With strong winds forecast across much of Scotland this week, one of the country's biggest network infrastructure operators has issued advice to help customers in the Helensburgh and Lomond area stay safe, informed and connected in the event of a power outage.

SP Energy Networks has a team of field staff on standby, 24/7, to ensure homes and businesses across central and southern Scotland are re-connected to their electricity supply as soon as a possible in the event of a power cut.

The electricity distributor is encouraging people to prepare for the unlikely event of power loss.

Guy Jefferson, director of SP Energy Networks, said: “Although power cuts are rare events for most people, it makes sense to be prepared just in case. If there is a power outage, our team of engineers are on hand to fix faults and get people’s power supply back as soon as possible. Our customer service team also work around the clock to keep residents informed, provide advice and take reports of power loss - the quicker we are alerted to a power cut, the quicker we can respond.”

SP Energy Networks serves customers in Helensburgh and the Rosneath peninsula, though in other outlying areas, such as Luss and Arrochar, power infrastructure is the responsibility of Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN).

A spokesman for SSEN said: "Although SSEN remains at business-as-usual status, we will continue to monitor conditions and would like to reassure our customers that if damage to our network occurs, we are well resourced to respond as soon as we can, and when it is safe we will restore supplies as quickly as possible."

Tips for severe weather include:

- Keep helpline numbers close to hand or saved in the contacts on your mobile phone - the national emergency number is 105, while SP Energy Networks' helpline is 0800 092 9290 and SSEN's emergency number is 0800 300 999. All are free to call.

- Keep your mobile charged – but if your mobile is out of battery or signal, it’s worth having an analogue phone as this doesn’t run off the main electricity supply.

- Keep a battery powered torch handy – you can use this to check on the fuse box and make your way around the house safely.

- Avoid leaving your fridge or freezer open – they will remain cold for a considerable amount of time when power is off. However, it’s best to minimise the amount of times you open the door.

- Unplug powered equipment – this includes electrical appliances such as your TV and laptop, as well as heaters, electric fires and cookers which you may forget about when power is restored.

- Priority Service Register – if electricity is crucial to your health (for instance, if you use medical equipment at home) ask to be included on your infrastructure company's priority service register. This way if your power is off, they can make sure you are supported.

In the event of a power cut, call 0800 092 9290 or the new national 105 helpline to report the problem and receive help as soon possible.