Are you ready for winter? It's something we all need to do, and it takes only a few simple steps.
Getting ready for winter is easy. Make a plan for your home, travel and business, and think about how you could help others.
This section will give you some extra advice on preparing for and dealing with the effects of severe winter weather.
Keep safe and warm at home this winter
If it's cold outside you need to be warm inside. Here are some tips for keeping safe and warm:
- If you can't heat all your rooms, make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed.
- A balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter. Make sure you and your family eat at least one hot meal a day. Soup is nutritious and warming, and inexpensive to make or buy.
- Wearing the right kind of clothes can help keep you much warmer. Layers are best, t-shirts and under clothes to keep the base of your back warm will heat you from the core
- Staying active is good for your health, walking for example can be beneficial. If the weather prevents you getting outside, stay active indoors - catch up on all the household tasks you've been putting off.
- Talk - especially if you've been stuck in the house for a few days. Lift the phone and call friends and family for a blether.
- If you have elderly relatives or neighbours who might need help please check up on them. You can get a warm feeling inside by ensuring they are warm on the outside!
- Follow our advice on clearing paths and driveways.
Dealing with common winter damage to your home
- If your pipes freeze, turn off the stop valve immediately, open all cold taps to drain the system, but don't turn on hot taps - your hot water cylinder may collapse if the pipes leading to it are frozen. Call a licensed plumber if you are in any doubt about what to do. More advice on burst and frozen pipes is available from the Scottish Water website.
- Never attempt to thaw out frozen pipes by switching on your immersion heater or central heating boiler. Instead, check for leaking joints or bursts in the pipes. Then gently heat any frozen sections with a hairdryer or a heated cloth wrapped around the pipe. Never apply a direct flame.
- Be aware that snow and ice could fall from roofs suddenly. Be prepared and predict where it might fall and don't park your car, bikes or garden furniture in its path. Contact your household insurer if snow or ice has caused damage to the fabric of your property.
- If you need to evacuate (and if it's safe and time permits) turn off the water and electricity, grab your emergency kit, and secure your premises.
Prepare for winter travel
In really bad weather conditions your journey could take longer than expected. Get ready for winter by packing a few essential items in your car. Your winter emergency kit should include:
- An ice scraper and de-icer
- A torch and spare batteries
- A shovel for snow
- Warm clothes, boots and a blanket
- Some food and a warm drink in a flask
- A first aid kit
- Battery jump leads
- A map for any unplanned diversions.
The Strathclyde Passenger Transport website also has useful information about any disruptions to their services.
Look after your pets
Taking care of animals may become more challenging in cold weather. Ready Scotland provides advice on your responsibility to protect them from harm. Take care of family pets.
- Don't leave your dog or cat outdoors in freezing temperatures for long. Make sure he or she has a warm place to sleep, away from draughts.
- After a walk in snowy, icy or wet conditions, dry your pet off as quickly as possible and ensure it is kept warm. Some dogs will need a properly fitting dog coat in cold weather.
- Take care of yourself when walking your dog in icy conditions, as a dog pulling on the lead can cause you to lose your balance.
- Never leave your cat or dog alone in a car during cold weather.
Plan ahead with Ready Scotland website
For Winter Saftey Advice from the Emergency Services see the Strathclyde Police, NHS Scotland & Strathclyde Fire & Rescue websites.
