Councillor Bill Lewis says get ready for Winter

As the nights begin to get darker and temperatures drop, Rugby Liberal Democrats Councillor for Rokeby & Overslade Ward, Bill Lewis says there are some simple steps residents can take to be prepared in case they have a power cut or gas emergency.

Know your free emergency numbers - In a power cut dial 105 or 0800 056 8090, for a gas emergency, dial 0800 111 999, for water problems contact Severn Trent on 0800 783 4444.

Prepare your home - Keep a torch handy and get your appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

www.gassaferegister.co.uk

Register as a vulnerable customer - Vulnerable households can get extra support by signing up to the Priority Services Register. Telephone 0800 096 3080 for further information and to register contact Western Power Distribution:

www.westernpower.co.uk/About-us/Priority-Services.aspx

Keep your eyes open - Keep an eye on the weather forecast and, if you have a power cut or a gas emergency, check on your neighbours.

Become a Snow Warden - Warwickshire County Council runs a voluntary snow warden scheme that enables residents to deal with frost and snow in public areas that the council are unable to grit.

Commenting, Councillor Bill Lewis, said:

"Predictions are being made that this winter is going to be the coldest for five years. They could be right, so be prepared. Make sure you know your free emergency numbers, prepare your home and check the weather forecast regularly. Check on your neighbours especially if they are vulnerable. Remember, extra support is available for vulnerable households.

"I coordinate a team of 20 residents in Rokeby and Overslade who have volunteered to be Snow Wardens. If you would like to join our group or start your own group where you live or if you want to hear more about the scheme, please get in touch."

Photo - Councillor Bill Lewis with Anthony and Maureen Rogers clearing snow along the parade of shops on Kingsway in January 2013, which was a very bad winter.

Weather predictions www.newsrepublic.net/detail/061B82F72810100001_uk