Now. Goodness knows we are all aware that our responsible and neutral national newspapers never ever sensationalise what’s going on in the world but in a surprise maelstrom of hyperbole recently the Daily Express online described the coming snowstorms, warned of by the Met office, a bit like this..
“SNOW HELL COMING: Whole of UK to be trapped in…freezing DOUBLE VORTEX for a week” also adding with typically understated calm “The entire country is on alert for crippling blizzards”.
A Double Vortex eh? I think I had a couple of those on New Years eve and yes, they are very scary.
Seriously though, hyperbole aside, newspapers and news services on line are talking of the army being on stand-by, up to 8 inches of snow forecast in some parts of the country, warnings of temperatures in the north and, of course, poor old Scotland as low as -10° and there has been a lot of talk of something called ‘Thundersnow’ where we have thunderstorms but with snow instead of rain. Wow!
There is no denying that a coming snow storm could be a serious inconvenience (if indeed it comes. I say, at the risk of aping Michael Fish’s 1987 boo-boo) but there is also the possibility that the lovely weather people now overestimate the severity of these things, just so they can’t be caught out like Mr Fish was. This, according to wikipedia, is a phenomena known as the ‘Michael Effect’.
However. It is true that the Met office are genuinely warning that we will probably get snow and that it could be widespread. So. What to do?
The well-worn phrase that comes to mind is BE PREPARED. Weather in the UK, unless it’s at its absolute worst, can nearly always be managed by having the right clothing, preparations and equipment ready at the right time.
- Make sure you have salt in your salt bins or sand to spread
- Make sure you have a snow shovel in your shed
- If you use solid fuel like logs or coal, make sure you have plenty stored
- Keep some fleecy blankets, or foil blankets, and/or extra layers of clothing in your car if you have to drive anywhere in case of a breakdown, a collapsible snow shovel in your boot if you are driving into the country
- Take hot soup or hot drinks in flasks if you are travelling
- Make sure the anti-freeze in your car is topped up
- Drive carefully but DON’T DRIVE IF YOU DON”T HAVE TO
- Make sure you are stocked up with food and so on if heavy snow can shut you in your home for any length of time
- If you have to go out, wear layers so you can trap air to keep you warm. The freezing cold outdoors is no place for bravado.
Simple and Effective: Loncin 8000d generator
More than that. Have you a back up generator in case power lines go down? If not, try here for a good range of easy to use back up and portable generators like this excellent affordable Loncin model, the LC2500-AS Generator at the fantastic price of £339 instead of £419. powerful enough to run lights, a small fridge, a fan a microwave oven or a TV. Not a full-on back-up but great for emergencies and available next working day with FREE delivery. If you do have a back-up generator, check it is in good working order, all points/contacts are clean and clear, all cables are in good condition and make sure fuel, oil etc are topped up.
NEVER KEEP A PETROL GENERATOR INSIDE YOUR HOME OR A DWELLING OF ANY KIND
And, if you have been reading Holly and Dick’s blogs this week you will know that MowDirect supply a very good range of snow and ice solutions at the best prices around. You could get most of these by FREE delivery, shovels and snow and ice treatments by next day delivery.
This range includes good quality snow shovels like the Garant Large Canadian Snow Shovel/Pusher at only £19.95 – saving you £20 on the RRP.
There are also very high quality snow blowers like the great value Oleo-Mac Artik 52 Single-Stage Petrol Snow Blower which Dick mentioned yesterday, a very good machine indeed at the remarkable price of £399, a saving of £100 on the RRP.
Whatever you decide, just make sure you are ready. Your business could take a real hit if you have to close, and you may well have a duty of care to clear your paths, drives and public areas. And no-one wants to be trapped at home unable to shop or visit the doctor. So take care if, and when, the snow comes and make sure you are equipped to handle whatever the sky throws at you.
If you need further advice on any of the above equipment or anything else, do contact us on 0345 4588 905 and In the meantime, even in the snow, enjoy your garden. Drew Hardy
