With the weather getting colder, the government has just launched a ‘get ready for winter’ page on its Directgov website. As winter begins, now is a good time to think about what winter weather preparations you, your family and community may need to make.
Isle of Wight Council is advising residents of the helpful ‘get ready for winter’ page where you can find important information and advice to stay safe during the winter period.
This page gives suggestions for the simple things you can do to help you and your family keep warm, healthy and safe through the cold weather – as well as saving money.
Links to specific information and advice can be accessed by clicking on the bold text below.
Protecting your home
- Check that pipes are adequately lagged
- Check that you have ordered your winter heating fuel
- Check that you know where your stoptap is located
- Find out if you are entitled to grants and subsidies for home heating and insulation
Health and well-beingWinter health advice from NHS Choices
- 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)
Travelling
Visit the Met Office’s winter weather portal
- 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
Communities
- Check you know who might need help in your community area in really bad weather
- Sign up for weather warnings on the Met Office website
- Check whether you are at risk of flooding and sign up for free flood warnings by visiting the Environment Agency’s website
Other relevant links from Directgov
- Cold Weather Payment
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Top tips on saving energy
- The Snow Code – clearing snow and ice from pavements safely
- Draught proofing your home
- Staying warm in winter
- Insulating your water tanks and pipes
Isle of Wight Council Advice For Staying Safe During Winter
The website gives lots of specific information and tips to help prevent incidents and accidents. It includes ensuring you know where your home’s stop tap is located in the event of a pipe leak, how to prepare for emergencies and advice on how to efficiently heat your home.
There are also useful links to services such as the Met Office’s weather warnings website, St John Ambulance, the Salvation Army and the British Red Cross.
The council is also asking residents to be a good neighbour by keeping an eye on vulnerable people in the community during the cold weather.
Ian Anderson, director of community wellbeing and social care, said: “The Island has a very strong community spirit. During the last winter we had lots of stories of people being good neighbours by offering assistance to other people in the community.
“This is important because during cold weather, those that are most vulnerable may be in need of assistance and again we would ask that people do keep a particular eye on neighbours who may appreciate a bit of support.”
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