Skip to content
MenuClose menu

Household preparedness

Warmth & Shelter

A home can feel very different when the heating stops or the weather turns unusually hot. Start with the people who live there: where they sleep, what helps them stay comfortable and whether anyone needs extra support. The options will be different in a rented flat, a shared house or a home you own.

Keep your home usable

Knowing how your home is heated and who handles repairs gives you somewhere to start when something stops working. Think about warmth and rest at home, as well as somewhere suitable to stay if you have to leave.

Warmth, rest and a place to stay

Know how your home works

Heating and cooling rely on the building and its services. Some heating systems need electricity for controls or pumps, even when they use another fuel. Check with the landlord, building manager or provider if you’re unsure.

Keep people comfortable

Think about clothing, bedding and places to rest, including anyone who finds it difficult to move around. Insulation and draught control can matter too, but changes must respect the building’s ventilation needs.

Think about somewhere else to stay

If home becomes unusable, a spare bed with someone you know may be one option. Check that the place would work for access needs, caring responsibilities and pets rather than assuming it will.

Things a housing plan can miss

  • A heating problem may need a landlord or building manager to arrange the repair.
  • The warmest or coolest room may not be easy for everyone to reach.
  • An alternative place to stay may be too far away or unable to meet someone’s needs.

Start with your own home

  • Find the repair contacts for your home, including any shared heating or building services.
  • Check that useful clothing and bedding are easy to reach, and discuss help anyone might need.
  • Talk through a possible place to stay. Use current Met Office advice when preparing your home for severe weather.

When the weather changes your plans

  • Extreme cold. Keeping people warm may become harder if heating is interrupted.
  • Extreme heat. Think about where you could rest comfortably if your usual room becomes too hot.
  • Gas supply disruption. Heating or hot water may stop working as usual.

Getting help beyond the front door

Explore all ten areas of preparedness

Get the right help with heating

For a heating fault or changes to a fuel-burning appliance, use a qualified professional. If you’re thinking about temporary heating, follow the equipment’s instructions rather than improvising a way to use it.

Put it into practice

Browse related knowledge

Sources and further advice

For more detail, use the guidance below. Check which part of the UK each source covers.