Use the extra hour to get ready for winter
The government is joining up with partners in industry and the voluntary sector to encourage people to start preparing for winter.
The government is joining up with partners in industry and the voluntary sector to encourage families and communities across the country to start making preparations for winter.
With the clocks going back on Sunday, it is the perfect time to use the extra hour to think about simple things we can all do to keep warm, healthy and safe through the cold weather - as well as saving money.
The Getting Ready for Winter portal provides advice to families and communities in preparation for the cold months ahead, including simple steps to protect your home and vehicles.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said:
It makes sense to take action early before the cold weather strikes.
Last year, insurance companies received over 100,000 claims for burst pipes, causing hundreds of millions of pounds worth of damage.
Taking small, simple steps can make a big difference when trying keep warm, healthy and safe throughout the winter months. We would encourage families and communities up and down the country to use the hour gained this weekend to start making their winter preparations.
Simple steps to keeping warm, healthy and safe include:
- protecting your home - check that your pipes are adequately lagged, that you have ordered your winter heating fuel and that you know where your stoptap is located
- travelling - check your vehicle is ready for winter and that you have an emergency kit available in your car
- health and wellbeing - check you have had your heating appliances serviced
- supporting your community - check who might need help in your local area in case of bad weather
Notes to editors
1. A number of government departments, Industry Bodies and Voluntary Sector partners are involved in the project to increase awareness of a range of key winter themes and preparedness measures. Those partners include Water UK, the Association of British Insurers, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, WRVS and St John Ambulance.