British Gas predicts up to 47,000 people may need heating and water assistance as UK temperatures plummet to -16C. The Met Office warns of a significant cold snap, with the North of England and Scotland bracing for sub-zero temperatures. British Gas urges residents to take preventative measures, maintain heating systems, and seek professional help if needed.
British Gas has issued a warning that nearly 50,000 people could require assistance with heating and water this week as UK temperatures are expected to take a sharp dive, potentially reaching lows of -16C. The Met Office has forecasted a significant drop in temperatures, with the North of England bracing for -14C and parts of Scotland anticipating -12°C on Wednesday, while Thursday could see the mercury plummet even further to -16C.
Historical call-out data during similar cold spells suggests that British Gas may need to support up to 47,000 individuals. The severe cold can lead to substantial home issues, including frozen pipes and boiler failures, which can leave residents without crucial services. In response, British Gas is advising residents to take preventative measures immediately. Dinesh Kumar, a service and repair engineer at British Gas, emphasised the importance of having efficient heating systems during this period: 'With temperatures plummeting and snow and ice hitting much of the UK, more people will be relying on their heating systems to keep them warm during the cold snap.' Kumar also highlighted the necessity of maintaining central heating systems: 'It's important to make sure central heating systems are running smoothly and are prepared to withstand the winter weather. Carefully checking and maintaining your pipes to prevent cracks or bursts is important, as it can often help avoid expensive repairs further down the line.' He advised those facing any problems to seek professional help: 'Contact a qualified engineer if you run into any issues – we have nearly 6,500 engineers on hand to help.' Amid these warnings from British Gas, charities and experts are also raising concerns about the dire consequences of the cold for vulnerable households. An alarming study from Age UK has highlighted a distressing trend amongst the nation's elderly, with a significant number hesitant to heat their home
BRITISH GAS COLD SNAP UK WEATHER HEATING EMERGENCIES VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS
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