The risks that we face are determined by a multi agency group, from Police, Fire, Local Authorities and the Environment Agency, who produce the
Community Risk Register.
Winter Preparedness
Last winter Insurance companies received over 100,000 claims for burst pipes which resulted in hundreds of millions of pounds worth of damage. In addition, on average around 27,000 more people die in England during winter than at other times of the year.
Preparing your Home for Winter
Considerations in the run-up to winter:
- Are your pipes adequately lagged?
- Have you ordered your winter heating fuel?
- Do you know where your stop tap is located?
- Are you entitled to any grants or subsidies for home heating and insulation?
Keeping yourself Healthy during Winter
It is important to keep yourself health and safe during the winter months.
- Check you have had your flu jab if you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, have certain medical conditions, live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
- Check you have well-gripping shoes to prevent falls in cold weather; wear several layers of clothes to stay warm; and remain active in your home.
- Good hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of norovirus.
- Check you have had your heating and cooking appliances serviced – carbon monoxide is a killer.
- Check NHS choices for health guidance on winter ailments (flu, winter vomiting, cold temperatures).
Travel Advice during Winter
-
Check that your vehicle is ready for winter
-
Check that you know where to find traffic and travel information
-
Check local and national weather forecast and keep up to date with the latest warnings
-
Check that you have an emergency kit available in your car
Prepare a simple Emergency Pack for your car. Include such items as: blankets, shovel, water, wind up radio, torch, non-perishable food.
Visit direct.gov.uk for more information on being prepared this winter!
The Met Office also has some useful information on winter weather preparedness.
Drought
In June 2011 the UK saw a mixture of hot, dry days and periods of heavy showers and cooler temperatures. The rainfall was localised and not everywhere benefited from this rain. Wales, south west and eastern England all received around 11% to 14% of their average rainfall for June. Central and northern England received between 4% and 6% of their monthly rainfall total.
The summer rainfall had a limited impact on river flows. The majority of rivers across south west, central and eastern England had below average river flows during 2011.
Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, parts of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire and western Norfolk were suffering from a drought. The Environment Agency have been closely monitoring the conditions. A number of factors are taken into account before drought status is confirmed, including river flows, groundwater levels, risk to the environment and agriculture. In the drought affected areas, Anglican Water and Cambridge Water have said that there is no threat to the public water supply as they have enough water to get through the summer.
The Environment Agency have said "The drought that has affected parts of England since June will last into next summer if there is insufficient winter rain."
For more information on Drought and what you can do to help please visit the Environment Agency| website.
Gales and Storms
Gale force winds or storms may cause loss of power, disruption to transport and damage to property.
Look at pages 18 and 19 of the Preparing for the Unexpected Guide for more information on how to be prepared for adverse weather.
PreparingfortheUnexpectedGuide
Flooding
Flooding is one of the high risks to Staffordshire and it can happen without warning.
Over 25,000 people in Staffordshire live in properties that are at risk of flooding.
Heatwave
Most of us enjoy sunny weather but extreme heat can seriously damage your health; you could get dehydrated and overheat, causing exhaustion or heatstroke.
Keep yourself cool to avoid this, drink regularly and seek medical advice if you have any concerns. Keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours, particularly the elderly.