Spread the warmth – preparing your home for winter

 

When temperatures start to drop, the first thing people should think about is how to prepare their home before the cold weather really takes hold.

There are numerous checks that can be completed which can minimise the affects of adverse weather and the board offers this advice:

· Insulate pipes and drain off outside taps to prevent frozen pipes;

· Know where your stop tap is, and make sure you can turn it on and off with ease;

· If you are going away, consider asking a friend or neighbour to check on your house regularly. That way, if you have a burst then it will be discovered early;

· Leave your heating on if the weather is forecast to be freezing;

· Take advantage of the last remaining insulation offers. Contact your energy supplier for details of free or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation;

· Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around doors and windows;

· Get your boiler serviced regularly by a qualified engineer. Remember for gas boilers, check that your engineer is Gas Safe registered;

· Be prepared for clearing ice and snow this winter – have a snow shovel, brush and grit or salt ready.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “Throughout the winter, we will be providing information and handy tips to help people prepare for winter, how to cope in cold spells, and encouraging people to look out for their neighbours.

“We are also putting plans in place to identify vulnerable people at risk of ill health during cold spells. The advice above offers simple and practical measures that everyone can use to suit their own circumstances.”

Sean Reynolds, Chairman of the Local Adult Safeguarding Board, added: “On behalf of the Board, I would encourage everyone to take note and act upon this practical advice to stay safe and warm this winter.”

For further winter-related advice, please visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter