• Safety Tips for the Public


    We would like to offer the following advice and tips:

    Precautions

    • Check that your household contents insurance is up to date should any damage be caused to your contents due to a burst pipe
    • Check to make sure you have enough fuel for a cold spell · Have some extra food that will keep and some bottled water.
    • Consider getting some extra essential medicines
    • Have a torch and a radio with fresh batteries
    • Have a list of emergency numbers you might need
    • Have your boiler serviced and your radiators bled.
    • Get your chimney cleaned and change your smoke alarm batteries

    The Car:

    • Check the forecast before you leave
    • Make sure you have lots of fuel, your lights are all working and that it is in good order generally, including antifreeze.
    • Drive slowly and carefully, especially on minor roads
    • Have a torch, a rug or spare coat in the car, a high-vis vest and have your phone well charged up.

    Walking:

    • If there is bad ice consider do you need to go out?
    • Consider shopping for elderly neighbours
    • Make sure you have reflective clothing or a jacket when walking.

    In the house

    • Fill the bath and some containers if there is a danger of your water supply freezing
    • Use a fire guard with an open fire
    • Make sure you have some ventilation in the room with the fire/stove.

    Pets and Wildlife

    • Remember to take care of pets
    • You could put out some food and water for the birds

    How to avoid frozen pipes:

    • Wrap a towel around the outside tap
    • Leave heating on longer than normal
    • Place a piece of insulation e.g. carpet/matting over your external stopcock
    • Let some heat into the attic space by opening the hatch cover

    If pipes are burst or frozen:

    Frozen Pipes

    • Turn off the water supply – please make yourself aware of where the stop water valve is in your property
    • Protect anything around the pipe that appears to be frozen to avoid damage if it does burst
    • Open the tap nearest the part of the pipe you think is frozen so that the water can flow through when ice has thawed
    • Thaw the ice in the pipe with a hot water bottle
    • If the heating system is frozen, do not light a fire or turn on a burner

    Burst Pipes

    • Turn off the water supply
    • Drain the system – turn on all your cold taps
    • Switch off the central heating, immersion heater and any other water heating systems
    • If water leaks near the electrics or electrical appliances, switch off the mains immediately. If wet do not touch them. If you have a burst pipe call a plumber and electrician, if required, to repair the damage

    Neighbours

    • Work with your neighbours to keep footpaths clear
    • Visit the elderly and sick to make sure they are all right
    • Dress warmly, eat well, wear sensible footwear and apply common sense to travelling in bad conditions

    In General

    • Keep warm
    • Wear warm clothing and sensible footwear
    • Check in on vulnerable and elderly neighbours.
    • Undertake only essential journeys using public transport where possible
    • Execute extreme caution when driving due to snow and frozen slush.
    • Check RSA & AA Roadwatch websites for safe driving tips