With memories of the floods that devastated much of the county in ‘Monsoon June’ still fresh in our minds, here are some ideas for things you can do now to ensure you are ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at us!

Health And Wellbeing

• Get your flu jab.  If you are over 65, in an ‘at risk’ group, a carer, or are pregnant, you can get a free seasonal flu vaccination.  Book through your GP.
• Take action to stay warm.  You may qualify for a Cold Weather payment if you are on certain benefits.
• Check that your electric blanket meets safety standards.
• Make sure you have sufficient supplies of food and basic necessities.  Book WSCC Meals on Wheels service.  It provides hot and frozen meals with free home delivery.
• Find out if you have any elderly or poorly neighbours.  They may need a visit and extra help.

Protecting Your Home

• Clear your drains and gutters, and ditches if they are your responsibility.
• Check pipes are lagged to prevent them bursting and know how to turn your water supply off.
• Find out about heating and insulation grants to help you stay warm.
• Get your boiler serviced by a Buy with Confidence Approved trader.
• Make sure you have carbon monoxide and smoke alarms and that all are working and buy spare batteries for the alarms and torches.
• Buy a snow shovel, a supply of sand or grit and – if your home is in a flood risk area – some sandbags.  All tend to be in short supply when bad weather hits.
• Prepare an emergency bag in case you or your family have to move elsewhere at short notice.
• Move irreplaceable items like photos from the ground floor where they could be ruined by flooding.
• Sweep your chimneys.

Out And About

• Ensure you and your vehicle are prepared for the weather, following the latest travel advice before you head off.
• Help your community by volunteering.
• There are misconceptions about health and safety laws getting in the way of action and volunteering.  We need the Big Society most in times of adversity, when communities have to pull together.