British Gas says 'prepare' in home checklist ahead of 'Polar Vortex'

British Gas says 'prepare' in home checklist ahead of 'Polar Vortex' British Gas has shared essential winter tips to help households prepare for freezing temperatures With icy temperatures approaching, British Gas has issued crucial advice to help households prepare for the colder spell ahead. Taking proper precautions now could make an enormous difference to your property should a cold-weather emergency strike. The Met Office has predicted that temperatures will nosedive this weekend. The advance three-to-five-day forecast claims: "Unsettled with spells of rain or showers Sunday and Monday. Rain in the south on Tuesday, with some hill snow possible. Brighter with showers elsewhere. Often windy and feeling cold." Some forecast reports elsewhere even suggest "polar vortex" conditions and parts of the UK set to fall below 0°C. British Gas has recently published a winter checklist entitled: "How to get ready for heavy snowfall". The guide aims to help households prepare for snow and sub-zero nights in the run-up to winter, particularly as December, January and February draw near. It features one critical warning right at the top of the list, reports the Express. Protect your pipes, as freezing conditions can quickly result in a burst and considerable water damage. A straightforward step is to insulate any exposed pipework by using foam pipe lagging and insulating tubing, both readily available from DIY retailers and typically easy to install. To minimise the risk of frozen pipes, experts recommend setting your thermostat to at least 7°C, even when you're not at home. Many modern heating systems feature frost-protection settings that automatically activate the heating should temperatures fall too low. Another simple yet neglected job is fixing leaky taps, as even the tiniest drip can lead to far greater issues in freezing temperatures, as ice can build up and place extra strain on your pipework. Beyond protecting your pipes, British Gas advises that insulation is vital for retaining warm air and keeping energy bills in check. Loft insulation can have a significant impact, while sealing gaps around windows and doors with weather-stripping tape can prevent bitter cold air from creeping inside. Some households also opt for plastic window insulation film as an added layer of protection against the chill. Cold snaps can also lead to greater dependence on wood burners and electric heaters, which in turn raises safety concerns. British Gas strongly encourages households to regularly test their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If snow builds up outside, it's important to keep ventilation outlets clear so they can function correctly. Householders are also urged to locate their stopcock now, rather than scrambling to find it in a crisis. If a pipe bursts, turning off the mains water as soon as possible can significantly reduce the damage caused. Stopcocks are typically situated beneath the kitchen sink or inside a cupboard on an exterior wall. Finally, it pays to prepare for disruption well in advance. Keep blankets and warm clothing within easy reach, store torches and chargers in an accessible place, and consider assembling an emergency kit containing three days' worth of essentials.