HOW TO GET READY FOR WINTER 2016!

Well the this time of year is almost here so why not take just 1 hour to prepare your self and your car for winter

HOW TO GET READY FOR WINTER

Identify family or neighbours in your community who may need a helping hand if severe weather strikes - have their phone numbers to hand and offer to help them prepare

Make a household plan and collect together items that will be important to you and your family in an emergency

Pack a few essential items in your car such as an ice scraper and de-icer, a torch and spare batteries, a shovel for snow, warm clothes, boots and a blanket; and some food and a warm drink in a flask

If you’re cycling, ensure you and your bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back), and wear clothes that will help you be seen on your bike such as bright and light reflective items.

If you live in an area at risk of flooding, register with Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for their free alert service

Emergency kit checklist

Packing a small emergency kit and keeping it in a safe place at home will stand you in good stead in a wide range of emergency situations. Your kit should be kept in a waterproof bag and it should include:

Your household emergency plan, including emergency contact numbers.

A battery operated torch and spare batteries (or a wind up torch)

A battery operated radio and spare batteries (or a wind up radio)

Mobile phone charger

Any essential medication, some toiletries and a first aid kit

Three days' supply of bottled water and ready to eat food (that won't go off)

Copies of important documents like insurance policies and birth certificates, in case you need to locate these quickly or prove your identity

Pencil, paper, a penknife and a whistle

Spare keys to your home and car

Emergency Travel Kit

For peace of mind always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. Your emergency kit should include:

• A first aid kit

• Battery jump leads

• A torch and spare batteries

• A map for unplanned diversions

• A blanket

• A reflective warning sign

In winter you should also take:

• An ice scraper and de-icer

• A shovel for snow

• Warm clothes, boots and a blanket

• Some food and a warm drink in a flask

In winter you should pay extra attention to planning your journey. Make sure your vehicle's ready for a journey in poor weather, and consider fitting winter tyres or snow socks to your vehicle.

At any time of year, think about carrying one or more ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact numbers on your mobile phone or in your wallet or purse. This means that if they need to, emergency responders like paramedics can contact people who know you, and potentially get important medical information, as quickly as possible.