Emergencies - Winter Weather
In the event of an unusually severe winter, with prolonged cold
spells, snowfall etc. it is sensible to have some preparations in
place to ensure your safety and well being. Icy conditions
can make it difficult for pedestrians and traffic. Consider the
necessity of your journey.
PEDESTRIANS
- Wear appropriate clothing. Be both WARM and VISIBLE
- Carry a torch if required
- Be aware of icy pavements
- If forced to walk on a road face oncoming vehicles so that you
can react to the traffic
- Watch out for objects buried in snow which might trip you up or
cause injury
- Let someone know where you are going and when you will be
back
- If you carry a mobile phone, check that the battery is
charged
Motorists
- Decide whether your journey is essential or can it wait.
- Ensure your car is fit for use during severe weather
conditions, check lights, windscreen wipers and anti freeze
windscreen wash, tyre pressures and condition.
- Ensure you have enough fuel for your journey BEFORE YOU SET
OUT
- Carry a shovel, blankets, drinking water, torch and food
(chocolate, energy bars etc.)
- Let someone know where you are going and expected to
arrive/return
- Check that your mobile phone battery is charged.
- In the event of a breakdown or that you are stranded by snow DO
NOT leave your vehicle unless you know where you are going, Call
for assistance and ensure that your location is
known.
Look after yourself and be a good neighbour
- Know where to switch off your household water, electricity or
gas supply
- Keep a reasonable food supply in the house
- Keep warm - extra clothes, blankets etc.
- Consider bottled water in case water supply is disrupted by
frozen/burst mains (store water in bath/sink if necessary)
- Have a backup heating source (Gas/Electric heater)
- Have a backup lighting source (Torch etc.- Be careful if using
candles/naked flame)
- Take the time to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours,
especially in the event of power outages and disruption
- Do they have heating and is it safe?
- Do they have food and drink?
- Do they require medication ?( repeat prescriptions etc.)
- Report any concerns to Social Services or the
Police
- Assist by ensuring that pathways in or around your property are
clear where possible.
POWER OUTAGE/DISRUPTION
In the event that electricity or gas is cut off take the
following precautions:
- Turn off appliances such as cookers, flat irons etc. This will
ensure that when power is restored there is a reduced risk of
fire.
- Check pilot lights on gas appliances when gas is restored
- Report any gas smell
WHEN ANY ADVERSE WEATHER IS REPORTED OR DURING ANY
PERIODS OF SEVERE WEATHER - USE THE LOCAL MEDIA
"Go in - Stay in - Tune in"
KEEP WARM KEEP WELL
The Government has issued a booklet entitled 'KEEP WARM
KEEP WELL' The booklet contains information on good nutrition,
preparing your home for winter, heating, paying heating bills,
insulation grants and financial assistance. This is a comprehensive
document which can be downloaded from
KEEP WARM
KEEP WELL BOOKLET
alternatively copies can be ordered from:
• call 0870 155 5455
• fax 0162 372 4524
• visit www.dh.gov.uk/socialcare
• or write to DH Publications, PO Box 777, London SE1
6XH
