With the recent flooding in the UK and the winter chill taking grip now is the time to start thinking about how you are going to protect yourself against the weather this winter. Winter can be an expensive time of year as you’ll find you are using more energy and your bills go up. There are a few changes you can make at a small cost to avoid expensive bills, and to prevent and limit and damage caused by flooding.
Protect Against Flooding
In the past week in the UK we have experienced horrifying amounts of rain causing flooding across the country. Here are a few things you can do to avoid flood water coming into your home and if it does, make sure the damage is kept to a minimum.
- Stock up on sand bags- Buy enough sand bags to block any doors or other openings to your home. Buy in advance so that if there is a flood warning you are prepared. Buy a few more than you need in case the flooding is really bad.
- Move Any Important Or Expensive Items- Move everything that is of value or importance as high up as you can. If you live in a bungalow just move everything off the floor onto beds etc. If you can, move everything downstairs upstairs. You can also throw curtains over their rails and move any rugs to protect them.
- Documentation- Ensure you have a list of contact numbers such as the flood line to hand. Keep mobile phones away from any harm as they will be vital if your home begins to flood. Also make sure any important documents are safe, such as birth certificates.
- Put Together An Emergency Kit- Include a change of clothing, money or cards and ID. Just in case you need to leave your home due to flooding.
Prepare For Winter
Nothing is worse than throwing money away on bills during the winter. You probably will see a rise in your energy costs during the coldest months, but there are simple ways to ensure you’re not spending money unnecessarily.
- Invest in having air leakage testing done. There are gaps that let in air all through your house, while this is good as it maintains the air flow the gaps can be too big allowing warm air to escape. Have a test carried out to see if you are losing heat.
- Draw curtains at night time and close all doors to rooms not in use to keep the heat in.
- Utilize any fans. Hot air rises, so turning on your ceiling fan in reverse pushes all the hot air back down keeping it in the room.