Winter Ready
Become better prepared for wintry weather
Severe weather, including storms, low temperatures, flooding and heavy snow, can cause significant disruptions to normal life.
We have seen from periods of severe weather in the past how our daily lives can be affected - from flooding in winter 2013/14 and the very cold weather - 'the Beast from the East'- in 2018, to named storms such as 'Eunice' and 'Franklin' in 2022 and 'Ciarán' in 2023. Already this year, parts of the UK have experienced serious impacts of several named storms. The effect of climate change means we are likely to see an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events across the UK.
Some common issues include road and travel disruptions, damage and disruption to basic utilities, and damage to property, all of which can impact communities and businesses.
Cold weather can affect anyone, particularly the vulnerable including the over-65s, under-5s, mums-to-be and people with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, asthma and poor mental health.
Kent’s Local Resilience Forum partners work together to produce plans to manage the impact of severe weather events. Weather forecasts are also monitored regularly by emergency planning teams and notifications of severe weather are shared with residents, along with safety advice.
Understanding what you can do now to prepare and protect your household and those you care for can reduce the impact of these extreme weather events.
Get winter ready
Follow warnings and advice issued ahead of and during severe weather.
Consider what you could do to prepare your home and property for extreme cold or in the event of high winds. Visit the Met Office website for some handy tips.
Everyday emergencies like storms can disrupt the essential services you rely on—like your phone, water, power and the internet. You may want to keep a few extra provisions just in case. Download the Be Ready checklist for ideas on how your household can be better prepared.
Check if your home is at risk of flooding and make a flood plan for your household. Visit Kent Prepared flooding pages for more information.
Prepare a 'grab' bag with essential supplies such as a torch, water and medication, in case you have to leave home quickly in an emergency. Visit Kent Prepared emergency grab bag web page for ideas about what to pack.
Keep a physical copy of key information such as phone numbers and insurance details.
Get road ready
Check your vehicle's tyre pressure and tread to ensure it is safe to drive.
Check your lights are working and keep your screen wash toped up.
Prepare a winter kit for your car in case you get stuck in cold and wintry weather.
For advice visit www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/travel/winter-car-kit.
Visit National Highways to learn more about having a safe trip this winter
Sign up to the priority services register
Sometimes you, or someone you know, may need a bit of additional assistance, especially in the event of a water shortage or power outage. Water, gas and electricity companies offer a range of free priority services to help.
Get extra support when it is needed most by signing your utility company's free priority services register.
Who can receive extra support?
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If you rely on medical equipment
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If you have refrigerated medicines
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If you have a serious or chronic illness
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If you have a disability
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If you or someone you care for is living with dementia
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If you are of pensionable age
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If you have children under five in your household
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If you need extra support for a short time period (e.g. If you are recovering from medical treatment
For further information and to sign up to a priority services register visit your utility company's website or visit the Priority Service Registers website.
Offer help to those that need it
If you can support others, keep in touch with vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.
When cold weather is forecast, see if they need help to stock up on food and medication.
If you are worried about someone else’s health, contact your local pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111, who will all be able to offer advice. If you are in any doubt about what service to use, visit the NHS advice page: Choosing the right service | NHS Kent and Medway
You can also visit our health advice pages to help you the right NHS service for the right treatment if you or someone with you is unwell or injured.
Sign up for weather alerts
Met Office UK weather warnings - Met Office
Sign up for flood warnings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office Cold-Health Alerts
Keep winter well
Winter vaccinations and winter health
For advice on seasonal flu and COVID 19 vaccinations visit the NHS website:
Seasonal vaccinations and winter health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Warm Welcome spaces
Warm welcome spaces offer support to local residents and a hand of friendship to residents who may be struggling to keep their homes warm.
Most libraries in Kent are warm welcome spaces and many communities offer coffee mornings.
To find your nearest space visit the national Warm Welcome website at www.warmwelcome.uk
Keeping warm
For advice about keeping warm and well, and additional support available visit:
Kent County Council winter advice page
or
Medway Council’s winter advice page
Stay fire safe
For winter fire safety advice visit www.kent.fire-uk.org
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Check if you are eligible for a free home fire safety visit.
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Test your smoke alarms weekly.
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Have your chimney and flue swept and inspected regularly to prevent fire and damage.
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Take care with electric heaters, candles and chargers and do not overload sockets.
Further web links
For information about preparing for flooding and volunteer flood wardens visit Flooding | Kent Prepared
Met Office Weather Ready Campaign website
Travelling in winter - National Highways
Keeping safe in cold weather - UKHSA