Extreme Weather: Snow and icy property advice

11/09/2020

Extreme weather can cause damage to property, possessions and people. It’s important to know how to keep your customers as safe as possible and reduce the potential damage.

Remember

Know where your stop tap is and check you are able to turn it off in the event this is required.
If pipes might be frozen, turn off the inside stop tap immediately. It's best to thaw out pipes slowly, by using a hairdryer on its lowest setting, hot water bottles or towels soaked in warm water. Do not use direct heat as this may cause permanent damage to the pipes and could also lead to a fire in the home. Turn on nearby cold taps (keep the stop tap turned off) as this will relieve pressure on the frozen pipe.
If you are going away, it is recommended to leave your heating on and set the thermostat to around 14 degrees Celsius.
Your local council will provide many winter services such as clearing local roads and pavements in your area. Check your council's winter service on its website. To find your local council's website please click here.

Do

Clear the snow and ice early in the day. It's easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it.
You can melt snow or prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area that you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre.
Temperatures in homes should ideally be at least 18 degrees Celsius.

Do not

Use the salt found in salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear unless your council advises otherwise. Please contact your local council for more advice.
Block trickle or ventilation grilles and air bricks, as they're important to the performance of the building.