Keeping safe in the cold

Winters in the UK can be harsh and, while the snow can be beautiful, it's important to remember that there are also some associated threats which are well worth protecting yourself from.

The cold weather can affect your home and your car so take precautions to keep them safe. Hidden dangers such as ice should also be considered to avoid related problems.

If you have already been affected by the winter weather and need to make a claim on your home insurance , please check our claims information online for the best way to contact us.

• Fit lagging to pipes, tanks and cisterns and leave cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate and prevent freezing 
• Repair any dripping taps
• Loft insulation should be laid on top of pipes, not underneath them
• Make sure your loft insulation is thick and in good condition
• Know where your main stopcock is. If a pipe bursts, shut off the water supply and turn all the cold taps on
• If you're going on holiday, leave the heating on and open the loft hatch to keep pipes and tanks in the loft warm
• If you're going to be away for more than a few days, ask a friend or neighbour to come and check the house for you
• Keep all drains and gutters clear
• Make sure any nearby trees are cut back to avoid damage from falling branches

• Leave more space between you and the car in front – your stopping distance may be increased by slippery roads
• Brake gently to avoid skidding
• Allow more time for your journey as you’ll need to drive more slowly
• If you get stuck in snow, clear snow away from the wheels and underneath the car and try easing out slowly
• Maintenance of your tyres is essential. Check the tread, pressure and general condition, and make sure that your spare tyre is in good condition
• Frequently check that all lights are working – headlights, indicators, fog lights and hazard lights - so that other drivers can see you
• Check your wiper blades are in good condition and that the washer bottle is topped up for all round good visibility
• Never pour hot water on your windscreen to melt ice as the glass may crack
• Check your wiper blades are not stuck to the windscreen by lifting them before turning them on, this will avoid damaging the wiper blades or motor
• Always carry an ice scraper to clear your windows
• Take a fully charged mobile phone with you in case you break down but keep it switched off while you're driving