Check weather forecasts and warnings first
The most important thing you can do is keep up to date with weather forecasts and severe weather warnings.
Early warnings can give you valuable time to prepare your home, family or business for severe winter weather.
Planning ahead can help you stay safe and reduce disruption during periods of snow, ice and freezing temperatures.
Create a winter weather plan
Think about:
- how you will receive weather warnings and updates
- who may need extra support, such as elderly relatives, neighbours or vulnerable residents
- emergency contact details
- how you would manage if you lost power, heating or water supplies
- alternative travel arrangements if roads or public transport are disrupted
- arrangements for pets and livestock during severe weather
Keep important information somewhere easy to find.
Prepare an emergency kit
Your kit could include:
- mobile phone and charger
- torch and spare batteries
- essential medicines
- first aid kit
- bottled water
- non-perishable food
- warm clothing, hats and gloves
- blankets and sleeping bags
- copies of important documents
If you travel regularly, consider keeping a winter kit in your vehicle including warm clothing, a blanket, food, water and a phone charger.
Register for utility support if you are vulnerable
Severe weather can disrupt electricity, gas and water supplies.
If you are vulnerable because of age, disability, health conditions or other circumstances, consider joining your utility providers' Priority Services Registers. This helps providers identify and support customers who may need additional assistance during emergencies.
You can also find support and accessibility information on our Access for All page.
Protect your home during cold weather
There are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage and stay warm.
Before cold weather arrives
- have your boiler serviced regularly
- check your heating system is working properly
- insulate water pipes, water tanks and loft spaces where possible
- know how to turn off your water supply in case a pipe bursts
- check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working
- stock up on essential medicines and household supplies
- keep mobile phones and power banks charged
- ensure you have warm clothing and blankets available
Check your insurance
Review your insurance policy regularly and make sure you understand what cover is included.
Keep photographs and records of valuable possessions in case you need to make a claim for weather-related damage.
Protect your business
Snow, ice and freezing conditions can disrupt operations, deliveries and staff travel.
Businesses should consider:
- creating a business continuity plan
- backing up important data
- enabling remote working where possible
- protecting equipment and stock from freezing temperatures
- reviewing insurance cover
- identifying alternative working arrangements if premises become inaccessible
Good preparation can help your business recover more quickly after severe weather.
What to do during snow, ice and cold weather
Stay safe
If severe winter weather is expected or taking place:
- follow advice from emergency services and local authorities
- keep up to date with weather forecasts and local information
- stay indoors where possible during severe weather
- wear warm layers and avoid prolonged exposure to cold temperatures
- check on vulnerable family members, neighbours and friends
- avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snow or icy conditions
- call 999 if there is immediate danger to life
If you need to travel
If travel is essential:
- allow extra time for your journey
- check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting off
- carry a charged mobile phone
- take warm clothing, blankets, food and water
- drive according to the conditions and increase stopping distances
- avoid driving on flooded, snow-covered or icy roads where possible
Power cuts
Winter weather can sometimes cause power outages.
If you experience a power cut:
- report it to your electricity network operator
- use torches instead of candles where possible
- keep fridge and freezer doors closed
- check on vulnerable neighbours if it is safe to do so
Emergency help outside normal office hours
Call 01483 523200 for:
- out-of-hours emergencies
- emergency housing repairs
- homelessness or emergency housing situations
- urgent welfare concerns relating to severe weather
What to do after severe winter weather
Check your property safely
Take care when assessing your property for damage.
Look for:
- burst or frozen pipes
- damage to roofs, fences or outbuildings
- fallen trees or branches
- blocked access routes
- damaged utility services
Contact your insurance company
Report any weather-related damage as soon as possible.
Take photographs of affected areas and damaged belongings before carrying out repairs where possible.
Recover safely
After snow and ice:
- clear pathways carefully
- watch for hidden ice
- check heating and water systems are working correctly
- restock any emergency supplies you have used
- arrange repairs to damaged property as soon as possible
Report winter weather problems
Help us respond to local issues by reporting:
- fallen trees blocking roads or footpaths
- damaged street furniture
- icy public pathways
- blocked drains causing standing water
- weather-related hazards in public spaces
Prompt reporting can help reduce the impact on local communities.
Be prepared
Snow, ice and cold weather can occur suddenly during the winter months. Taking simple steps now can help protect your home, business and family.
Being prepared means you can act quickly, stay safe and recover more easily if severe winter weather affects your area.