Advice - Severe Weather Conditions

Severe weather

The meterological office provides local authorities with a severe weather warning service. The service is designed to advise on the probable locations and duration of severe weather.

Precautions to cope with severe weather

A few handy hints for travelling in extreme weather and making your home safe are suggested below.

Be Prepared

• A supply of torches and/or camping lanterns for emergency lighting;
• A camping gas cooker or other means of cooking if you rely entirely on electricity;
• A battery-powered radio (make sure you have replacement batteries) in order to receive regular local radio information bulletins;
• Ceefax page 418, displays the met office severe weather warnings;
• Adequate insurance to cover your property.

When severe weather is forecast

• Do not travel unless your journey is absolutely necessary. Allow extra time for your journey. Ensure your vehicle is in good working order.
• Stow away garden furniture and remove loose articles from outside the house. These might cause damage if blown around.
• Store a few filled containers with fresh water for drinking purposes, especially for young children and for infant feeds in case water supplies fail.
• Check your neighbours to see if they need help.
• Have items such as rock salt to melt ice and sand to improve traction or other snow removal equipment.

When severe weather strikes

• Remain indoors, close windows and curtains to protect against breaking glass.
• Have your  emergency pack ready.
• Listen to the local radio for help and advice.
• Never open deep freezers until electricity is fully restored. Cover with newspaper and blankets for extra insulation. If food thaws out, do not refreeze, use it straight away or consult the council's environmental health service for general advice.
• Listen to advice given and do not travel.
• Keep warm and eat regularly, even cold food will give you energy.
• If your electricity supply fails turn off all major appliances, particularly electric fires and cookers, until power is restored.

Snow

You can clear ice and snow from footpaths yourself. There's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. See the Snow Code on DirectGov for advice about clearing snow and ice safely.

Heatwave

The Department of Health will issue advice to those affected in the event of a heatwave. This will be available through nhs direct, the met office, health protection agency and the department of health websites.

Many heat disorders occur because of over exposure to heat or over exercise. The elderly, young, sick or overweight are most likely to succumb to the extremes of heat. The following tips will help you to counter the effects of this:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of water at regular intervals, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Limit the intake of alcoholic beverages as alcohol causes dehydration.
• Dress in loose fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect your face and head by wearing a wide brimmed hat.
• Never leave children or pets in closed vehicles.
• Avoid too much sun exposure, if exposed use SPF 15 or higher.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor possible.
• Remember that electric fans do not cool, they just circulate hot air.
• Regularly check on family, friends and the vulnerable.

Drought

Water companies must have plans for responding to drought conditions. These plans should set out how the company will meet its duties and continue to supply adequate quantities of water during periods of drought. The environment agency offers advice of preserving the use of water at home this includes:

• Think carefully how you use your water
• Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl rather than under running water.
• Use the minimum amount of water required for things like bathing, boiling the kettle.
• Do not leave the tap running while brushing teeth

The meterological office provides local authorities with a severe weather warning service. It is designed to advise on probable locations and duration of severe weather.