British Gas advises UK households to prepare emergency supplies including food for three days and sleeping bags ahead of heavy snow and blizzard conditions brought by Storm Dave
Energy giant British Gas has guidance for UK households preparing to face heavy snow this weekend.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow, starting at 3pm on Saturday in Scotland and running until 6am Sunday. The forecaster has also issued warnings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for strong winds. The warnings state that Storm Dave could cause power cuts this weekend.
The snow warning, which impacts north-west Scotland, suggests as much as 20cm of the white stuff could settle on the ground in places. There is also a risk of flooding as 50mm of rain could fall.
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Energy supplier British Gas has compiled guidance for households facing snow, encouraging people to take several steps to prepare.
The list includes enhancing insulation, including weatherproofing gaps around windows and doors. People are also urged to safeguard pipes, and fit insulating tubing on any exposed pipes for your boiler, heating or water supply.
The company also encouraged people to test their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, particularly those using indoor heating such as a log burner, and to locate their stopcock should they need to shut off the water supply in the event of a burst pipe.
British Gas also advised Brits to prepare for the possibility of losing heating. It said: “While it’s unlikely that a heavy snowfall will leave you without any heating, it’s always worth keeping sleeping bags, blankets and warm coats handy.”
The energy supplier recommended putting together an emergency kit, adding: “It’s a good habit to have at least three days’ worth of food and essentials stored in an easy-to-reach part of your home.”
This includes items such as medicines, drinking water, non-perishable food and snacks, and extra blankets. A torch, batteries and a phone charger should also be kept too, Express reports.
For car owners, the firm highlighted several key checks to carry out. It said: “Have your brakes, heater, tyres and windscreen wipers checked to make sure they’re in good working order before winter.”
British Gas also urged people to look out for those around them, adding: “When severe weather hits, you might find yourself stranded away from home. So plan how you’ll stay in contact with the rest of your household and where you’ll meet if you can’t get home due to heavy snow… Check in on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours to make sure they’ve got everything they need to get through a cold snap”
