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Simple tips to get Winter Ready

Awgrymiadau syml i baratoi ar gyfer y gaeaf

The recent cold snap has proven that there’s no better time than the present to make sure you’re Winter Ready.

While many people love the twinkling lights, cosy evenings and crisp mornings, the winter also brings its challenges.

But with a little bit of planning you can make sure you, your home, your vehicle, and community are prepared for everything that winter brings.

Here are some simple tips to get Winter Ready.

Home and garden

  • Check your gutters – falling leaves can block gutters and cause problems with water backing up.
  • Learn where your stop tap is. Dwr Cymru has lots of handy winter tips.
  • Lag outdoor taps to prevent freezing and burst pipes.
  • Basic supplies - have a torch, batteries, candles, charged power bank, non-perishable food and bottled water handy, in case of power cuts.
  • Garden –remove loose branches and secure garden furniture and play equipment such as trampolines that could cause issues in strong winds.
  • Check your flood risk and sign up for flood warnings from Natural Resources Wales. If at risk, check the Blue Pages Directory for resources.

Vehicle

  • Check tyres and screen wash levels regularly.
  • Thoroughly defrost windscreen before getting behind the wheel.
  • Drive appropriately to the conditions. Read winter driving advice
  • Keep a winter car kit handy with ice scraper and de-icer, mobile phone charger, jump leads, food and drink and warm clothes and blankets.
  • Sign up for Cleddau Bridge closure alerts.
  • Follow Pembrokeshire County Council on social media (Facebook and X – formerly Twitter) for updates on road gritting and situation updates.

Health

  • Keep up to date with Covid vaccinations if eligible.
  • Consider protecting yourself and others by getting a flu vaccination.
  • Read advice on avoiding winter viruses.
  • Make sure you have supplies of medication, particularly over holiday periods.
  • Utilise NHS 111 Wales and Public Health Wales resources.
  • Consider using the Common Ailments Service run by pharmacies for many common conditions.
  • Take extra care to avoid slips and falls during icy conditions.

Community