Prepare for winter weather

A worker in high visibility protective clothing uses a shovel to move heavy snow from the road

During the winter months, the UK can experience extremely cold weather which can impact our health, homes, driving conditions and vital services.

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you're prepared.

Here are some steps you can take before winter arrives, or when snow and cold temperatures are forecast.

Before bad weather

Consider getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, if you are eligible. Make sure you have enough medicine, and check that all of the appliances in your home are working well.
Get your heating system checked. Book a plumber to carry out a service on your boiler and give you advice on how to get your heating working efficiently. The NHS advises heating your home to at least 18°C. Cold air can be bad for your health.
Regularly check your boiler pressure. On most boilers your pressure gauge should be between one and two bars.
Shop early and stock up. Make sure you have sufficient food in your home. It is also helpful to store some bottled drinking water in the colder months. Make sure you have tinned and packet food and food in your freezer if you have one.
Keep a stock of essentials like a first aid kit, batteries, and a torch.
Create an emergency pack.
Draft-proof your home. Use draft excluders on doorways and check for gaps around your windows to stop heat escaping. If they're small, you can seal up gaps yourself using draft excluders or caulking, or if you are unsure contact a professional.
Clear leaves and other debris from gutters. Wind and rain can cause leaves and sticks to pile up in your gutters. Make sure they are clear to avoid issues.
Invest in a snow shovel or a supply of gritting salt. If heavy snow is forecast, you can use them to make paths and driveways safe. Sand or cat litter can be used instead of gritting salt.

When bad weather strikes

Make sure your radiators are on to prevent pipes freezing. Frozen pipes can leave your home without water and cause flooding and damage. Every room should be at least 7 degrees and in rooms you are using the temperature should be 18 degrees or over.
Heat well - heat the rooms you spend most time in. You may also want to use a hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not both!).
Check on vulnerable people. Family, friends or elderly neighbours may need extra support. People are more likely to fall ill with cold or flu in winter. Those who are more fragile or vulnerable such as older people, very young or people with existing health issues are more likely to have problems such as heart attacks, stroke, and pneumonia. It is important to take care of yourself, your family, and to check on your elderly neighbours regularly when the weather turns cold.
Plan ahead. Snow and ice can make travelling dangerous or stop you from leaving the house, so be prepared to stay put for a few days. If snow is forecast then make sure you've the food and medication and other essentials you need for several days.
Don’t take risks. Ice and snow can make driving conditions treacherous. Carefully consider the journeys you need to take. Keep basic supplies in your car in case bad weather arrives early.
Stay informed. Listen to the radio, TV or look out for social media alerts with weather warnings, especially if travelling.
Dress warm - always remember to wrap up warm in multiple layers of clothing and put on a good coat, scarf and gloves when you leave the house. You lose a lot of heat through your head, so remember to wear a hat or headscarf.
If you are struggling with energy bills - It is more energy efficient keeping the person warm than the house, so stay warm indoors by wearing several layers of thin clothes to trap the heat, and socks or slippers with grips, to prevent slips and falls.
Eat well - food is a vital source of warmth, so have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. In the winter months this will help ward off any illnesses.
Keep moving - moving around is good for your health and generates extra body heat, so any exercise will help keep you warm. No matter what time of year it is, you should try to do some light exercise each day.

Driving in snow and ice

Driving in the snow and ice can be extremely hazardous. Make sure you are prepared and only make journeys that are essential. You will find some useful advice on the Gov.uk website to help keep you safe. It explains how to be prepared and how to drive for the conditions.

Before bad weather

When bad weather strikes

Driving in snow and ice

Useful links to other top tips and advice