The weather at wintertime poses a number of safety concerns, as well as generating a fair amount of wear-and-tear for vehicles and the home. The recent Storm Arwen inflicted enormous amounts of property damage and caused widespread power outages, as well as several deaths.
Given that further spells of severe weather are almost certainly coming, it’s worth taking a few steps to protect yourself. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
On The Road
In the UK, car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers on public roads. But not all kinds of car insurance are quite the same. You’ll want to ensure that yours is fit for purpose before you head out.
Check Your Vehicle
If you don’t take the time to inspect your vehicle periodically, then a range of potentially disastrous deficiencies might go unnoticed.
Fuel
If you don’t have enough fuel to deal with an emergency situation, then you may end up stranded during cold weather. This applies especially if you’re going on a long journey. Ideally, you’ll have a spare can in the back of the car for emergencies.
Check Your Lights
If your lights aren’t working as they should, then your visibility will suffer. Similarly, you might find that other drivers have a more difficult time seeing you. These factors will make an accident more likely.
Check Your Tyres
Your tyres should be well above the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm. This will ensure optimal grip of the road surface. You might even swap your tyres for winter ones.
Drive Slowly
If you’re driving in wintry conditions, then your braking distance will be longer. You’ll be at increased risk of being involved in a collision – so adjust your speed accordingly.
At Home
If there’s a storm incoming, then there are a few things you can do to make your home less vulnerable to damage.
Tidy Lose Objects Outside
The fewer objects there are cluttering your lawn, the less likely it is that one of those objects will be flung into your home.
Park Vehicles Indoors
If you have access to a garage, then use it to store your vehicle.
Close Internal Doors
If air is moving through your house, then there will be higher pressure on your roof – which is the part of your home that’s most vulnerable to damage during stormy spells.
On Foot
If you’re caught outdoors during a storm, then there are a few tips to bear in mind. They’ll help you to protect yourself, even if they’re an imperfect solution.
Avoid Buildings and Trees
If lightning is going to strike, then it’ll be taller structures that are more likely to receive the impact. Keep away from them.
Wrap Up Warm
If you have warm, windproof clothes, then you should wear them if you intend to go walking at this time of year.
Featured image: Unsplash (Steven Wright).
