Energy giant British Gas has provided advice for households in the UK preparing for heavy snowfall this weekend. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow starting at 3pm on Saturday in Scotland and lasting until 6am Sunday. Additionally, warnings for strong winds have been issued in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with Storm Dave potentially causing power outages.
The snow warning, affecting north-west Scotland, forecasts up to 20cm of snow accumulation in some areas, along with a risk of flooding due to an expected 50mm of rainfall. British Gas has compiled a list of recommendations for households facing snow, including improving insulation by sealing gaps around windows and doors, protecting pipes, and adding insulating tubing to exposed boiler, heating, or water pipes.
The company also advises testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, especially for those utilizing indoor heating sources like log burners, and locating the stopcock in case of a burst pipe. British Gas further suggests preparing for potential heating loss by keeping essentials like sleeping bags, blankets, and warm coats easily accessible.
In preparation for severe weather conditions, British Gas recommends assembling an emergency kit with at least three days’ worth of food and supplies, such as medicines, drinking water, non-perishable food, snacks, blankets, a torch, batteries, and a phone charger. Car owners are advised to check brakes, heater, tires, and windscreen wipers before winter.
Additionally, British Gas emphasizes looking out for others during severe weather events, planning communication methods with household members in case of being stranded away from home, and checking on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbors to ensure they have necessary provisions for coping with the cold weather.
