WARRINGTON Council is reminding residents to look out for vulnerable people and take care when out and about – with temperatures forecast to drop to -2 over night.
A Level 3 alert has been issued by the Met Office for the region , which is triggered when severe weather is occurring, meaning average temperatures have dropped to 2ºC or below.
Indications for the North West are that there is a 90 percent probability of severe cold weather between 9am today (Wednesday 4 January) and 3pm on Friday 6 January. Severe cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old, or those with serious medical conditions. It can also disrupt the delivery of services.
The council’s public health team is promoting messages to help people stay warm and well during cold weather.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member for public health and wellbeing said: “The Christmas and New Year celebrations may be over, but we are still very much in winter. It’s so important to stay warm, well and safe during this colder period.
“Residents should check weather forecasts before heading out, ensure they wear lots of thin layers, and have plenty of warm food and drink. They should also wear shoes with a good, slip-resistant grip to prevent any accidental falls.
“It’s also important for people to stay warm indoors, particularly those who are 65 or over, have long term health conditions, or young children.”
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.
Any disruption to council services including bin collections, school/road closures will be posted on the council website at www.warrington.gov.uk/winter
Don’t put off getting the flu vaccination. If you’re eligible, get it now. It’s free, because you need it. Parents are also urged to get their children vaccinated against flu. All healthy children aged two, three and four are eligible to have free flu vaccinations as part of the ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign. More information about the flu vaccination is available at www.nhs.uk/staywell
Top tips to prepare for colder weather:
• Keep warm and healthy by keeping rooms heated to at least 18C.
• Look out for friends, relatives and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the cold.
• Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead – only travel if essential.
• If you meet the criteria, register for priority service with your energy and water suppliers – check the ‘keep warm, keep well’ leaflet for eligibility.
• Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep heat generated inside your rooms.
• Food is a vital source of energy and helps keep your body warm, so have plenty of hot drinks and food.
• Aim to include five daily portions of fruit and vegetables. Tinned and frozen count towards this.
• Exercise is good for you all year round and can keep you warm in winter.
• Get financial support to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
• Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly and insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
• Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer, and when you need to go outside wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles.
