Winter can bring unpredictable weather so it is important to be prepared. Preparing for winter will not only help you stay safe and warm, but could also help you reduce your energy costs.

1. Bleed your radiators

Bleeding your radiators (releasing the trapped air in them) is an easy way to prepare for winter, as it will improve your heating efficiency immediately.

• When the heating is off, and using your ‘bleed key’, turn the valve at the top of the radiator until you hear a hissing
• Hold a bowl or cloth underneath the valve, as once all the air is released, a little water may leak out
• Turn the valve back so it is closed

2. Compost your autumn leaves

Start a compost heap and fill it with all of the autumn leaves. Composting autumn leaves will enable you to slim down your bin, recycle the garden waste and create effective soil fertiliser.

3. Organise your winter wardrobe

Find out all items you will need for winter. If you are missing anything you will have time to purchase what you need before the cold weather sets in. Look for

• Hats
• Scarves
• Coats
• Jumpers
• Gloves
• Boots
• Thick socks

4. Stock your car in case of bad weather

Ensure that your car is stocked with a number of essentials in case bad weather means you are stuck in traffic or away from home.

Stock your car with

• Blanket
• De-icer
• Torch
• Scraper
• Bottled water
• Shovel
• Petrol

5. Get your boiler serviced

Preparing for winter should certainly involve having your heating system checked. Your boiler should be serviced once a year to ensure that it is still safe and efficient. Schedule this service for autumn so that there is time to make any repairs if necessary before it gets cold.

6. Buy in some essentials

Make sure you are prepared for bad weather by stocking your home with some essentials. If you cannot make it out to the shops for a few days, these essentials will see you through.

• Candles
• Tinned and non-perishable food
• Matches
• Batteries
• Bottled water
• Any necessary medicine
• Pet food if required

Make sure you also have the phone numbers of your utilities companies to hand, as well as emergency doctors and vets.

7. Find board games and indoor games

For those with young children, make sure you have a variety of board games and other games that kids can play inside. Prepare for long periods indoors and try and make sure that you have enough games to keep the children entertained.

8. Insulate your home

Ensuring your home is properly insulated is an important part of preparing for winter. As well as retaining the heat and keeping you and family warm, proper insulation can save you money on your energy bills.

There are different types of insulation in your home:

• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Solid wall insulation

9. Change duvets

If you have separate duvets for summer and winter, change them now so that the heavier, warmer duvets are already on your beds when the cold weather sets in.

10. Check on your neighbours

Preparing for winter should not just be about ensuring that you and your own family are adequately prepared to deal with the cold and bad weather conditions.

Check that your neighbours - particularly elderly neighbours – have everything they need to stay safe and warm during the winter months. They may need someone to go shopping for them or check their central heating is working properly.

You should continue to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours throughout the winter to make sure they are well and comfortable.