Winter Planning
Snow, ice and the cold can affect everyone, and it is important to prepare for the winter months.
Are you prepared for winter?
How you would manage in any of these situations:
- What if you couldn't leave your home?
- What if people can't get to you?
- What if you are stuck in your car?
- What if your child's school has closed?
What you can do to prepare for winter
- Pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings.
- If you have school aged children, make child care arrangements in advance, in case their school closes due to weather. Could a family member look after them whilst you are at work, or would another school parent be able to look after them? During periods of bad weather check the Learning Trust School Closures Information webpage.
- Help to prevent snow and ice building up on pavements and driveways by putting down salt before it snows or freezing temperatures are reached. For guidance on clearing ice and snow see the London Prepared public self help guidance - clearing snow and ice from pavements and public spaces.
- Keep stocked up on some basic foods in case the weather prevents you from going out to the shops.
- Ensure you have more than a few days worth of any medication you have been prescribed.
- Keep the following in your car: a bottle of water; non-perishable food; first aid kit; torch and spare batteries; in-car mobile phone charger; blanket and spare warm clothing; a shovel if you live or travel to more rural areas.
- If you do have to go out in the snow or ice, wear a good pair of boots that provide warmth and more grip than trainers or other shoes.
- Be a good neighbour and check on isolated, elderly, bed bound or sick neighbours / family / friends and make sure they are warm and well.
Save energy and money this winter
Staying warm in winter can put a bit of a strain on fuel bills. So why not take a look at our top tips to help you save energy this winter.
Useful links:
- Keeping warm in Winter
- Winter maintenance - snow clearance and gritting
- Tips for being energy efficient and saving money on heating
- The Met Office
Is your business prepared for the knock-on effects of winter?
Does your business have a plan in place to ensure that it will still be able to operate in any of these situations:
- What if your staff were unable to get into work due to snow and ice?
- What if snow and ice caused child care issues for your staff?
- What if your business became inaccessible due to snow and ice?
- What if the winter weather caused your premises to become unfit to work in?
Small to medium sized businesses in particular should visit the Business Continuity Management page for further advice and guidance on why and how to produce a business continuity plan.
Page updated: 6 Feb 2012
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