AS THE amber weather warning is extended residents are being advised on how to keep themselves and their homes safe.
The Met Office level three warning for icy conditions across the West Midlands is now in place until Monday, January 23, and water company Severn Trent has issued tips on how to prevent pipes from freezing.
Temperatures are forecast to plummet to -3°C in parts of the region.
The Met Office advises residents should look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold, and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes.
It also advises those at risk of cold-related illness or falls to avoid going out in the cold and icy conditions.
The Met Office suggests to try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you a person is not mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over.
Water company Severn Trent says the cold weather can increase the chances of residents experiencing frozen pipes.
Head of water treatment, Stephanie Cawley, said: “A drop in temperature can cause pipes to leak or burst, which can cause damage and be costly to repair. Although we are not responsible for the pipework inside homes, we have some simple guidance on how everyone can protect your home this winter, including what customers should do if they find a frozen pipe on their property.”
Severn Trent’s top winter tips:
- Wrap all pipework, fittings, and storage tanks in unheated areas of your home, such as lofts, roofs, outbuildings and garages with foam tubes
- Outside taps should be insulated or drained down to the pipework that links to the tap
- Know where the stop tap is and it can be reached quickly in an emergency, and most importantly, check that it’s working properly
- If you do have a problem with your water supply this winter, with either low pressure or no water coming out of your taps, first check to see if your neighbours are having similar trouble to work out if it’s a problem with supply or pipework before contacting your water supplier.
