UK households in 11 areas urged to stock up on batteries before Sunday

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UK households have been urged to stock up on batteries before Sunday as a pattern of wintry weather is expected to sweep in. Snow is forecast for 11 counties in Scotland on…

UK households have been urged to stock up on batteries before Sunday as a pattern of wintry weather is expected to sweep in. Snow is forecast for 11 counties in Scotland on Sunday, and the Met Office advises taking some simple steps to prepare for the unsettled conditions. The national forecaster urges households facing snow to collect batteries to cope better with being cut off and in the event of a power cut. It states: "You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can't access services and amenities for a number of days.

"Act now and be prepared, by getting the essentials together that you could need: Torches and batteries. Candles and matches or lighters. Plenty of blankets and warm clothing."

Heavy snow and ice storms frequently knock down power lines, so having portable batteries ensures you maintain lighting, communication, and emergency heating.

Lithium-ion home batteries lose efficiency and charge more slowly, or stop charging, when internal cell temperatures drop near or below freezing to protect themselves.

Preparing your system, such as ensuring self-heating or thermal management modes are active and clearing snow from outdoor enclosures, helps it operate at maximum capacity when the grid fails.

The Met Office also offers the following advice in the event of a power cut: "Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.

"Leave a light on, so you know when the power cut has been fixed. Check to see if your neighbours are safe and if they have a power cut too. If they have power, your trip switch may have activated.

"Wrap up. If it's cold, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in. Portable heaters are a good alternative if heating systems are down."

If you need to drive in the snow, the Met Office also advises taking your charged mobile phone with an in-car charger and fully charged battery pack.

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