THE BIG FREEZE

Getting Prepared:

• Ensure your house is well-insulated, especially the loft. Insulate pipes to prevent freezing and insulate the hot water heater to prevent heat loss. Don't continue loft insulation under a cold water cistern; the small amount of heat beneath it may keep it from freezing.
• Check for drafts around exterior doors and windows. A heavy curtain over the front door can make halls warmer. Plastic sheeting taped over windows is a simple, cheap alternative to double glazing.
• Service central heating; it has a habit of going wrong when it's most needed.
• Kitchen foil, fixed shiny side out on walls behind radiators, will reflect heat.
• Check electrical wires are in good working order. Many winter deaths are caused through occasionally used electrical wires which prove to be faulty.
• Electric blanket should be serviced annually.
• If you have an unused fireplace, get it cleaned and unblocked and stock up on fuel. It could prove a last resort heat source when nothing else is available.
• Check emergency kit and supplies. A camp stove could be vital, especially if you have an electric heater or oven.
• Food is fuel for the body. Ensure you have enough supplies for at least three days, but resist the temptation to stockpile. You don't really need 15 loaves of bread to see you through a winter emergency in a town or city and you could cause hardship for other people.
• Make sure you have enough winter clothing.

  During Bad Weather:

• Listen to radio/TV for weather reports and emergency information. Call social services if you need help for yourself or a relative living alone.
• Have emergency supplies at hand in case of power failure.
• Live in one room if you can't keep the whole house heated.
• Do not block all ventilation; avoid build-up of potentially toxic fumes from fires and heater.
• Drink pleny of hot drinks to make you feel warmer.
• If your pipes freeze, shut off water at the mains and turn on all taps to drain the system in case of burst pipes. Drain water into containers to ensure an adequate supply.
• If there is power failure, do not open freezer. A closed freezer should stay frozen for up to 48-hours.
• If central heating does fail, turn it off as a safety measure.

  If You Must Go Outside:

• Dress accordingly. Several thin layers are warmer than one thick layer. Mittens are warmer than gloves, and hats will prevent heat loss. Frostbite and hypothermia are serious hazards.
• Avoid over-exertion. The combination of excessive physical activity and cold can KILL.
• Do not drink alcohol. It lowers the body temperature.
• Do not dry wet clothes on or too close to heaters as it's a major fire risk.