HEAVY SNOW AND ICY ROADS / EXTREME COLD
When temperatures fall to sub zero, the numbers of deaths from heart attacks peaks three days later, from strokes five days later and from respiratory infections ten days later. When snow or icy roads are forecast, you should adjust your driving to suit the conditions. Black ice is not always visible and so can be an even greater hazard for both motorists and pedestrians. Black ice may be formed when rain or drizzle fall on a road surface which is at a temperature below zero
Preparation before Heavy Snow and Icy Roads / Extreme Cold
Pay attention to severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office (Severe weather warnings will be posted on the Emergency Planning home page)
If you have to make a journey when snow is forecast, make sure that you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and a spade and a mobile telephone if possible
Let someone know when you expect to arrive and also what route you intend to take
Try and wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling
Allow more time for your journey
Put grit , sand or cat litter on paths and drives to lessen the risk of slipping on compacted snow
Keep a portable, battery powered radio handy
Check whether schools are or will be closed because of the weather situation
Check that elderly friends, relatives and neighbours are aware of the weather problem
If you are over 65 years of age, make sure you receive your free flu jab. As you get older your immune system becomes less effective, meaning it is harder to fight off infections, and it takes longer to recover from illness. Relatively common conditions can develop into more serious problems
Check pipes and water tanks have been well lagged.
Know where your inside and outside stop cocks are
Fit draught excluders to doors, letterboxes and windows. Heavy drapes and curtains can be fitted to prevent heat loss though windows and doors. (35% of heat loss occurs through the walls, 20% through windows and doors)
if your home is empty overnight, get friends or neighbours to check on your property every day
Leave the boiler on and turn the thermostat down to a lower level that will prevent freezing.
Ensure your car has anti-freeze in the cooling system and check tyres pressures and condition
Allow more time for journeys - ensure windows are defrosted before starting your journey
Check wiper blades for defects and replace if necessary
Ensure your water bottle has been topped up with the correct fluid for winter temperatures to avoid it freezing
Do not pour hot water on the windscreen in an effort to remove ice
Protection during Heavy Snow and Icy Roads / Extreme Cold
Stay indoors as much as possible
Avoid travel if possible
If you must drive, check the Highway Code for advice on driving in ice and snowy weather
Be aware that bridges and overpasses tend to freeze more quickly than other road surfaces
Take care near gritting lorries. Don’t be tempted to overtake
Slow down - it takes 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions
Avoid wheel spin by using highest gear possible. Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh breaking and acceleration
If you get stuck, stay in the vehicle until assistance arrives unless help is visible within 100 metres - you may become disorientated and lost in blowing or drifting snow. Tie something colourful to your aerial and raise the bonnet
Run your engine for 10 minutes each hour - turn the lights on when the engine is running
Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning - keep the exhaust clear of snow and open a window slightly for ventilation
Tyre noises almost disappear completely in icy conditions.
Look out for vehicles sliding on the roads ahead of you
Allow more room between you and the vehicle in front
If you venture outdoors, wear several layers of clothing and keep dry to avoid loss of body heat
Beware of wind chill - a combination of low temperature and wind speed making it feel colder
Wear a hat or head covering
Watch out for signs of hypothermia / uncontrollable shivering, slow / slurred speech, memory lapse, drowsiness and frostbite-loss of feeling and pale appearance of fingers, toes, nose and ears. Keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate
Wear warm clothing, even indoors. Multiple layers are better at insulating you than one or two thick layers
Recovery after Heavy Snow and Icy Roads / Extreme Cold
Be careful when walking or driving on compacted snow - it may turn to ice
Take care when shovelling snow. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds extra strain on the body and can be the cause of heart attacks in the vulnerable
Check on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours
Check whether schools have been closed because of the weather situation
Check for burst pipes and water leaks
Click on this link from Department of Health on how to Keep Warm Keep Well
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4138671
Emergency Planning Home Page
