Central Winter News

During freezing weather conditions boiler heating systems are at a higher risk of breaking as pipes can freeze.

When a drain pipe freezes, waste liquid can sometimes travel back up to the boiler, causing it to cut out.

Here are some tips on how to reduce the risk of damage to your heating system.

• Insulate boiler pipes with lagging, preparing them for icy weather (including the corners)- Put lagging on pipes that may be outside- Ensure your loft insulation is thick enough, it should be approximately 10 inches thick- Ensure your home is insulated

• Make sure you know where your stopcock is and ensure you can turn it on and off.- Make sure your boiler is serviced by a Gas Safe professional- If you are away from home for a few days, keep your heating on constant on a low level (around 15 degrees)

• If you are away for a longer length of time and wish to save money, shut down the system completely, turning off all the mains stopcocks, drain pipes, toilets and radiators.-If your pipes do freeze, turn the water off, drain the system and leave the taps open.

• UK
• Boilers
• Winter

• In poor weather conditions, slow down, increase your stopping distance.
• Take care approaching bends, be gentle on the steering, the brake and accelerator.
• To avoid skidding on icy roads drive very slowly.
• Increase your stopping distance by up to ten times in bad weather conditions.

• Black ice is a glaze that forms on surfaces when light freezing rain falls, or ice on road surfaces. It is clear and hard to see.
• If you cannot avoid driving over ice shift into a low gear and do as little as possible, allowing the car to pass over the ice. Try and keep the steering wheel straight.

• If you feel the back end of your car sliding left or right, make a very gentle turn of the steering wheel in the same direction to avoid skidding.
• Slow down by de-accelerating, not by slamming on the brakes

• UK
• Tips safe driving
• Winter

Every Winter thousands of elderly people die as a result of the cold. And with rising energy bills pensioners are often forced to turn off their heating or go without a hot meal.

But this year those who can afford it are being encouraged to donate their Winter Fuel Payment, so it can be used to help those struggling to survive during winter.

You can donate to the Surviving Winter Appeal through Birmingham and Black Country Community Foundation Website www.bbccf.org.uk

• UK
• Elderly
• winter

• UK
• Elderly
• Winter

Every winter thousands of elderly people die as a result of the cold. And with rising energy bills pensioners are often forced to turn off their heating or go without a hot meal.

But this year those who can afford it are being encouraged to donate their Winter Fuel Payment, so it can be used to help those struggling to survive during Winter.

• Dress in plenty of layer and make sure that you have some warm shoes or boots with non-slip soles.
• Keep a mixture of salt and sand indoors to put on steps or paths in icy weather.

• Use a hot-water bottle or an electric blanket (serviced every three years) to warm the bed - never use the two together as this can be very dangerous.
• The recommended temperature for your main living room is around 21 degrees Celsius.

• Eat healthily and stay as active as possible and keep basic food items in the cupboard or freezer in case it is too cold to go shopping.
• Check with your energy supplier for further advice to help you prepare for winter.

For more tips on staying warm and well during winter see the Age UK website.

• UK
• Winter
• Survival