British Gas says prepare 10 things for snow amid Met Office warnings | Weather | News

Snow is set to fall across various areas of the UK with as many as 28 regions in England, Scotland and Wales all affected by Met Office warnings for snow.

The first snowfalls could land as early as 6pm on Tuesday, February 3, with snow warnings stretching all the way to 3pm in parts of mainland Scotland, and 9am in England and Wales.

And the Met Office has warned that snow could bring disruption including travel problems, road closures and rail delays as well as an impact on your home.

It said: “Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow will move north over mid and north Wales and northern England on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Snow accumulations, in the order of 1-3cm will mainly occur above around 200 metres, though the odd cm is possible at lower elevations.

“There is also a chance of transient freezing rain over higher ground and though the odds of this occurring in any one location is small [it] would increase the ice risk nonetheless.

“Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary.”

Energy supplier British Gas has a list of advice for homes, urging people to do 10 things to prepare.

Improve insulation, including weatherproofing gaps around windows and doors.

Protect pipes, and put insulating tubing on any exposed pipes for your boiler or heating or water supply.

Store extra wood for a log burner indoors, in case you can’t get to it, and don’t put electric heaters near furniture.

The firm also urged people to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if using indoor heating like a log burner.

Households were also urged to check where their stopcock is, in case they need to turn off the water supply due to a burst pipe.

British Gas then told households to prepare for not having 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 supplier also urged people to make 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.

“That’s things like medicines, drinking water, non-perishable food and snacks, and extra blankets. You should also keep a torch, batteries and a phone charger close by too.”

Outside, it says that households should trim overhanging branches. It said: “Tree branches that hang over your property could suddenly break under the extra weight of snow and ice – causing damage to your home. So do a quick check outside and trim off any that pose a risk.”

For those with a car, for its ninth tip, the firm said to check several key things, It said: “Have your brakes, heater, tyres and windscreen wipers checked to make sure they’re in good working order before winter.”

And finally, British Gas urged people to check on neighbours as it added: “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.”

1. Improve your insulation
2. Protect your pipes
3. Chek your heating sources
4. Check smoke and Co2 detectors
5. Find your stopcock
6. Prepare for having no heating
7. Trim outside branches
8. Make an emergency kit for your house including food supplies
9. Make a kit for your car
10. Check on neighbours