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Winter Weather Tips

As the cold sets in you need to consider how it can affect you, those around you, and your home. We have compiled some advice we think you will find useful over the winter months. From tips on how to keep warm, safe and healthy over the chilly season, keep reading!

Here are some ways you can look after your home:

  • Clear walkways
    At this time of year the weather can be against us when it comes to slips and falls – to try and avoid these it’s a really good idea to clear any leaves from your pathway on a regular basis, and keep in grit should you need it when the ice strikes. Contact your local council as sometimes they can supply grit.
  • Keep draughts at bay
    A great way to be more effective with heating your home can be to stop the heat escaping! Simple items like draught excluders for doors can make all of the difference! Also be sure to close your curtains! Plenty of heat can escape through windows, but simply closing curtains before it gets dark can retain the warmth in your home.
  • Drains and gutters
    To stop blockages, it’s recommended you clear your drains and gutters on a regular basis to prevent water damages such as mould and damp, along with leaks too.
  • Problems with your heating or hot water
    The cold weather can play havoc with boilers, but did you know there are things that you can do at home to sort them out without an engineer visit?

 

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Tips on staying well and looking after your friends and neighbours

  • Keep in contact with trusted callers, friends and relatives should you need help and keep your mobile phone charged.
  • Look out for your neighbours and family. If you are concerned you can reach out to your local council, or Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.
  • If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine make sure you have one. To find out if you are eligible you can check on the NHS website.
  • Feeling unwell? Don’t wait it out, head to your nearest pharmacy for advice, rather than letting it get worse.
  • Keep your home heated to at least 18 degrees Celsius.
  • Wear warm clothes – layers are best, including a hat
  • If heading outside in icy conditions, wear boots or shoes with suitable grips
  • Make sure you have enough food and medicines
  • Check the weather forecast regularly so you can plan in advance. You can check your local forecast and any weather warnings online at The Met Office website
  • Have regular hot drinks and food

No water or low pressure

Prolonged cold weather can cause freezing pipe if you have no water or low pressure in cold weather this could be due to a frozen or damaged pipe in or outside your home.

First check with neighbours to see if they are affected as there may be a local issue.

If the issue is a frozen pipe in your property then you can visit your local water company’s website to find helpful guides on how to safely get your water running again

No hot water and/or heating

Cold weather can cause your condensate pipe to freeze up. This pipe normally carries a trickle of waste water away from your boiler and can usually be found outside close to where your boiler is located.

If this pipe freezes up, your boiler will stop working. Please take a look at your boiler instructions on how to manage and reset this. For advice on how to defrost this pipe, visit the Cadent Gas website.

Cadent Gas - advice on boilers

More information on preparing for winter:

 

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