As the UK braces for a severe snowstorm, British Gas is urging households across the country—especially in Scotland—to prepare for potential power outages. The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for January 6th, highlighting the likelihood of heavy snowfall and its impact on essential services.
The Met Office cautions that heavy snow could lead to power cuts affecting not only electricity but also mobile phone connectivity. To stay safe and maintain communication, British Gas recommends households stockpile essential items such as torches, spare batteries, and backup mobile phone chargers. A battery-powered radio is also advised to keep informed of local updates in case mobile devices become unusable.
British Gas also suggests having a supply of essential food items that can be prepared without electricity. They emphasize the importance of appliance thermometers to monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures—ideal safety thresholds are -18°C for freezers and 4°C for fridges. Freezing leftovers like milk, meat, and poultry can help preserve them during outages.
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To protect valuable electrical appliances, British Gas advises using power surge plugs, which are affordable and widely available. Regular computer backups are recommended to safeguard important data. For those relying on home medical equipment, ensuring a reliable battery backup is critical.
As temperatures drop, checking boiler pressure is also essential. The optimal range is between 1 and 1.5 bars, and this can be monitored through the gauge on the boiler’s front panel to ensure efficient operation during the cold spell.
The Met Office forecasts 5-10 cm of snow across central and northern Scotland, with accumulations reaching up to 15 cm, especially in areas above 200 meters. This weather event is rated as having a medium likelihood and impact, signaling the need for preparedness.