Severe weather
Background
Severe weather (e.g. heat, heavy snow, blizzards, dense fog, gales, flooding and widespread ice) can cause great disruption to daily routines. Although certain sections of the community are particularly vulnerable, including older people and those who are infirm or who have disabilities, severe weather does not discriminate.
Where can I find the UK weather warning overview?
Met Office – East Midlands – Severe Weather, Flooding, Drought
Met Office - Heat-Health Watch
Winter Advice
The Highways Agency ask you to be prepared for winter by:
- check your route and the weather forecast before you travel
- keep listening to the travel news while on the road
- prepare a winter weather kit – including warm clothes, boots, food and drink, torch and batteries, de-icer and an ice scraper.
- if severe weather arrives, don’t drive unless your journey is absolutely essential – delay your journey until the weather improves
- Highways Agency – Winter on England’s Major Roads
Gritting the roads
Both the Highways Agency and County/City Councils highways departments salt the roads.
- Highways Agency
- Leicester City Council – Winter Road Maintenance
- Leicestershire County Council – Winter Salting Routes
- Rutland County Council – Salting Routes and Advice on Winter Driving
What do do in severe weather – advice
See the Met Office for advice on:
- severe gales, heavy rain, heavy snow and icy roads
- thunderstorms and lightning
- snow and icy roads
- dense fog
- heat and sun
Keep Warm, Keep Well
- Heat your home well. By setting your heating to the right temperature (18–21°C or 64–70°F), you can keep your home warm and your bills as low as possible.
- Get financial support. There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.
- Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day .
- Get a flu jab. You can get a free jab from your GP to protect against seasonal flu if you are over 65, have a long-term health condition or are pregnant.
- Look after yourself and others. On cold days try to avoid going outside; however, if you do need to, remember to wrap up warm. If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during winter to make sure that they are safe and well.
Other Information
