Tips to keep safe in winter weather

When winter weather strikes it is important to be prepared, so here's a handy guide to keep you safe and warm in the cold months.

Whether you are out and about on the roads or inside your home – Fareham Borough Council has gathered information from the Met Office, Hampshire County Council, Southern Water and Portsmouth Water to help residents stay safe.

Keep an eye on the weather

The Met Office has the latest forecast online here  to keep you up-to-date with changes in the weather.

The Met Office has its own checklist, offering guidance on how to ready for winter. Have a look here for advice .

On the roads

Hampshire County Council

Hampshire County Council has warned the number of breakdowns double during the winter months and has the following advice to drivers:

• Clean your window screen inside and out to reduce glare in low sun
• Clean and replace damaged washer blades
• Clean lights and check all are working and if necessary replace bulbs
• Check your car battery (many retailers offer winter checks)
• Check levels of washer fluid and anti-freeze
• Check tyre depths

In Snow and Ice

• Listen to weather reports and warnings
• Ensure that your windscreen wash fluid mixture is suitable for low temperatures
• Carry essential winter equipment such as spare clothing and suitable footwear, spare food and drink, a torch, a shovel and a blanket
• Defrost the car completely before driving off
• Use the highest gear you can for moving off
• Avoid any sudden braking or steering through good forward planning and adequate safety margins
• If possible - don't drive

For more advice about driving please have a look at Hampshire County Council's website here .

To contact Hampshire County Council please call 0300 555 1375 - 8.30am to 5pm.

In the home

Southern Water

Southern Water has issued a checklist of top tips to prepare your home for the cold.

• Insulate water tanks and pipes - Use pipe lagging / jackets or insulation to prevent any exposed or unheated water tanks or pipes from freezing. Think lofts, garages and garden taps. When insulating, make sure there are no gaps in the lagging
• Fix dripping taps - In cold temperatures, even a small trickle can cause water in the pipe to freeze
• Find your internal stop-tap - Find the stop-tap in your property and make sure you can turn it off. Most stop-taps are fitted under the kitchen sink or stairs and can be turned off by turning them clockwise
• Service your boiler - Have your boiler serviced regularly (usually every year) to keep it working as efficiently as possible and avoid it breaking down during cold weather
• Block breezes and draughts - Minimise draughts and shut doors and windows to unheated parts of the home. If your property is going to be empty for long periods, turn off the water at the stop-tap and consider draining your pipes (by opening your taps while the stop tap is off)

To contact Southern Water call 0330 303 1263 (24 hour, seven days a week) or for Emergencies call 0330 303 0368.

Find out more online at Southern Water's website . 

Portsmouth Water

Portsmouth Water offer the following advice here  on how to wrap up for winter and protect your home.

WaterSafe is an online directory of approved plumbers who are competent and qualified. To find a local plumber click here .  

Portsmouth Water can be contacted on 023 9249 9888 for General Enquiries or the 24-Hour Emergency Line on 023 9247 7999.