as this will help to keep you warm. Just boil the amount of water you need each time and this will save you money too!
• If you are using alternative heating appliances ensure these are safe to use and safely positioned.
• 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.