Households are being urged to freeze milk this week (Image: Alex Evans)
Two more days of extreme weather warnings have been issued by the with yellow weather warnings for wind and rain issued across much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and households are being urged to take an unusual step to prepare.
And with the extreme weather comes a risk of power cuts, the warned, as well as potential travel disruption and damage to properties.
Last week, more than 400,000 homes in the UK and Ireland were left without power when Storm Eowyn hit, and the UK is not out of the woods yet with with three more yellow weather warnings in place on Monday and Tuesday.
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Energy firm says households should prepare for power cuts by freezing milk as well as fresh meat.
Unbeknownst to many, milk can actually be frozen and stored for months before being defrosted and used.
Just be sure to fully defrost it and shake it well to ensure it hasn’t separated.
In its advice for preparing for power cuts, British Gas said: “Buy appliance thermometers for both your fridge and freezer to check that they stay safe during a power cut (-18°C for freezers and 4°C for fridges).
“Freeze leftovers like milk, meat and poultry. If you find yourself without power they’ll last longer
“Fridges and freezers will keep their cool for a surprisingly long time without power, Here are a few things you can do to help them: Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible; Consolidate foods in the same drawer – they’ll keep each other cool whilst the freezer’s off; Stand meat and poultry items on a tray to stop juices dripping onto other foods if they thaw.
“Once the power’s back on, throw away anything perishable that’s been above 4°C for two hours or more. If you’re in any doubt, bin it. You can refreeze any foods that have stayed at 4°C or lower once everything’s back up and running.”
The said in its weather warnings, which are in place across London, the south West, the South East and Wales until 6am on Tuesday : “A period of strong and gusty southwesterly winds is likely to affect southern parts of England and Wales through Monday and at first on Tuesday. Gusts to 60 or 70 mph are possible near the coast, with gusts of 50mph possible inland. Winds will gradually ease from the west on Tuesday morning.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”