Homeowners are being urged to protect their property from snow and freezing weather as large areas of Scotland are placed under weather warnings.
An Arctic blast has already left northern parts of the country covered in a thick layer of snow and there is a chance that the blizzard conditions could cause disruption and damage.
On Thursday and Friday there is a "small chance" of power supply interruptions, said the Met Office, and insurance experts have also issued a warning about property damage.
Ceri McMillan, Go.Compare's home insurance expert said: "With a yellow warning for ice and snow now in place across parts of the UK, we're advising people to get their homes ready for the wintery weather – as well as checking insurance policies provide the necessary cover.
"Snow and ice can cause a number of issues in the home – including blocked drains, ruptured pipes and electrical failures."
Go Compare has put together a winter weather checklist to help homeowners make sure they are as prepared as they can be in advance of adverse weather:
- Insulate loft spaces, water tanks, pipes, and outdoor taps to help prevent them freezing.
- Check your home’s exterior for any damage and repair it as soon as you can – replace cracked windows, fix any leaks on the roof, clear out the gutters, and replace any damaged sections you see. Get the professionals in, if you don’t feel confident about the repairs.
- Look after your boiler – get it serviced regularly in-line with manufacturer guidance, and check radiators and thermostats are working well.
- Protect outdoor structures like sheds by repairing any damage, replacing rotten wood and weather-proofing as best you can.
- Stock up on torches, blankets and other essentials in case of a power cut.
Ceri continued: "Checking your home insurance policy to ensure that you have the proper cover should your home be damaged by adverse weather conditions, whether that be rain, wind or snow, is really important."
Yellow weather warnings are in place until Friday, March 10 and there is a chance temperatures may plummet to -15C on Tuesday night in some Scottish glens.
The northeast has already seen wintery conditions arrive as Aberdeen has woken up to a thick blanket of the white stuff.
Scots in certain areas up north are facing "significant disruptions" this week due to closed roads.
People are at risk of slipping and falling on icy patches of untreated roads, pavements and paths while some rural communities could become cut off from the power grid.
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