UK households urged to stock up on torches and batteries before Saturday

What the Met Office warnings mean for your home

If you’ve been eyeing the weather forecast like a storm-chasing enthusiast checks a radar, you’re not alone. The Met Office has issued warnings across large swaths of the UK as a band of unsettled weather moves in. From Thursday, January 22, through to Saturday, January 24, expect a mix of heavy winds and heavy rain sweeping Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the southwest of England. In some coastal and exposed areas, gusts could be powerful enough to topple unsecured objects and cause travel disruption.

Think of it as nature’s reminder that even a well-tended home can meet its match with a strong gust or a downpour. Power cuts aren’t unheard of during these events, and service disruptions—like web and mobile network hiccups—can accompany the weather. The Met Office stresses that while these incidents are inconvenient, they’re often manageable when households are prepared. It’s not about panic; it’s about planning.

Why should you care now? Because preparation turns a potentially stressful Saturday into a smoother day. If you already have a plan and a small kit ready, you’ll glide through outages, keep everyone warm, and protect important belongings. It’s the small, steady steps that make a big difference when the weather makes a loud entrance.

Why stocking up now matters

Storms move quickly, but preparation slows them down. A few practical steps taken in advance can save you from a scramble on Friday night or early Saturday morning. Having reliable lighting, accessible power sources, and a lightweight emergency kit is the difference between feeling stranded and feeling confident.

Consider this: when rain lashes against windows and wind rattles doors, you’ll want to avoid trips to the shop in the dark. You’ll also want to keep energy costs in check, and you’ll want to protect perishable food if the power dips out for a while. Stocking up on torches and batteries is the foundation, but you can build a broader plan around it that covers heat, light, communication, and basic comfort.

Professionals in the heating and plumbing sector often see a spike in demand after storm warnings. If your boiler or heating system hasn’t been serviced recently, a quick check can prevent unexpected outages when you need heat most. For reliable maintenance, some households turn to trusted specialists such as Harrow Heating , who can ensure boilers are running safely before the cold snap bites, and Powerflush , which helps maintain radiator efficiency and system performance.

Essential items for your emergency kit

Building a practical, ready-to-use kit is like packing a small toolbox for your home. You don’t need a full disaster-supply shelf, but you do want a handful of items that cover light, power, warmth, and communication for at least 24 to 48 hours. Here’s a solid starting point:

• Torches and spare batteries (preferably LED for longer life)
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated if the internet goes down
• Fully charged power banks and charging cables for phones and essential devices
• Emergency candles (used sparingly and with care, placed away from flammables)
• Charged portable lights or lanterns to illuminate rooms without candles
• Non-perishable snacks and bottled water (enough for all household members)
• Warm clothing, blankets, and a small first-aid kit
• Prescription medications and any essential medical devices with backups
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
• Cash in small denominations in case card readers are unavailable
• Pet supplies, including food and a carrier or leash if required
• A basic tool kit and a battery-operated multi-tool for quick fixes

Tailor the list to your household. If someone relies on a medical device or requires extra warmth, add specific items accordingly. For homes with babies or elderly relatives, your kit should include additional blankets, diapers, formula, and any specialized equipment. Prepare in advance so you’re not scrambling when the wind is howling outside.

How to set up your home for resilience during a storm

Resilience is the word that turns vigilance into action. It’s not just about having the right gear; it’s about how you use it. Here are practical steps to keep your home safer and more comfortable during a weather event:

• Secure loose outdoor furniture, bins, and tools. Bring them indoors or anchor them securely to prevent them from becoming projectiles in gusty winds.
• Close and lock exterior doors and windows. If you have draughty gaps, use weather stripping to reduce heat loss.
• Keep your vehicle topped up with fuel in case you need to travel for work, to collect supplies, or to reach a shelter or safe route.
• Protect your heating system: dust, check, and clear the area around your boiler or heat pump. If you’re unsure about your boiler’s safety, a professional service can help—this is a moment to consider a service from Harrow Heating to ensure everything is ready for winter.
• Set your thermostat to a reasonable baseline so you don’t overwhelm the system when the weather worsens. If you have radiator air pockets, consider bleeding radiators to improve efficiency as explained by heating specialists like Harrow Heating .

If you’re looking to maximize efficiency and reduce energy waste, you might also explore upgrading your heating system or flush cleaning with professionals. A powered flush like Powerflush can help remove sludge and improve circulation, which makes your existing boiler work more efficiently even during a cold snap.

Power outages: practical steps to stay safe and comfortable

Power outages can be inconvenient, but with a calm approach you can maintain safety and comfort. First, keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve cold air. A full freezer can keep food safe for up to 48 hours if you don’t open it; a half-full freezer may only stay safe for about 24 hours. If you anticipate an outage extending beyond a day, you’ll want to start planning alternatives for keeping essentials cold or substituting meals.

