Suffolk Resilience Forum Launches ‘Winter Prepared’ Campaign to Help Residents Get Ready for the Months Ahead

Suffolk Resilience Forum has launched its Winter Prepared Campaign running from November 2026 to February 2027 for residents, businesses and communities across Suffolk. It offers clear, practical advice to help people get ready for the challenges the colder months can bring, including storms and flooding, icy roads, power cuts, house fires, and the added pressure that cold weather and rising costs place on people’s health and finances. 

These risks can be especially serious for people who are older, isolated, living with health conditions or on low incomes. 

The campaign is built around four pillars of winter preparedness: home, health, travel and community. People are encouraged take simple steps such as creating a household emergency plan, reducing fire risks, looking after their wellbeing, planning journeys in advance and checking on friends, family and neighbours. 

Rather than overwhelming people with advice all at once, the campaign is spread across weekly themes, so guidance arrives at the time of year it matters most. Themes include Household Resilience, Fire Safety, Winter Wellbeing, Journey Readiness, Financial Support, Business Resilience, Power Cut Preparedness, Flood Awareness, Winter Roads and Animal Care. 

A free campaign booklet with simple checklists for each of the four pillars is available, so residents can work through the actions at their own pace. Campaign resources also include posters, social media graphics, partner videos and a template article for organisations wishing to support and promote the campaign messaging. 

Becky Heginbotham Blount, Chief Resilience Officer of Suffolk Resilience Forum said: “Winter can be unpredictable, but a little preparation can make a big difference. Taking simple steps now can help people, businesses and communities cope better with disruption and recover more quickly if incidents occur. Being prepared also helps ensure that emergency services can focus their efforts on supporting those who need them most.” 

The Forum is encouraging partner organisations, parish and town councils, faith groups, care providers, libraries, GP surgeries, village halls and local businesses to support the campaign, share its resources and help reach those who may be less likely to access preparedness information, ensuring that no one is left behind this winter.