Plan Ahead and Stay Safe During Severe Weather

The Met Office is forecasting that temperatures could plunge to a low of minus-9C in Staffordshire this weekend.

And there is a possibility of further snow falling on top of frozen ground making conditions treacherous for both pedestrians and motorists.

Now Staffordshire's Civil Contingency planners have issued advice for residents, motorists and businesses.

The Staffordshire Civil Contingencies Unit is advising people to plan ahead and take account of the icy conditions.

Residents

Andy Marshall, Director of Civil Contingencies, said: "Residents should ensure that they have enough food available in the home so that they are able to live comfortably if they are snowed in.

"Ideally, heating systems and boilers should be serviced regularly to ensure that you can stay warm and have adequate hot water. A check that your house insurance is in order is advisable because of the risk of burst water pipes and other cold related property damage."

The best way to get through winter is to keep warm and to follow as healthy a lifestyle as possible - for instance:

• A balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter
• Wearing the right kind of clothes can help keep you much warmer
• Staying active is good for your health, walking, for example, can be beneficial

The Department of Health has issued a guide 'Keep Warm - Keep Well' which offers advice on how to keep warm. This includes details on key organisations offering practical solutions, financial assistance and safety advice.

The Staffordshire Prepared website advices residents to make up a Home Emergency Pack. See www.staffordshireprepared.gov.uk.

Items in the pack should include a torch, essential medication, blankets, spare clothing and drinks such as water and orange squash.

Businesses

Civil contingency officers urge companies to put in place a Business Continuity Management plan to help get them through emergencies including severe weather, telecommunications failure and major loss of staff.

Mr Marshall said: "Businesses should plan ahead for potential issues such as loss of heating and power during severe weather and the possibility that a significant number of staff may become trapped at home and be unable to work.

"They should consider setting up tele-working schemes through which staff can access company e-mail from their home computer and have telephone calls re-routed from the workplace to home."

For further information on Business continuity Management visit the Staffordshire Prepared website at www.staffordshireprepared.gov.uk.

Driving in freezing conditions

• Gritting helps to prevent ice forming and melt any ice and snow which is already there. However, it does not automatically make roads ice-free.
• Before setting out listen to weather forecasts on the radio or television and assess the conditions.
• Carry a shovel in the boot of your car and let someone know your destination and estimated arrival time.
• Allow extra time for your journey. Reduce your speed, use low gears as necessary and allow more time to stop than usual.
• Take a break if you feel tired.
• Make sure you can see clearly and can be seen. Turn on headlights.
• Wherever possible, use main routes which are likely to have been treated.
• In particularly severe weather consider whether your journey is necessary or whether it can be delayed. If you have to go out, dress warmly and be prepared in case you get stuck or delayed.
• Powdery snow and strong winds are probably the most difficult conditions to deal with as they will cause drifting. In this case you should avoid travelling if at all possible.

Check that:

• your tyre pressures are at the recommended level and that the tread depth is correct. Don't forget to check your spare wheel and tyre
• your vehicle's lights are clean and in working order
• the wiper system is working effectively
• washer bottles are full and contain a suitable additive to prevent freezing
• your car battery is fully charged and in good condition
• your anti-freeze is topped up.

Carry equipment in your car including:

• A shovel
• A radio and spare batteries
• A torch
• A blanket
• Spare warm clothing
• Water or a warm drink.

If you become stranded:

do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation

• Create a distress flag by hanging a bright cloth from your radio aerial
• Try to keep warm. Run the engine, and car heating system, for around 10 minutes every hour so long as you have enough fuel available.

• Wear warm clothing and wrap a blanket around you.

Further information is available from a range of websites. These include the

Highways Agency website at http://www.highways.gov.uk and the Met Office at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk.

Local radio will carry regular up-dates during spells of sever weather.

Useful stations include: