Dealing with extreme weather

Planning ahead is essential with the weather being unpredictable at this time of year. It is a good idea to keep an eye on the met office website for any weather warnings.

Prepare for storms

Don’t be taken by surprise. Keep up to date with the weather forecast so you can be prepared.

Have a torch and spare batteries at hand in case you suffer a power cut.

Register for the Priority Services Register. If you’re in a vulnerable situation this will give you more help during a power cut.

Put away anything outside your house which could cause damage. Store your garden furniture, make sure your bins are out of harm’s way, check any swings or trampolines are safely secured.

What to do in a power cut

Contact your local electricity network operator for updates. Energy Networks Association can tell you who your provider is.

Check to see if you can claim compensation.

What should I do if my home is damaged in a storm?

We’re here to help!

During extreme weather our phone lines are busier than usual, so you will find it quicker to report a repair online.

If there is an immediate risk to your safety or health, then call us on 0345 141 4663 or join a Live Chat.

Get ready for snow and frost

We have lots of advice to help you keep safe and warm in the Winter months on our Winter advice pages.

• If it’s icy underfoot you may find it difficult to get to the shops. Have some canned and dried food in your store cupboard to see you through.
• Only drive in the snow and ice if necessary and don't put yourself at risk of an accident. Check out the RAC's complete guide to driving safely in the snow before setting off on your journey.
• With snow and ice, there comes an increased risk of flooding once it has melted. If you think your property is at risk of flooding, you can often contact your local council to request sandbags. The environment agency also have a hotline to call to report flooding 0800 80 70 60 (24 hrs) and you can also register for flood warnings and get safety advice by calling the Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Keep warm

With energy prices increasing, keeping warm is a worry for many people. We’ve got lots of good advice to help you keep warm and save money on your bills on our energy saving pages.

No one should go without heating this Winter. If you are worried about the rising costs, please give us a call on 0345 141 4663.

With the colder weather comes condensation in your home. This happens when moisture or water in the air collects on cooler surfaces. It is nothing to worry about, but it can lead to damp and mould if left too long. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help you prevent condensation and mould.

Avoid burst pipes

Burst pipes happen when the small amount of water in them freezes. Frozen pipes leave you without running water and can burst and flood your home. To avoid getting a burst pipe:

• Leave your central heating system on during the colder months with your thermostat set between 18-21C or 12-15C when you’re away. This will keep the air warm enough to stop them from freezing.
• It’s harder for water to freeze when it’s running so turn your taps off and on regularly.
• Keep air circulating by opening the cabinet doors in your kitchen or your loft hatch.
• If your pipes do freeze, follow our simple steps to deal with frozen pipes to prevent them from bursting.

(Originally published December 2021. Republished with updated information).