How to prepare for cold weather and snow

Pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings, and make sure you understand what the forecast means.

Check the current forecast and weather warnings

If you have the Met Office weather app, you will get instant notifications of UK weather warnings for your saved locations. You can also get Met Office weather warnings by email.

Make sure you have enough medication and food in case it becomes difficult to leave the house.

Use our emergency grab bag checklist to help you think about other essential items you need to have in stock.

If you or a family member are vulnerable, check if you are eligible to sign up to your gas, electricity, or water providers' Priority Service Registers.

Signing up to a Priority Service Register (PSR) lets your supplier know that you need extra support. This includes when your supply is interrupted due to cold weather or snow.

Contact your supplier or go to the Priority Services Register website to check if you're eligible.

If you're eligible, get your winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

How to get a flu or COVID-19 vaccination (NHS.UK)

Getting vaccinated every year reduces your risk of getting severe symptoms. It also helps prevent the spread of infectious disease.

Get your heating system serviced every year to keep it working safely and efficiently. If you have gas heating, make sure it is serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Use Norfolk Trusted Trader to find boiler engineers

Find or check an engineer on the Gas Safe register

Pipes can burst in freezing weather. Make sure you know where your home's stop tap is and how to turn it off - write this in your household emergency plan.

Follow Anglian Water's advice on frozen pipes

Follow the Met Office's six simple checks to make sure your car is ready for cold weather and snow.

Put together a winter kit for your car - essential items to keep in your car in case you get stuck in cold weather.

Grit bins are provided by your local council, and contain a mixture of grit and salt. You can spread this on public roads and footpaths that have snow or ice on them. You only to need use about a tablespoon per square metre.

Check your local grit bin to make sure it is well stocked. You can use Norfolk County Council's Winter Gritting map to find grit bins near you. They are shown as green triangles on the map.

If you want to clear snow and ice on your property, you can buy gritting salt at any Norfolk Recycling Centre.

Norfolk County Council explains how to get a grit bin refilled

Advice on clearing your path or driveway from the Met Office

Some people may struggle more than others during cold weather and snow. This could be because they're older, disabled, or socially isolated.

Talk to your neighbours about creating a community emergency plan. Working together to plan for cold weather will help keep everyone in your community safe.