Climate Change - getting your home ready

The challenge of climate change is something we all need to be prepared for.

Did you know?

It is predicted that by the 2050s temperatures in the North East will have risen by up to 2.4 degrees and Stockton could experience hot summers, like the one of 2003 every year.
Average summer rainfall could drop by up to 33 per cent.
Between 2000 and 2008 there were nine incidents of severe flooding in the Stockton Borough, causing road closure, flooded property or disruption to annual outdoor events.
The hot summers of 2003 and 2006 caused 13 fatalities and 50 emergency hospital admissions in the North East due to effects of the heat.

A warmer climate will also bring more extreme weather events, such as the heavy down pours recently experienced in the North East. This is mainly due to the fact that warm air holds more moisture and is prone to unpredictable weather fronts.

A rise of 2.4 degrees may seem quite insignificant and the promise of warmer summers a welcome prospect, but such a rapid change in our climate can have an adverse impact on our environment, homes and health.

Simple ways to cope in warm weather

Keep curtains or blinds closed in South facing rooms.
If you go to work or are out all day - remember to close these curtains before you leave so that heat doesn't build up all day.
Open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a through draught.
Drink plenty of water and keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives to make sure they are coping with the heat - vulnerable people can dehydrate very quickly.
If you need help to keep cool buy a desk fan - they are low wattage, cheap to buy and low cost to run. Air conditioning units are expensive to run and damaging to the environment.
Switch off unused electrical appliances, reducing internal heat gains and saving energy.
Replace carpeting with wooden or tiled flooring to allow a large area of cooling floor - use rugs during cooler weather.
As well as keeping homes warmer in winter - loft insulation and cavity wall insulation will reduce heat penetration from the sun in summer months - a double benefit.

Simple ways to cope in very wet weather

We have paved and concreted over so much of our natural environment it is becoming increasingly difficult for rainwater to drain safely away.

What can you do to minimise the risks and effects of flooding?

Trees and bushes provide your garden with drainage, cooling and shelter from wind and sun.
If you are planning to use some of your garden to provide hard standing for a car or caravan try to use permeable paving, or gravel which will allow rainwater to soak away. Planning permission is now needed for the paving of front gardens over 5 sq metres.
Check your buildings insurance to confirm you are covered for flood.
Keep valuable documents such as insurance policies etc in an upstairs room.
Register with the Environment Agency's Flood Warnings Direct service if you live in a house which is prone to flooding. The Environment Agency's website also has lots of further advice on how to deal with flooding.