NEWS STORY
Be prepared for winter weather
The New Year sees the arrival of a cold snap which reminds us that winter is still here. Take a few, easy steps to be ready for whatever the weather brings:
Winter proof your home
• Protect your water pipes.
• Know where your stop valve is and how to turn off your water.
• If cold weather is forecast, and during a cold snap, keep your heating on at a low temperature to help prevent pipes from freezing.
• Know how to turn off your electricity supply at the mains.
• Making your home energy-efficient will make it cheaper and quicker to heat during cold weather.
• Check the terms of your household insurance policies, and find out what cover you have for risks such as flood or storm damage, or for the costs of temporary accommodation if your home is not habitable. Consider taking out insurance if you don't have any.
• Make sure you will be able to clear your paths and driveway if severe weather strikes. It's a good idea to keep a shovel (specially designed snow shovels are particularly good), and some salt or grit at home. Depending on where you live you may have easy access to a public grit bin.
• A non-mains powered landline telephone will help you stay in touch during any disruptions to your power supply.
Keep safe and warm at home this winter
• If it's cold outside you need to be warm inside. Here are some tips for keeping safe and warm.
• If you can't heat all your rooms, make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed.
• A balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter. Make sure you and your family eat at least one hot meal a day. Soup is nutritious and warming, and inexpensive to make or buy.
• Wearing the right kind of clothes can help keep you much warmer. Layers are best, t-shirts and under clothes to keep the base of your back warm will heat you from the core.
• Staying active is good for your health, walking for example can be beneficial. If the weather prevents you getting outside, stay active indoors - catch up on all the household tasks you've been putting off.
• Talk - especially if you've been stuck in the house for a few days. Lift the phone and call friends and family.
• If you have elderly relatives or neighbours who might need help please check up on them. You can get a warm feeling inside by ensuring they are warm on the outside!
• Clear your paths and driveways, and help your neighbours by keeping public pathways clear too.
Dealing with common winter damage to your home
• If your pipes freeze, turn off the stop valve immediately, open all cold taps to drain the system, but don't turn on hot taps - your hot water cylinder may collapse if the pipes leading to it are frozen. Call a licensed plumber if you are in any doubt about what to do.
• Never attempt to thaw out frozen pipes by switching on your immersion heater or central heating boiler. Instead, check for leaking joints or bursts in the pipes. Then gently heat any frozen sections with a hairdryer or a heated cloth wrapped around the pipe. Never apply a direct flame.
• Be aware that snow and ice could fall from roofs suddenly. Be prepared and predict where it might fall and don't park your car, bikes or garden furniture in its path. Contact your household insurer if snow or ice has caused damage to the fabric of your property.
Keep healthy
• Keep healthy in the winter, and avoid the flu. If you are over 65 or have a health condition such as heart or lung problems or if you are pregnant, get your free seasonal flu vaccination to protect yourself from flu this winter.
Loss of utilities
• Power cuts and loss of other utilities including gas, water and telephones can happen during the winter, just when we need these services the most. There are steps you can take now that will help you cope with any loss of utilities in the future.
• Keep mobile phones and lap top computers fully charged, so you will have use of battery power for a short time at least if there is a power cut. Smart phones may allow you to access the internet and other services, which will help you to stay informed.
• And keep an analogue phone to hand.
Make a list of all the telephone numbers you might need, and keep them handy. Here are a few to get you started.
• National Gas Emergency Service (if you smell gas) 0800 111 999
• Thames Water 0845 9200 800 , leaks or a bust pipe 0800 714 614
• National Grid 24-hour electricity emergency number 0800 404090.
Look after your pets
• Taking care of animals may become more challenging in cold weather.
• Don't leave your dog or cat outdoors in freezing temperatures for long. Make sure he or she has a warm place to sleep, away from draughts
• After a walk in snowy, icy or wet conditions, dry your pet off as quickly as possible and ensure it is kept warm. Some dogs will need a properly fitting dog coat in cold weather
• Take care of yourself when walking your dog in icy conditions, as a dog pulling on the lead can cause you to lose your balance
• Never leave your cat or dog alone in a car during cold weather.
Posted: 15 January 2012
