WARRINGTON Borough Council has issued a cold weather warning following a Met Office Level 3 cold weather alert for the region.
The Council’s public health team is asking residents to take extra care and look out for others during this cold period.
A Level 3 alert is triggered when severe weather is occurring, meaning average temperatures have dropped to 2C or less.
The Met Office says there is a 90 percent probability of severe cold weather between 3pm today (Wednesday 11 Jan) and 9pm on Sunday 15 January in parts of England, including Warrington. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.
There is an Increasing risk of snow showers, severe overnight frost and icy conditions from Wednesday night onwards.
Any disruption to council services including bin collections, school and road closures will be posted on the council website www.warrington.gov.uk/winter
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, (pictured) 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 and snowy pavements.
“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, make sure it is charged up and carry it with you, 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.
