Find your stopcock

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter problems, and a burst pipe can cause serious damage within minutes if the water keeps running. Your internal stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink or where the water supply enters your home. If you are going away for a few days, leave your heating on a low setting to stop the pipes inside your home from freezing.

Test your heating before you need it

Switch your heating on for a short spell before the first cold snap, so you can spot any problems while there is still time to get them sorted. If a radiator feels cold at the top but warm at the bottom, it may need bleeding, which releases trapped air and helps it heat the room properly.

Keep condensation in check

Colder weather brings more condensation, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms where warm, moist air meets cold windows and walls. Wiping down windows each morning, drying clothes in a room with the window open and using extractor fans when you cook or shower will all help stop damp and mould from taking hold.

Report repairs early

Small problems tend to grow in cold weather, so a dripping tap or a cold radiator is worth reporting now rather than in January. You can report a repair at any time through the HHA tenant portal and follow its progress there too. For emergencies such as a burst pipe or a complete loss of heating, call 01463 251133 straight away.

Look out for your neighbours

Winter can be tough for older neighbours or anyone living alone, particularly when snow and ice make it harder to get to the shops or to appointments. A knock on the door or an offer to pick up a few messages goes a long way, and it helps keep the communities we share strong through the colder months. Even something as simple as popping down salt on a pathway that you know gets icy can be helpful for people who live in your community.