winter warmers: what to do if bad weather hits

A winter storm or severe weather has the potential to cause real damage, so being prepared is vital.

Here are some tips to get you winter ready:

• Stay indoors during a storm and only travel when strictly necessary.
• Save a supply of drinking water for emergencies.
• Brace your home by clearing leaves and debris from gutters, draining outside taps and hoses and leaving cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes.
• Tidy away or cover garden furniture to prevent damage.
• Check that any outside lights are all working, or add a light to make access to your home safer.
• Keep yourself warm – enjoy regular hot meals and drinks, and keep active.

Weather warning updates are available here and up-to-date advice on localised flooding is available from the Met Office.

And remember, for more winter warmers top tips follow us on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #winterwarmers