British Gas has its very own ‘survival kit’ on the best ways to prepare for power cuts
People are being warned to keep an eye on their fridges and freezers as Britain braces for a flurry of ice and snow this week. A number of Met Office warnings have been issued across three days.
The frosty weather is set to sweep through Liverpool, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent and several other major English cities. Northern Ireland, Ireland and northern Scotland are also set to be affected.
Some affected areas are urged to watch out for slippery pavements and possible transport delays from Monday to Wednesday, while others have even been alerted to the potential of power cuts. The latter issue is especially expected in northern England and the Midlands, according to forecasts, with the Met Office stating: “Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.”
While this will all be disruptive, there are few things you can do to lessen the blow of this potential problem. British Gas has some handy advice on this, with their very own ‘survival kit’ on the best ways to prepare.
Stocking up on key essentials is first on its list, including a number of items that may allow you to go about life as usual despite a lack of electricity. “Torches, spare batteries and a back-up charger for mobile phones are all handy,” the energy firm suggested. “You might even consider a battery-powered radio, to keep on top of local updates if you can’t use your mobile. And keep a cupboard stocked with essential foods that you can prepare without electricity.”
Beyond this, British Gas also claimed that it’s worth preparing your fridge and freezer if you know a power cut is on the horizon. Freezing essentials like milk, meat and poultry is a good place to start for this, as it will help these staples last longer amidst failing appliances.
“Buy appliance thermometers for both your fridge and freezer to check that they stay safe during a power cut (-18°C for freezers and 4°C for fridges),” they continued. Then they added: “Keep some bagged or dry ice at home.”
Most of this week’s snow is set to accumulate on higher ground, but the Met Office claimed there ‘is a chance’ of it settling at ‘lower levels’ within each warning area. Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said “We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather moves in from the north.
“This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday night, and then the potential for a spell of snow to lead to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning. Gusty winds in the east also remain a potential hazard. Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely so it is important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”
Meanwhile, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive, Katherine Crawford also advised: “There are also simple steps we can all take to ensure no one feels they are facing this period alone. Bad weather may make it difficult for people to get out for essential shopping or medical appointments, so we’d urge everyone to check in on older family, friends and neighbours during this period to find out if they need any extra support.
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“A friendly phone call or an offer to help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or de-icing paths could be a lifeline for someone who feels isolated at home during this cold spell.”
