Plan Ahead

Before cold weather arrives, it is a good time to think about what you can do to protect yourself and your family and friends or neighbours from cold.

  • Check your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they're working properly. You can find an engineer from the Gas Safe Register website.
  • Make sure your home is fire safe. For fire safety advice specific to you and your home, visit the online home fire safety check website to complete a safety check for your home.
  • Make sure your family and friends or neighbours are stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they cannot go out.
  • Make sure your family and friends or neighbours get any prescription medicines before the holiday period starts and if bad weather is forecast.
  • Prepare your home: Longer term improvements to your home can greatly improve comfort and energy efficiency, but can be expensive. Check your energy performance certificate (EPC), as you may be eligible for improvements through 'Help to Heat', or from the Council.