Home > Severe Weather > WeatherSafe > Winter Weather > Before the Storm
Winter Weather: Before the Storm
Severe Weather Safety and Advice From SkyWarn UK
Severe winter weather can be difficult to predict far in advance. However, it is possible to know when such events are likely to occur. When severe winter weather threatens it is important to make sure that you have the following ready:
- The ability to get weather forecasts and alerts as they are released
- Emergency supplies to keep you and your family safe and warm
- Home preperations, including those for pipes and internal comfort
- Car preperations, including anti-freeze and ice removal items
Weather Forecasts
You'll need to have means of keeping up to date with weather forecasts, and should consider having more than one source of information.
- Ensure you have batteries and a portable radio to keep up to date should power supplies be interrupted
- Sign up for alerts from your preferred weather information supplier
Emergency Supplies
If severe winter weather is forecast then ensure you have the following ready, especially if disruption to transport and / or power is likely:
- If you have an open fire, wood burner, solid fuel stove, or similiar ensure you have sufficient fuel
- Non-perishable foods, such as tinned goods
- Emergency equipment such as torches and radios, and sufficient batteries for such
- Sufficient bottle water for cooking and drinking in case of frozen pipes
- Charge your mobile phone, laptop, and other mobile devices beforehand
Prepare Your Home
- Ensure your attic and walls are suitably and adequately insulated
- Run your taps occasionally in extremely cold weather to limit the risk of pipes freezing
- Ensure pipes are insulated to help prevent freezing
- Fit draught excluders and weather strips to doors and windows
- Have means of heating and cooking in the event of power failure. Ensure you know how to use such items safely.
- Learn how to switch of your homes water supply in the event of a frozen or burst water pipe
Prepare Your Car
- Check your cars radiator and cooling system. Service and refill with suitable antifreeze if needed.
- Check the windscreen wiper blades are in good condition. also check screenwash. Replace both if needed.
- Check tyres for suitable tread. If you live in an area prone to snowfall, consider purchasing winter tyres.
- Keep a set of jump leads with your car
- Keep an ice scraper and supply of de-icer in your car
|
|
