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Winter storm preparation in the UK

Last reviewed 2026-10-30

Check warnings, secure outdoor items, and plan for power cuts. The right plan is the one your household can understand, access, and maintain. Start with the items and contacts that matter most in your situation, then improve it a little at a time.

Check Met Office warnings and local updates before a storm. Read what the warning means for your area and the time it covers. Forecasts can change, so check again if conditions are developing. Plan travel around the latest advice and tell someone if your route changes.

Before strong winds arrive, bring in or secure loose garden furniture, bins, plant pots, and lightweight equipment. Do not climb ladders or attempt roof repairs in bad weather. Park away from trees and avoid walking near damaged trees or overhead wires.

Prepare for a possible power cut with torches, spare batteries, a radio, a charged power bank, water, easy-to-eat food, and warm clothing. Keep the number 105 available for power network faults. If someone depends on powered medical equipment, agree a safe backup plan in advance.

During a warning, stay indoors when advised and keep away from windows. Do not drive through flood water or past barriers. Follow local authority and emergency service instructions. If you must travel, check road and transport updates and give yourself time to change plans.

After the storm, report hazards to the relevant service and keep clear of fallen cables. Check on neighbours if it is safe. Avoid clearing heavy debris alone or using tools you are not trained to operate.

A practical household plan

A storm plan can stay brief. Keep a note of the people you may need to contact, your local council information page, your energy network’s outage number, and a safe place to meet. Check outdoor items before the weather worsens, not while winds are strong. Close windows and doors, and move away from exposed glass if conditions become severe. If you live near the coast, a river, or an exposed route, use official local warnings to guide your decisions. Do not treat a warning colour as a measure of personal danger without reading its local impact and timing. Think about ordinary routines that may be affected, including school collection, work travel, deliveries, and care visits. Let the relevant people know early if a route may become unsafe. Keep a small supply of food that can be eaten without cooking, and include any items that a household member needs for comfort or communication.

Plan for your household

Keep a simple way to receive local warnings if your usual phone service is unavailable. Write down the local radio station and a number for someone outside the affected area. If you have outdoor work or a journey planned, decide what conditions would make you postpone it. Check on neighbours only when it is safe to do so, and do not enter a damaged building to help. After the warning passes, check official updates before returning to normal travel. Secure garden items well before the forecast period, since conditions can worsen sooner than expected.

Review the plan with your household

Choose a regular moment to look over the list together. A six-month review is easy to remember and matches the household checklist, but update the plan sooner when someone moves in, a baby changes feeding routine, a pet starts a new diet, or a health need changes. Check that everyone knows where the torch, radio, first aid kit, and written contacts are kept. Replace items that have been used, expired, or damaged. Confirm phone numbers and equipment instructions against current information. A plan can be short and still be useful when each person knows their part. If someone else may help, ask them to read the instructions before an incident and check that they can reach the supplies. Record only the information helpers need, store it safely, and update it when those needs change. A familiar routine can make a difficult day easier to manage.

Use the household kit builder to turn your household numbers into a checklist. It is a planning aid, not a substitute for local warnings, an individual care plan, or professional advice. Store essential information where the people who may need it can find it.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first?

Start with the relevant official information for your area and the needs of the people or animals at home. Make a short written plan, gather what you already have, and fill gaps in stages.

How often should I review the plan?

Review it every six months and after a major change at home. Check dates, contact numbers, medicines, batteries, feeding needs, and any equipment instructions.

Where can I get urgent medical help?

Use NHS 111 or ask a pharmacist for non-life-threatening urgent advice. Call 999 for an emergency.