While the danger from winter weather varies across the district, nearly all residents, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather. In colder weather, keeping yourself warm is essential to staying healthy, especially for the very young, older people or those with a chronic condition such as heart disease and asthma.
Top tips for keeping warm and well this winter:
- keep warm by setting your heating to the right temperature (18 to 21 celsius)
- have your flu jab to protect yourself and others from influenza, if you are in an eligible group
- look out for friends, relatives and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the cold
- stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies
- have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day and keep active to help your body stay warm
- wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer, and when you need to go outside wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles
- put grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping on compacted snow
- check on vulnerable neighbours
- if you go outside wear several layers of clothing and keep dry to prevent loss of body heat
- watch out for signs of hypothermia - uncontrollable shivering, slow/slurred speech, memory lapse, drowsiness and frostbite - loss of feeling in and pale appearance of fingers, toes, nose and ear lobes
- keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate
Driving tips
Avoid travel if possible. If you do need to travel, make sure you have:
- warm clothes/sleeping bag
- food
- boots
- water (flask - hot drink)
- torch
- spade... and let someone know when you expect to arrive and your route
If you get stuck:
- switch on your hazard warning light
- do not leave your vehicle unless told to do so (wait for help to come to you)