A CHARITY is urging Londoners to make early preparations in case of severe weather this winter.

The British Red Cross suggests people put together a ‘grab bag’ of essentials including emergency contact phone numbers, torch, radio, ready to eat food and copies of important documents.

Essential medication, toiletries and a first aid kit should also be added.

Red Cross operations director for London, Vanessa Spiller, said: “Having these things ready will bring peace of mind, and will make a huge difference in the event of flooding, power cuts or difficulty leaving the house."

The charity also advises people to learn first aid, check on neighbours, family and friends and only travel if essential.