1. Tips to prepare your home for winter
- Make sure your heating systems are working and have a boiler service before the winter months
- Have your chimney swept, so you can use your fireplace without risk
- Check for and repair any drafts so cold air can’t get in
- Make sure there are no leaks in your roof
- Clean the gutters around your home
- Trim back any trees near your house, to avoid damage from falling branches
- Make sure you know where the water and gas shut-off are in your home.
2. Prepare your pipes
The last thing you want to deal with in winter is a disruption to your water supply or burst pipes. You can help to prevent this by:
- Insulating your water tank and pipes to prevent them from freezing over.
- Servicing your boiler yearly to prevent any leaks from freezing and causing it to break down.
- Fix dripping taps, especially those outside, to reduce the risk slips or falls when ice forms on the ground.
- In very cold weather, leave your heating on, even a low setting, so warm air can circulate and help prevent pipes and tanks from freezing.
3. Have an emergency kit tucked away
It brings comfort knowing you’ve got back up in case you can’t get out of the house.
- Keep an additional supply of medications, in case you can’t get to the pharmacy.
- Have a torch with extra batteries plus matches and candles in case the power goes out.
- Keep duct tape, plastic sheeting, and basic tools on hand in case you need to seal up a broken window or another small issue.
- Charge up your power bank to keep your phone charged if you lose power.
- Make a first aid kit to have on-hand in case of a medical emergency.
4. Keep footpaths clear
If snow covers your property, it’s important that you clear a way to access your home
- Be sure to wear well-gripped footwear.
- Don’t use boiling water to clear snow, as this can re-freeze and cause black ice, making it even more dangerous.
- Spread grit or salt on the area to prevent ice forming after you have cleared it.
