Getting Ready for Winter – 10 things you should do now to prepare for winter
1. Stay connected – Consider a separate battery charging pack for your mobile phone to keep you connected in the event of a power cut. Store the power cut helplinenumber (105) on your mobile phone.
2. Cold weather – Ensure your heating is serviced before the cold weather arrives.Keep your home heated to at least 18°C. Keep your windows closed at night to avoid heat loss.
3. Adverse weather – Beware the dangers of strong winds or flooding e.g. falling trees,guttering and roof tiles. Secure garden furniture, fences, children’s toys andtrampolines.
4. Insulate pipes – Retains heat, reduces risk of frozen pipes and subsequent bursts.Ensure that your mains water stopcock is working.
5. Travel – Check local news for the condition of both roads and the rail network beforeventuring out.
6. Grab Bag – Keep a ‘grab bag’ ready at home containing bottled water, medicines, atorch, radio and batteries, copies of important documents and a change of clothes.
7. Check your car – Regularly check your tyres and screen wash and take your Grab Bagwith you.
8. Think about others – Help your neighbours, friends, or relatives , or they may be ableto help you.
9. Health matters – Consider annual vaccinations for flu and maintain a good supply ofregular medication.
10. Community – Help your community, particularly if severe weather hits. Ask a ParishCouncillor about getting involved.