UK households urged to gather these ‘basic supplies’ to prepare for ‘severe weather’ in winter
The Met Office has shared some “helpful tips” to ensure people are prepared for the winter months
Here’s how to prepare for “severe weather” during the winter months(Image: Derby Telegraph)
With the rapid approach of winter, UK households are being encouraged to gather these basic supplies to ensure they are prepared for the cold, dark months.
Meteorological winter begins on December 1, giving us just shy of four weeks left of autumn, and the Met Office has taken to social media to offer some “helpful tips” for how people can prepare for severe weather this winter.
Throughout winter, temperatures can drop fairly low in the UK, and there is always the risk of flooding and other severe weather events such as thunderstorms which can leave people stuck in their homes or without electricity.
UK weather agency The Met Office has urged people to “have basic supplies to hand”, which includes a torch, batteries and a radio, as well as key documents and important phone numbers.
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In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the Met Office shared a carousel of advice, with the caption: “Stay #WeatherReady this winter by following some helpful tips from our partners on preparing your home and garden for severe winter weather.”
Other items to have in your emergency pack includes water, snacks, and necessary medication, plus a warm change of clothes. For those with babies or pets, or both, you should include some supplies for them.
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This could include nappies, clothes and food for babies, and pet food for your animals.
Similarly to the Met Office, the government urges UK households to prepare a “emergency supplies” pack. The government advice reads: “Consider what supplies you and your household might need during an emergency lasting a few days, such as a power cut or water outage, or situations where you are advised to stay at home or to leave your home (evacuate) for safety reasons.”
The government’s advice for an emergency pack includes a first-aid kit, a portable charger that is fully charged, bottled water, and non-perishable food.
People should prepare a first-aid kit and place it in their emergency pack(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
In addition to gathering a “basic” pack, the Met Office has issued other pieces of advice to prepare for potential “severe weather” during the winter months.
People are being urged to weatherproof their homes and gardens by securing outdoor furniture, fasten windows and doors securely, check fences and roof tiles are secure, and clear gutters of leaves and debris.
Advising how to stay warm this winter, the Met Office suggested keeping windows and doors closed to retain heat, ensure your boiler has been serviced recently, and if possible, keep your home heated to at least 18C.
Plumbing checks can save money, according to the Met Office, who have advised UK households to check stop taps regularly for leaks and to insulate pipes to reduce the risk of burst pipes.
