Summer is officially over, so it’s probably a good time to start looking at your winter safety kit.

Useful for in the car, at home or work, a winter safety kit often holds necessary items to keep you safe this winter.

Here’s what you might need in your winter safety kit for the home:

• Salt, or a similar product that can melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction in the event you need to leave by vehicle
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment in case you need to clear a snow-blocked door or walkway
• Heating fuel and equipment in case your regular fuel source is cut off
• Clothing and blankets for each family member
• First aid supplies, essential medications and necessary personal hygiene items
• Non-perishable food and water to last at least 3 days, in case you get snowed in
• Torches and plenty of batteries
• Portable chargers for mobile phones in case the power goes out
• A battery-operated radio to get news and weather updates

Here’s some items that would be suitable to keep in the car for those winter emergency situations:

• Torches
• Batteries
• Blankets
• First aid kit
• Water bottles
• Non-perishable food
• Tire chains
• Ice scraper
• Snow shovel
• Jump cables
• Extra fuel
• Mobile phone charger
• A battery-operated radio
• Gloves, hats, and boots
• Spare jackets

Finally, how about at work? Here’s a list of more items suitable for winter emergencies if you are at work:

• Non-perishable food
• Water
• A complete change of warm clothes
• Boots, gloves and a jacket
• Personal hygiene items
• Essential medications
• First aid kit
• A battery-operated radio
• Torches
• Batteries

Getting stuck in a winter storm is uncommon, but not impossible. Therefore it’s a good idea to be prepared should the worst happen.

Fortunately we can offer help with the after effects of any winter weather. You can visit our home page here for more information or speak to a member of our team for urgent restorative help on 0845 762 6828

It’s important to consider home fire prevention as there are around 37,000 house fires annually in the UK according to Fire Safety Facts.

Consider it as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Home Fire Prevention

• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources
• Don’t leave flames unattended
• Fix or repair faulty wiring
• Don’t overload sockets
• Inspect household electrical items

2. Home fire safety equipment

• Install smoke detectors
• Keep the most suitable fire extinguisher for the home
• Consider an automatic sprinkler system

3. Fire safety planning

• Create a fire safety plan and familiarise yourself and your family with it
• Make a list of important contact details
• Practice your escape plan every year
• Teach children how and when to call 999

It’s important to get to grips with the above to keep yourself and those around you safe in the home. House fires represent a great risk that can be prevented with proper care and attention.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be affected by a fire, you can speak to the experts for restoration help. ServiceMaster Restore provide fire and smoke damage clean ups for customers in the UK.

For further information view our fire and smoke restoration service or call us at 0845 762 6828