Use lighting that doesn’t rely on the grid. Torches and battery-powered lanterns offer safer, more reliable illumination than candles. If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains and never leave them unattended. A safe option is to use an LED lantern or a rechargeable light that you can plug into a portable power bank.

Stay connected. If your internet or mobile networks are disrupted, rely on a battery-powered radio for weather updates and emergency alerts. If you need consistent heating, consider checking with a local heating professional. For example, a quick service check with Harrow Heating can ensure your boiler is functioning properly to minimize the risk of a cold snap catching you off guard. And if you’re worried about radiator efficiency during the outage, a system flush with Powerflush can help maintain heat distribution when power returns.

Heating smarter: tips to stay warm without overusing energy

Staying warm is not about burning through energy; it’s about using it wisely. A few targeted actions can keep your home comfortable while keeping energy bills in check:

• Bleed radiators to remove trapped air, which helps radiators heat up more efficiently.
• Use radiator reflectors behind radiators to minimize heat loss through external walls.
• Seal gaps around doors and windows to reduce heat leakage; consider temporary weatherproofing for long-term protection.
• Zone your heating so you only heat the rooms you use most, especially during colder hours.
• Ask for a boiler service or check to ensure maximum efficiency ahead of peak demands. If you’re unsure where to start, a trusted service like Harrow Heating can guide you through a preventive maintenance plan.

For homeowners who want even more efficiency, consider a system upgrade or a professional flush to improve circulation. The Powerflush system, for instance, can remove sludge from radiators, helping your heat ascend evenly and reducing boiler strain during cold snaps.

What to do if the power goes out and you’re unprepared

First, stay calm. A careful, step-by-step approach will make a big difference. Check with your neighbor or local community group to see if they have more information or resources. If the outage lasts more than a few hours, use your emergency kit to keep everyone safe and comfortable. If you must move around the house, ensure rooms with heat sources remain ventilated and free from clutter that could pose a hazard in dim light.

During extended outages, maintain contact with energy suppliers for updates. If you require heating and hot water, and your current system seems unreliable, now is a good time to consult heating professionals for a maintenance plan or retrofits. For instance, Harrow Heating can provide expert guidance on boiler health and efficiency, while Powerflush can help maintain heating system performance by removing buildup that reduces efficiency.

Conclusion: stay calm, prepared, and protected

Storms and power disruptions are part of life in many parts of the UK, but they don’t have to derail your weekend. By stocking up on torches and batteries, assembling a compact emergency kit, and implementing small home-efficiency steps, you build a safety net that protects your family and your home. The Met Office warnings remind us to be proactive rather than reactive, to check our heating and electrical systems, and to support each other when weather conditions get tough.

If you want extra confidence in your home’s resilience, seek professional help to ensure your heating and hot-water systems are in top shape. Services like Harrow Heating offer tailored maintenance plans to keep boilers safe and efficient, while Powerflush can improve radiator performance and energy use. With a little planning today, you’ll be ready for whatever the weather throws at you this weekend—and you’ll sleep a little easier tonight.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do first if a storm warning is issued for my area?

Start with a quick household check: secure loose outdoor items, gather your emergency kit, ensure flashlights and charged phones are ready, and confirm your heating system is serviced if needed. Keep updated with the Met Office and local alerts. If you’re unsure about your boiler performance, consider a quick service from Harrow Heating to reduce the risk of outages.

2. How can I protect my fridge and freezer during a power outage?

Keep doors closed as much as possible to retain cold air. A full freezer can typically stay frozen for about 48 hours, a partially full one for around 24 hours. If you anticipate an outage lasting longer, plan alternatives for cooling and food storage, and consider using a generator safely outdoors if you have one.

3. Is it worth upgrading my heating system before winter storms?

Yes, especially if your boiler is older or prone to inefficiency. A maintenance check with Harrow Heating helps ensure safety and reliability, while a Powerflush treatment can improve radiator heat distribution and overall system efficiency, reducing energy waste during cold weather.

4. What are the best lighting options during a power outage?

LED torches and lanterns with long battery life are ideal. Keep several ready and easily accessible. A battery-powered radio is also useful for weather updates if your internet is down. Avoid candles if possible to reduce fire risk; if you must use them, never leave them unattended.

5. How can I tailor my emergency kit for young children or elderly relatives?

Add items specific to their needs, such as extra medications, formula or baby snacks, blankets, and a list of important contacts. Ensure you have warmer clothing and any mobility aids readily accessible. Personalize the kit so it truly fits your household’s unique requirements, and rehearse your plan so everyone knows what to do.