Extreme Cold Weather
Extreme cold weather entails low (sub-zero) temperatures and heavy snow for prolonged periods.
What to do
Stay up to date with weather forecasts
- The 24/7 Met Office Weather Desk can offer more information prior or during severe weather: 0370 900 0100.
- Use the Met Office website, WeatherReady and UK Weather Warnings to find weather warnings, forecasts and general advice about how to prepare for severe weather.
- UK Health Security Agency in association with the Met Office, issue ‘Cold-Health Alerts’ between 1st November and 31st March each year. The alerts focus on the health impacts from cold weather (persistent low temperatures, snow and ice) and on health sector resilience.
- Monitor Met Office weather warnings and cold-health alerts.
Plan Journeys & Trips
- Plan any journeys or activities with the weather in mind – for example having adequate clothing and emergency supplies in your vehicle.
Arrange suitable home and contents insurance to protect your belongings. - Use ‘WarmWelcome’ to find local warm space locations (where avaialble).
Supporintg your Community
- Identify neighbours who may need assistance or who may be able to provide assistance to you during evacuation.
- Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs.
We can all be better prepared
Our The ‘Are you ready’ booklet brings together advice from various organisation to help you and your family take simple steps to reduce risk, prepare for and respond to emergencies such as fire, flood and loss of power.
Stay tuned into the UK forecast
Dowload the Met Office App so you can not only keep an eye on the forecast to understand the likelihood of any impactful weather in your area.
Looking after yourself
Dress warmly, eat warm food and take warm drinks regularly
Keep an eye on the temperature of your home
Check daytime room temperature and maintain it at 18 °C (65 °F). Check bedroom night-time temperature and maintain it at 18 °C (65 °F) or warmer.
Looking after your community
Check on those you know are at risk and/or may be vulnerable.
Dress appropriately and stay connected
Dress warmly, wear non‑slip shoes, tell someone where you’re going & when you’re back, and keep your phone charged and with you at all times.
Looking after your location
If it is safe to do so, clear pavements of ice or snow if you are able and if essential
What to do if your property was flooded
Insurance
Contact your insurance company if your home or belongings are damaged: they should help you find local contractors to complete repairs and help you replace items that are covered by your insurance plan.
Landlords & Agents
If you rent your property, speak to your landlord to make sure they’re aware of any damage to the property that they need to repair.
Family & Friends
Contact your family, relatives and friends so that they know that you are ok. If they are able to, and it’s safe to do so, ask them to help you clean up your property.
Supporting your Community
Community resilience means people and neighbourhoods using local skills, knowledge and resources to look after themselves and each other during emergencies, working alongside but not replacing emergency services. Being prepared—knowing the risks you face, having basic plans for your household, and identifying neighbours who may need extra help—reduces harm and speeds recovery, especially when responders must prioritise the most urgent cases.
Many communities formalise this readiness with a simple Community Emergency Plan template and supporting guidance, which captures practical arrangements and contact details, so groups can act quickly and coherently. Testing those plans is equally important: simple checks (for example, a call‑out to verify contacts) or full exercises (such as opening a local Place of Safety) reveal gaps and build confidence. Local multi‑agency groups, like the LRF Community Resilience Group in Gloucestershire, provide a toolkit, guidance and workshops to help communities prepare and practise.
Protecting your Business
Business continuity management (BCM) ensures that an organisation can continue operating during disruptions. It involves analysing business processes, assessing risks, and creating plans to maintain critical functions. Key steps include identifying potential threats, evaluating their impact, and developing strategies to mitigate risks.
The BCM plan should include clear procedures for recovery, regular testing, and updates. It also covers compliance with regulations like the Protect Duty, which addresses counter-terrorism measures. Regular testing ensures the plan’s effectiveness and readiness in case of emergencies. Business continuity management helps organisations identify the risks that could interrupt operations and put in place proportionate plans to reduce disruption and recover quickly. It’s essential because businesses with continuity arrangements are far more likely to survive major incidents—flooding, fire, cyberattacks or staff shortages—and small firms in particular can suffer disproportionate harm from even short interruptions. A simple, common‑sense approach—gather colleagues, list core activities, and assess what might go wrong and how likely it is—will reveal the biggest remaining risks to plan for.