As the days get shorter and the weather begins to change, people across Warwickshire are being encouraged to take a few simple steps to make sure they are prepared for the autumn months ahead.
Heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and colder temperatures can all bring disruption during the autumn and winter months. By planning ahead and taking practical steps now, residents can help reduce the impact of severe weather on their homes, journeys and daily lives, while helping to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe.
Being prepared doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking a little time now to think about what you might need and what you would do if severe weather affected your home can help you respond more quickly and confidently if the unexpected happens.
Warwickshire Resilience Forum is encouraging residents to get autumn ready by:
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keeping an eye on weather forecasts and warnings
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checking whether their home or local area could be at risk of flooding
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having essential items such as a torch, batteries and phone charger somewhere easy to find
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making sure important contact numbers and information are readily available
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considering what they would do if there was a temporary loss of power or other essential services
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making a simple household emergency plan so everyone knows what to do
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checking in on relatives, friends and neighbours who may need additional support during severe weather
People are also encouraged to think about journeys before setting off when poor weather is forecast and to keep up to date with trusted local information.
Ben Brook, Warwickshire Resilience Forum Co-Chair and Chief Fire Officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Autumn often brings more unsettled weather, so now is a good time to take a few simple steps to make sure you and your household are prepared.
“It could be as straightforward as checking your flood risk, knowing where your torch is, keeping your phone charged or having a conversation with your family about what you would do if severe weather caused disruption.
“Being prepared isn’t about expecting something to go wrong. It’s about knowing what to do if it does. A little preparation now can help you feel more confident and ready for whatever the autumn weather brings.
“We’d also encourage everyone to look out for those around them. Checking in on a relative, friend or neighbour can make an important difference during periods of bad weather.”
Businesses and community organisations can also take the opportunity to review their arrangements and consider how they would continue to operate if severe weather, flooding or disruption to essential services affected them. Find out more about business continuity here: Business Continuity - Warwickshire LRF
Taking a few simple steps now can help individuals, families, communities and businesses across Warwickshire be better prepared for the weather ahead.
For more information about preparing for emergencies and risks in Warwickshire, visit: https://www.warwickshireresilienceforum.org/
To find out more about flood warnings visit: Prepare for flooding: Protect yourself from future flooding - GOV.UK You can sign up to the text service here: Get flood warnings by text, phone or email - GOV.UK