The cold weather is definitely here and the UK Met Office has issued a ‘be aware’ weather warning for the next few days.

There are plenty of simple steps we can take to protect our businesses, homes and motor vehicles. But most importantly we should plan ahead and take extra precautions if we are thinking of travelling.

Here are some top tips.

Snow and Ice advice

Where possible try to avoid travelling, but if you have to then make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you hope to arrive.

Also carry a winter kit for your car.

Ice scraper and de-icer

Torch and spare batteries

Warm clothes and extra blankets

Boots

First Aid kit

Jump Leads

A Shovel

Road Map

Food, Water and a thermos with a hot drink

Driving in Snow and Ice needs extra care and attention, make sure you stick to the main roads and try to avoid exposed routes. Remember not all the roads will have been treated.

Always clear any snow off the roof and bonnets of your vehicle before you set off. Leave extra space between you and other vehicles and try not to brake suddenly – it may lock up your wheels and you skid further.

If you are responsible for staff, customer parking or pedestrian routes around your home or business ensure you have them gritted and clear your access areas.

Windy Weather advice

To help prevent damage to your property and your belongings make sure everything is secured or covered and where possible move them indoors.

Take particular care with trampolines, tie them down because they are not too big to blow away in particularly windy weather.

Close and lock all your doors and windows.

If you are travelling take extra care on the roads. It’s not just high–sided vehicles that are affected by windy weather and strong winds can still blow other vehicles off course. Take particular care on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges, high-sided vehicles or gaps in trees.
If you need any further advice see these useful links

UK Met office                              National Weather Warning Advice

Environment Agency                    Emergency Flood warnings

SEPA                                          Floodline for Scotland

NI Direct                                     Northern Ireland Floodline

Governement Highways Agency     English Highways

National Rail                                National Rails Service Disruptions

 
And if you need to make a claim don’t hesitate to get in touch we are here to help or call us direct on 01494 450 450