Getting ready for winter is something we should all do – but it need only take a few minutes of preparation to ensure your home and your car are fit for any kind of winter emergency.
If you plan to travel during bad weather, always stay up-to-date with weather forecasts by keeping a battery-operated radio handy, and only drive in extreme weather if absolutely necessary.
Before travelling in bad weather, you should:
- Check the weather forecast and road conditions
- Consider whether you need to travel right now or if it can wait until the weather improves?
- Consider alternative routes
- Consider alternative modes of transport
- Allow extra time for your journey
- Make sure your car is ready for a journey in poor weather
- Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged
- Tell someone your destination and when you expect to arrive
- Consider fitting winter tyres to your vehicle
Before setting off in your car, make sure you have packed a winter emergency kit:
- An ice scraper and de-icer
- A torch and spare batteries
- Warm clothes, boots and a blanket
- Some food and a warm drink in a flask
- A map for any unplanned diversions
- A list of emergency phone numbers and loose change
