An agreed winter check-in with an older relative
A useful check-in asks about practical needs without taking away independence.
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364 articles on household emergency preparation. Browse by topic or search for a specific question.
Search all guidesPlanning repeat prescriptions before snow disrupts collection
Winter prescription planning means using the normal repeat process in good time and knowing whom to contact about problems.
A snow-day plan for children that adults can actually use
A snow day changes childcare, meals, work and sometimes transport at once.
Preparing pet care for freezing weather
Cold weather can disrupt normal walks, deliveries and access to veterinary care.
Electric blankets: check suitability before winter use
An electric blanket needs the correct model, safe condition and suitable use.
Portable electric heaters: choose the location before switching on
A portable heater can introduce a fire or trip hazard if used in a crowded room.
Carbon monoxide safety belongs in the winter plan
Winter can increase reliance on heating appliances and tempt people to improvise during an outage.
Using a local warm space: check the practical details
A warm public venue may offer useful daytime comfort and company, but opening arrangements and services vary.
Winter preparation on a tight budget: choose useful first steps
A winter plan should not create debt or make ordinary living harder.
Warmth and ventilation: avoiding a sealed-up winter home
Keeping heat in does not mean blocking every opening.
Winter planning for homes using delivered heating fuel
A delivered-fuel home needs a plan for ordering, access and a delayed delivery.
A food routine for several snowy days at home
A useful winter food reserve resembles your normal cupboard.
Frozen ponds and rivers: a family winter safety rule
Ice on a pond or river is not a safe walking surface to test.
Winter road travel abroad: check each country before departure
Winter driving requirements and road operations differ across Europe.
Cold-Health Alerts and snow warnings answer different questions
A cold home can affect health without dramatic snowfall.
A household heatwave plan for the next three days
A heat plan is mainly about changing routines, keeping suitable water available and knowing where to find a cooler safe environment.
Keeping a top-floor flat cooler during hot weather
A top-floor home can retain heat and offer limited ventilation choices.
When should you open windows in a heatwave?
Opening every window is not always a cooling strategy.