Cold weather warning

Cold weather warning

 

The Met Office has issued a cold weather warning as temperatures are set to fall below freezing, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. You can find information on preparing your home for cold weather here: https://www.saxonweald.com/Is-your-home-winter-ready?

 

Staying warm and checking in on neighbours

 

GOV.UK recommends: It's important to stay warm during cold weather. There are ways to stay warm during these periods, such as heating your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom. This is particularly important if you have a health condition. It's best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night.

 

Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help over the winter. There's a lot you can do to help people who need support. Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery, and cold weather can stop people from going out. Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they're feeling unwell. 

 

If you're worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council or call the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm every day). You can find your local council on GOV.UK.

 

You can find out more information regarding staying warm, winter vaccinations and helping your neighbours on the GOV website link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/ 

 

Frozen pipes

 

Pipes can freeze, leak or burst when the temperature drops – find tips to reduce the risk and what to do in an emergency here: https://www.saxonweald.com/frozen-pipes

 

Alternatively, Worcester Bosch has helpful advice, including a how-to video on defrosting pipes: https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/heating-advice/frozen-condensate

 

Reporting any issues

 

To report any gas heating or hot water issues, please contact TSG directly on 0800 781 2739 or via [email protected]. Retirement or extra care residents should call 01403 226000 or email [email protected].

 

Please note that when demand is high, it is not always possible to guarantee a fix within 24 hours, but we will aim to get out to you as soon as possible.

 

Emergency kit

 

It's a good idea to have an emergency kit prepared incase of adverse weather or power cuts. A few things that might come in handy include:

 

• A torch and spare batteries (a safer option than candles)
• Portable power bank for charging your mobile phone
• A first aid kit (or some first aid items)
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes incase the water goes off
• Bottles of water and non-perishable food items
• A couple of blankets
• Baby supplies (if needed) such as nappies, baby wipes and ready to feed formula, incase you can't use the kettle

 

Cold Weather Payment

 

You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits.

You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for 7 consecutive days.

Find out more about the Cold Weather Payment here.