How to prepare for whatever winter brings

A Sussex-wide campaign is underway to help older and other more vulnerable people – particularly those who are not online – be better prepared should severe weather this winter disrupt key services. 

Published: 31 October 2025

The drive is being led by the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF) – a partnership of agencies, including the NHS, councils (including Graffham Parish Council), police and emergency services – that work together to keep Sussex safe.  It urges older people to take three easy steps to prepare for whatever winter may bring:

1  Join the Priority Services Register (PSR), which provides free extra support from utility companies if services are disrupted.  If you’re over 60 – or have health or care needs, young children, or rely on medical equipment – the PSR lets utility companies know you may need extra help, such as priority updates, doorstep checks and bottled water supplies.  You do have to register first for it to work, though.

2  Pack a “just in case” bag – have a few essentials ready, such as a torch, spare batteries, warm layers (blanket, jumper, socks), bottled water, long-life food that doesn’t need cooking, medicines, important phone numbers and a mobile phone power bank.

3  Know who you can call – write down key numbers (such as for your utility companies, council, GP and neighbours)  and keep them with your bag of essentials in case internet connections are unavailable during a power cut.

To find out more, get started on joining the PSR or to or request a free booklet on staying safe in emergencies, call 0800 998 7103 for free or visit www.sussex.police.uk/be-ready.

Graffham Parish Council is supporting the campaign by putting up its posters on noticeboards in the village and arranging for this article to feature in Graffham Parish News and on Facebook’s Graffham Noticeboard.