Make sure that when the snow melts, you're only left with memories and not an expensive repair bill.

Bricks and mortar

Check your roof for broken tiles and damaged bricks. Get these fixed now, before snow gets in the cracks and causes more trouble and leaks.

Check the gutters - clean out gutters, so ice doesn't collect and form in them.

Salty supplies - stock up on salt or sand for use on paths and outside steps. Don't use it on lawns or flowerbeds though, as plants don't like it.

Don't forget the garden - bring pot plants inside and mulch outdoor plants and trees that don't appreciate the frost.

Prepare pipes - insulate water pipes and taps, inside and out, to keep them warm and prevent them from freezing as temperatures drop. If they do freeze, thaw them out with a hairdryer.

Plan ahead - drain and disconnect hoses, and loop and hang them neatly so you don't trip over them covered in snow. Clear the lawn of debris.

Essential tool - invest in a snow shovel and keep it close at hand, in the porch, or inside the shed or garage door, so it's ready at the first sign of snow.

Lofty heights - check the insulation and ventilation in your loft. If it's too warm up there, when it snows, the snow can melt on the roof, which can cause issues because of how heavy it is, and then trickle down and reform as 'ice dams' in your guttering, causing blockages.

Clear drains - make sure outside drains are clear. If they're blocked before snow, they'll certainly overflow and become blocked when winter hits with a vengeance.

Cut back trees - lop off any overhanging branches that, when covered in snow, may affect your property. The same goes for excess leaves, which will all happily collect snow.

Stay warm - keep the heating on for at least an hour a day to keep water running through the pipes, and the house warm against freezing weather outside.