The Met Office has issued a Level 3 cold weather alert across the region and Warrington Borough Council’s public health team is asking residents to take extra care.
A Level 3 alert is triggered when severe weather is occurring, meaning average temperatures have dropped to 2C° or less. Sharp overnight frosts are forecast for the region.
Any disruption to council services including bin collections, school and road closures will be posted on the council website at warrington.gov.uk/winter
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member for public health and wellbeing said:
“Remember to check weather forecasts and plan the day around them. Take extra care if outside to prevent any accidental slips from icy pavements and clear paths outside your house if possible.
“If you have to go out, dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes to limit any falls. Also be sure to tell someone where you are going and an expected time when you will return. If you have a mobile phone, try to carry this with you, charged, so you can contact someone in case of an emergency.
“It is important to stay warm indoors particularly if you’re 65 or over, have long term health conditions or young children. Wear lots of thin layers, eat warm food and remember that moving about will help keep you warm.”
Advice on how to reduce the risk either for yourself or somebody you know can be obtained from the winter health pages at NHS Choices, www.nhs.uk, or from your local chemist. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.
Top tips to prepare for colder weather
- Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.
- Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C°, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over.
- Stay tuned for weather forecasts, ensure you are stocked with food and medications in advance, have deliveries or ask a friend to help.
- Only travel if essential.
- Take weather into account when planning your activity over the following days.
- If eligible, seek entitlements and benefits such as Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, which are available to some.
- If you meet the criteria, register for priority service with your energy and water suppliers – check the keep warm, keep well leaflet for eligibility.
- Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold related illness or falls.
- Discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of your house and public walkways nearby.
- Check the tyres, fluid levels, lights and windscreen washer on your car regularly
- Keep a torch and blanket in the boot of your car.
- Follow #weatheraware on Twitter
General health advice and any changes to council services during bad weather can be found on the council’s website at warrington.gov.uk/winter
Health and wellbeing advice is on the Public Health England website at gov.uk/phe
More information about winter fuel and cold weather payments is also available on the gov.uk website.
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