Snow & Ice
Cold and snow
Winter weather can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. Cold and snow create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning/utility failure and heart attacks from overexertion. Cold weather and snow can last for several days or even weeks, causing travel disruption, damage to power lines and water supplies, school closures, and risking the health of the elderly and vulnerable.
How to prepare
Monitor weather reports and warnings. Cold Weather Alerts in England provide a service between 1 November and 31 March each year, issuing alerts when the average temperature is forecast to fall below a certain level and/or for forecasted heavy snow or widespread ice. 'Winterize' your home, if you prepare well, heating your home won’t cost as much;
- Insulate pipes
- Cover windows with plastic to keep the cold air out
- To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups
- Prepare an Emergency Grab Bag in case you need to stay at home for several days without power.
Further Information can be found on the websites listed below
Snow and ice often affect us over the winter months. Not only can it severely disrupt your travel plans - it can also affect access to your home and community buildings. Clearing snow and ice from the pavement outside your home or public areas can help prevent slips and falls.
For some people, cold damp winter weather can have a big impact on their health. We have some simple steps you can take to help keep you and members of your community warm and healthy throughout the winter months.
Elderly and less mobile members of your community can be particularly affected by snow and ice, so there are ways in which you can ensure they do not become isolated.
