How to prepare for extreme weather in the UK
Winter is around the corner, so learn how to prepare your home for extreme weather conditions such as:
- Floods
- Storms
- Snow
Most importantly, make sure you stay safe through the chilly months ahead and read our tips.
Learn more about natural hazards and the impact they have on the UK's infrastructure and how EDF's Research and Development (R&D UK) team is supporting engineers from across EDF Group with analyses of the risks posed by a wide range of natural hazards.
How to prepare for a flood in your home
Raise electrical appliances from the floor
- Mount your TV on the wall
- Put your fridge freezer and washing machine on a raised platform
Avoid putting irreplaceable possessions in the loft or basement
- Invest in a home safe with a secure seal to prevent water damage
- Place valuable items on high-raised shelves around your home
Long-term preparation if you live in a high-risk flood area
- Install water-resistant hardwood flooring on the lower ground
- Install tiles with waterproof adhesive and grout in your kitchen
- Fit covers over ventilation bricks to prevent damage from drizzling
- Raise electrical sockets, fuse boxes, controls and wiring to at least 1.5 metres above floor level. If rewiring, bring cables down the wall to the raised socket so that cabling isn’t affected.
Preparing for storm season
Stay up to date with weather warnings
- Check the Met Office website or download the app
- Order an Amazon Alexa or Google Home that'll notify you if a storm is coming
Keep an emergency kit to hand
- Keep a battery-powered torch
- Invest in a power generator in case of a power outage
If you experience a power cut, here is all the information and the number you need to call.
Prepare the exterior of your home if a storm's on its way
- Hire a roofer to check if you have any loose tiles
- Check your gutters to prevent water dripping down external walls
Store your outside movables under shelter
- Put your garden patio furniture in a safe, dry place
- Keep your lawnmower under water-resistant covers
How to prepare for snow and frost
Keep warm and cosy through the snowfall
- Seal door and window cracks with draught insulation
- Consider installing loft insulation
- Draw your curtains at dusk to keep the heat in
- Stock up on foodie essentials to battle the blizzard
Keep your pipes frost-free
- Run your heating and hot water throughout the icy months
- Allow the faucet to drip to relieve pressure
- Keep interior doors open so the pipes warm up from the heating in your home
- Seal gaps around the holes where pipes run through walls and floors
- Invest in pipe insulation to keep the pipes warm
Stay safe whilst driving with our tips on driving on ice and make sure you are safe and prepared when driving in the winter.
Stay safe if the damage is already done
It’s devastating dealing with the impact extreme weather can have on your home. However, please keep your safety as the number one priority.
If you are affected by extreme floods, put yourself first and go to the highest room within your home. Call the emergency Floodline number who will help get you and your family to safety.
If you're on a prepayment meter then make sure you're topped up to keep you warm through the bad weather.
We hope that you find these tips helpful on how to protect your home throughout the icy, rainy and stormy months ahead.
Priority Services – extra support for those in need
If you're worried about bills, managing your money or need additional support we're here to lend a hand through our Priority Services Register (PSR). We can support you with alternative billing formats, a free gas safety check, bill nominee schemes and more.
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