‘Weather the Winter’ With The Consumer Council’s Tips and Advice

The Consumer Council provides the answers, together with other seasonal tips and advice, in its ‘Weather the Winter’ leaflet.

Aodhan O’Donnell, Interim Chief Executive of the Consumer Council explains “In the last few years we have experienced heavy snow, flooding and freezing conditions, which can really disrupt consumers’ daily lives, not to mention causing damage to their homes.  The Consumer Council is advising all households to get a free copy of our ‘Weather the Winter’ leaflet so that they can be prepared and know what to do in the event of bad weather.

“The leaflet provides simple tips from knowing where your stop tap/valve is and how to turn it off, having a torch, oil or gas lamp ready for power cuts, when to service appliances, to checking your oil tank regularly to avoid being caught out by bad weather.  

“Consumers will also receive information through their letterboxes from NI Water and from Roads Service and the Consumer Council encourages all households to read and act on the advice and information provided,” added Aodhan. 

“It is also worthwhile noting that if you are a customer with a disability or have individual needs, electricity, gas and water companies can provide additional assistance to customers who register their details with them. Furthermore if you are a consumer who relies on electrical equipment or on a water supply for your day to day care you should get on the Critical Care Registers of NI Water and NIE who will prioritise you in the event of supply disruption ,” he concluded.

Free copies of the Consumer Council’s ‘Weather the Winter’ leaflet will be available at local libraries, Citizens Advice Bureaus, independent advice centres and constituency offices.  Consumers can download their free copy at www.consumercouncil.org.uk/publications or request a copy by contacting the Consumer Council on 0800 121 6022, via twitter (@ConsumerCouncil) or facebook (Consumer Council Northern Ireland).