Snow and ice guidance
We’ll help you face the worst of the British weather and keep things cosy at home.
-
Stay informed
Keep an eye on the latest weather forecasts and pop your postcode into the Met Office live updates. Staying ahead of the forecast makes all the difference.
Create a winterproof plan
The best defence is to keep your home warm which starts with a working heating system and good insulation.
Tips for around the house
- Make sure your loft and pipes are well insulated and ventilated.
- Use draught excluders or weather stripping on doors and windows.
- Have your boiler, central heating and gas fires checked every year.
- If you have an open fire, get the chimney swept regularly.
- Wrap up warm to help everyone stay comfortable.
Tips for around the garden
- Look over your roof for loose tiles or cracks in chimney pots or pointing.
- Keep gutters and drainpipes clear of leaves and debris.
- Insulate outside taps so they don’t freeze or burst.
- Make sure doors and gates are secure.
- Check outside lights are working.
- Secure any garden furniture if bad weather is on the way.
- Add bird feeders, baths or boxes to help local wildlife in harsh conditions.
- Create simple wildlife shelters, like log piles.
If you’re going to be away from home
- Ask someone you trust to check in now and then.
- Leave your heating on low where possible.
- If you’re going to be away longer than your policy allows, you’ll need to let us know.
Things that may come in handy
- Contact numbers for plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, utility provider and breakdown service.
- Tinned food, warm clothing and blankets.
- A torch and spare batteries, candles and matches.
- Salt or grit, plus a shovel.
-
If a pipe bursts
- Turn off the mains water supply which is usually under the kitchen sink or where the service pipe enters your home.
- Drain the system by running all hot and cold taps.
- Turn off the electricity, central heating and immersion heater.
- If water damage is severe, turn off the electricity completely and leave the house until a qualified electrician says it’s safe.
- Catch leaking water in buckets.
- If the ceiling starts to bulge slightly, pierce small holes to let water escape but only if safe.
- If the ceiling is significantly bulging, don’t touch it. Leave the room and call a professional.
-
If your home has been damaged
- Keep damaged belongings as they may need to be assessed.
- Roll up carpets and rugs to help them dry, and store them safely.
- Take photographs of damaged items to support your claim.
- If burst pipes have caused water damage, open windows when practical and safe to help your home dry out.
