Be 'Weather Ready' this Winter
The vibrant coloured leaves are a clear indicator that Autumn has arrived, which means winter is just around the corner. For anyone with caring responsibilities, severe weather, power cuts and icy conditions can bring extra challenges, particularly when someone relies on you for their day-to-day care, supplies and support.
Taking a few simple steps now can help you feel more prepared, will help protect the person you care for and make things feel more manageable when bad weather strikes.
What can you do now?
1. Prepare an emergency bag
Keep essential supplies together in an easy-to-reach place. Include a torch and spare batteries, a charged power bank, warm blankets, bottled water, some long-life food and any essential medication. If the person you care for has specific needs, make sure you have the supplies they rely on, too.
It may be helpful to have a back up safe space in mind already if you need to vacate your home - you could ask to keep some extra supplies at this location if practical and possible.
2. Keep an eye on the forecast
Check the Met Office weather forecast and warnings regularly during storm season. If severe weather is expected, plan essential journeys in advance, allow extra time and avoid travelling when conditions are dangerous. Where possible, arrange shopping and prescriptions before the weather deteriorates.
3. Update your My Caring Role
Think about what would happen if you couldn't reach the person you care for, or if a power cut disrupted their usual care arrangements. Update your MCR online through your portal or give the Support Team a call to help (0800 0388 885).
Keep important contact numbers, medication details and care instructions somewhere easy to find – please let us know if you need a replacement MCR sticker. If the person you care for lives in a different place, make sure they have the same details available prominently in their home.
It can also help to agree a backup plan with family, friends or neighbours who may be able to step in if needed.
4. Stay warm and plan for power cuts
Make sure you have warm clothing and blankets available and know how to keep your home safely heated. If the person you care for relies on powered medical equipment, a stairlift, a powered bed or an alarm system, check what backup arrangements are available. You can access grants for equipment and items that may help with this, contact the Support Team for more information (call 0800 0388 885).
You may also be eligible to join your energy supplier's free Priority Services Register for additional support during power cuts. Find out by contacting your energy and water supplier directly, or alternatively the Support Team can help with this so please get in touch if you need assistance.
5. Remember to look after yourself
Preparing for bad weather isn't just about the person you care for. Make sure you have your own essentials, stay in touch with people who can offer you support, and give yourself permission to ask for help. Caring can be demanding at the best of times, and you don't have to manage every challenge alone.
A little preparation goes a long way
Storms and winter weather can be unpredictable, but taking small steps now can help you feel more confident and prepared. Above all, remember that your wellbeing matters, too.
Collect a free Winter Warm Pack from us
Our Winter Warm Packs contain some of the essentials you may like to keep handy as an emergency bag, including items such as a room thermometer, warm socks, a wooly hat, a hot water bottle, fluffy blanket and hand warmers.
If you would like one of these packs please call our Support Line on 0800 0388 885 and they will arrange a time for you to collect one.
Bridgit is your online self-help tool available 24/7
We understand that you may have questions or need advice outside of our opening hours. This is where our online self-help tool, Bridgit, can help.
Chat online and receive advice and guidance to help you stay safe and source the best support at the right time.
Looking for more?
Energy at Home
Helping you find ways to lower your bills and make home energy work harder for you, by creating a more energy-efficient and comfortable place to live.
Find a Warm Space
Warm Spaces offer free or low-cost hot drinks and food, toys for children to play with, board games, a comfy sofa; each venue has a different offer but all are ready to welcome residents.
Come along to a Carer Café
Join other carers who understand the ups and downs of caring. Our friendly volunteers will be ready to welcome you with a hot drink and relaxed atmosphere.