Severe weather

Severe weather can come in many forms – rain, wind, snow, fog, severe cold or even a heatwave.

You can sign up for weather warnings through the Met Office.

In the event of severe weather:

• Store some basic supplies - make sure you have some tinned and packets of food, bottled water, a first aid kit, a torch.
• Keep pets indoors (bring outdoor pets in)
• Close doors and windows and close curtains to protect against broken windows
• Secure outdoor belongings such as bikes, garden furniture, trampolines or other children's toys or if possible store them in a garage, shed or indoors.
• If the gas, water or electricity supply stop working inform the relevant service – keep the names of your suppliers, their contact numbers and your account numbers in a safe accessible place.
• Warn vulnerable people in your community. Not everyone watches news bulletins or scans news sites or social media. They may not realise what is forecast. You can help them prepare.

Specific advice on coping with cold weather, strong winds and heatwaves can be found in this section using the right hand navigation.