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  1. protecting your home There are certain practical steps that you can take to protect your home from winter weather.
  2. Get ready health and well being hero thumbnail image There are some practical steps that you can make to help keep you warm and healthy throughout the winter months:
  3. community There are practical steps you can take to support your community in preparing for winter weather.

Out and about

There are certain winter preparations you can make to your vehicle as well as precautions you can take before travelling.

outandaboutimage
  1. Before travelling, check your local and national weather forecast and keep up to date with the latest warnings.
  2. Check that you know where to find traffic and travel information. Useful information can be found at Traffic England for motorways and trunk roads in England, or Transport Direct for public transport as well as car journeys.
  3. If your area is at risk of flooding, remember that you should not drive or walk through flood water. Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult and two feet of water can move a car.
  4. If heavy winds are forecast, consider taking alternative transport if you normally cycle. Winds can easily blow you off your bike and cause serious injuries.

Emergency kit

Check that you have an emergency kit available in your car. This should include:

  • Ice scraper and de-icer
  • Warm clothes and blankets - for you and all passengers
  • Torch and spare batteries - or a wind-up torch
  • Food and a thermos with a hot drink
  • Any medication you need to take regularly
  • Boots
  • First aid kit
  • Jump leads
  • A shovel
  • Road atlas
  • Sunglasses (the glare off snow can be dazzling)

Is your vehicle ready for winter?

POWDERY

Check that your vehicle is ready for winter using the POWDERY checklist as a good reminder:

PETROL (or diesel). Have you got enough? Do you know where to fill up?

OIL - check levels once a month

WATER - check radiator, screenwash and anti freeze levels regularly

DAMAGE - check wipers, lights etc for signs of wear and tear or damage

ELECTRICS - check lights, indicators and controls are working properly

RUBBER TYRES - are they well inflated, legal, with good tread and free from damage?

YOURSELF - are you fit to drive? Have you slept well? Are you taking any medication(s) that could make it unsafe for you to drive?

Further advice on driving in adverse weather conditions is available in the Highway Code or for more detailed information visit www.highways.gov.uk/winter

  • Community

    Communities

    There are practical steps you can take to support your community in preparing for winter weather.

  • Get ready health and well being FB

    Health and well being

    Helping you keep warm and well this winter

  • Get ready houses in winter

    Protecting your home

    There are certain practical steps that you can take to protect your home from winter weather.

  • lady by fire

    Get ready for winter

    Get ready for winter web pages contain information and useful links to supporting websites.

To find out about partner activity and for more detailed advice, please visit the following websites:

The British Red Cross

British Red Cross British Red Cross The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.

We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives.  Visit the British Red Cross website to find out more about the work they do and how you can prepare for winter.

The Salvation Army

the salvation army the salvation army The Salvation Army is a worldwide Christian church and registered charity offering practical help to people of all ages and backgrounds. Visit the Salvation Army website..

Rotary International

Rotary International Rotary International Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland are working with communities in the UK and overseas helping to improve the lives of others. Visit the Rotary International website.

St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance St John Ambulance St John Ambulance are dedicated to the teaching and practice of first aid. For more information about the St John Ambulance service visit their website.

WRVS

WRVS WRVS WRVS is an age positive charity which delivers personal and practical support to help older people. To find out more  WRVS. 

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