Cold weather advice
Be prepared - common sense seasonal precautions
We all hope that the seasonal changes are not too harsh, however, if they are, there is some simple advice you can follow to try to minimize any effect it has on you. Even before the cold weather sets in, there are some steps you can plan for you and your family's safety. Above all the message is to listen to any advice given by the emergency services.
The best way to get through winter is to keep warm and to follow as healthy a lifestyle as possible - for instance:
- A balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter
- Wearing the right kind of clothes can help keep you much warmer
- Staying active is good for your health, walking for example can be beneficial
The Department of Health has issued a guide ‘Keep Warm – Keep Well’ which offers advice on how to keep you warm. The leaflet also includes details on a number of key organisations offering practical solutions; financial assistance and safety advice.
A copy of this leaflet can be obtained from your local Walsall Library, alternatively you can contact the Emergency Planning Unit on 01922 653168
Before the onset of cold weather:
- Check that your home is adequately insured and that everything that you want to be covered is covered.
- Make sure your property is in good order.
- Learn how and where to turn off your water, electricity and gas supplies.
- Collect and maintain the following EMERGENCY PACK
Home emergency pack
Try to keep enough of the following in your house to last all of you at least two days at all times:
Suggested list
- Lighting (torch/candles) and spare source of power (batteries etc).
- Cooking equipment (including tin-opener, utensils and cutlery).
- Drink (cans of juice, bottled water etc).
- Long life food, (check use-by date and refresh supplies regularly).
- Portable radio and spare batteries.
- Blankets.
- Dry clothing.
- Medication (including baby items).
If you discover or experience an emergency situation, dial 999
When you dial 999 the first person to answer will be an operator who will ask what emergency service you require. They will ask for your telephone number because, if your line is cut or you are unable to continue the call, the operator can trace where you are and send assistance. Please do not ring the emergency services unless it is a genuine 999 matter.
Severe weather and snow
If harsh weather conditions affect the area in which you live:
Before
- Check the TV (news, teletext and ceefax), radio and newspapers for the latest information and early warnings.
- Stock up on essentials such as the suggested Emergency Pack above.
- Be a good neighbour and pass on warnings to those who may have missed the warnings, and check on the elderly and infirm.
During
- Check the TV, radio and newspapers for the latest information.
- Make essential journeys only.
- If you must travel, make sure that you are fully prepared for all events and conditions.
- Obtain a weather forecast and if possible determine the road conditions for the journey you are going to take.
- Offer assistance to less able neighbours.
- Wrap up warm in several thin layers.
- Conserve energy by using one room and maintaining its temperature at 15º/20º Celsius (60º/70º Fahrenheit).
- Have at least one hot meal a day.
- Fill some clean containers with fresh water in case supply fails.
Driving in freezing conditions
- Gritting helps to prevent ice forming and melt any ice and snow which is already there. However, it does not automatically make roads ice-free.
- Before setting out listen to weather forecasts on the radio or television and look for clues outside. For example is their frost or ice on the car windscreen or on the grass?
- Carry a shovel in the boot of your car and let someone know your destination and estimated arrival time.
- Allow extra time for your journey in wintry conditions. Reduce your speed and allow more time to stop than usual. You need time to react safely to icy roads. Cut your speed, don't brake suddenly, drop down a gear to let your engine help with the braking and, above all, anticipate possible problems ahead. Give yourself that time by travelling more slowly than usual and by thinking ahead. Make sure you can see clearly and be seen.
- Wherever possible, use main routes which are likely to have been treated.
- Drive carefully – you are responsible for your own safety, your passengers' safety, your vehicle and other road users.
- In particularly severe weather consider whether your journey is necessary or whether it can be delayed. If you have to go out, dress warmly and be prepared in case you get stuck or delayed.
- Powdery snow and strong winds are probably the most difficult conditions to deal with as they will cause drifting. In this case you should avoid travelling if at all possible.
Check that
- your tyre pressures are at the recommended level and that the tread depth is correct. Don't forget to check your spare
- your vehicle's lights are clean and in working order
- the wiper system is working effectively
- the washer bottles are full and contain a suitable additive to prevent freezing
- your battery is fully charged and in good condition
- your anti-freeze is topped up - your garage can do this for you.
Make sure you can be seen
- If the visibility is poor during the day through heavy rain, snow, fog or mist, you must turn on your headlights so that your vehicle can be seen.
- In poor visibility, use dipped headlights and only use fog lights when visibility is less than 100 metres. Remember to switch your fog lights off when visibility improves. In rain, fog lights are a hazard for the motorists behind you, so do not use them.
Driver fatigue and stress
- In adverse weather conditions, driver fatigue and stress can increase and more breaks may be required.
Take account of prevailing weather conditions before your journey
- check the weather forecasts
- consider if the journey is necessary
- consider alternative routes
- allow a time for the journey which relates to the weather conditions.
To be prepared for severe weather these items may be useful for the car
- A shovel
- A radio and spare batteries
- A torch
- A blanket
- Spare warm clothing
- Water or a warm drink
- allow a time for the journey which relates to the weather conditions.