Icing

• Before winter sets in, check that your heating appliances still work properly. 
• Check the insulation of your pipes: the cold can damage them and cause your heating system to stop working. 
• Check your car.  For example, fit winter tyres. 
• Keep a blanket, scraper and bottle of water in your car. 

• Listen to weather forecasts and follow road safety recommendations or warnings. 
• Report any icy conditions via the RMI app (French/Dutch only) That way, the gritting services can intervene more quickly. 

Inside the home:  

• Set the thermostat to a minimum room temperature that remains comfortable. Avoid excessive temperatures. 
• Ventilate your home for 10 minutes every day. 
• Close the doors of rooms you don't use or rarely use. 
• Don't forget about your pets. Leave them indoors or make sure they have plenty of food and drinking water.  
• Beware of CO poisoning. Do you use a fireplace, a coal, oil or pellet stove, or a gas water heater?  Do you heat your home with gas or oil? Take the necessary precautions. 
• Has the ice disrupted your electricity? Check our advice for before, during and after a power cut. 

Do you have to go out? 

• Put on several layers of clothing and cover your whole body. Wear a hat, for example. If you go out without a head covering, you lose 30% of your body heat. 
• Be vigilant when travelling about 
• Are you taking the car?  
  • Watch your speed. Be very careful on bends.  
  • Read winter tips for motorists from the Walloon Agency for Road Safety (French only) 
  • Take a blanket, hot drinks or water with you, in case you get stuck in a traffic jam. 
• Will you take the bike?  
  • Watch your speed and keep your distance. That means you have to brake less often.  
  • Read the winter tips for cyclists from the GRACQ. 

Be careful when the ice thaws: frozen pipes can be damaged and leak.