Cold weather warning - 11 December 2017

Residents in west Essex are being asked to be extra careful over the coming days as more cold weather is predicted for the UK, which could make itself felt across our region.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of snow and ice across the East of England. Ice is expected to form on some surfaces from mid afternoon Monday, and overnight into Tuesday morning. Wintry showers may also bring some fresh snowfalls, mostly to higher ground. Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with some journey times taking longer. There will probably be icy stretches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths with some injuries from slips trips and falls.

Worsening weather conditions could increase the health risks to vulnerable people.

In the event of worsening weather, you may wish to consider the following:

• Ensuring that you or vulnerable people you know have enough food and medicines in stock, and check that they are able to keep themselves warm.
• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day – if possible, eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up during winter. Keep as active indoors as possible.
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes, and if you’re going outside wear boots, hats, gloves and scarves. Remember, the roads and pavements may be slippery. Take a mobile phone with you.
• If you are unable to heat up your entire home, keep one room and one bedroom warm between 18- 21 degrees centigrade – and avoid going outside if possible.
• Keep an eye on immediate neighbours or friends, particularly if they live alone.
• If the cold snap sets in you should start thinking about requesting any repeat prescriptions in good time, especially if snow is forecast.
• Make sure you have some over-the-counter remedies for complaints such as headaches, colds or flu, and make sure you have remedies for children, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (or liquid paracetamol/ibuprofen for children) and anti-diarrhoeal medicines.
• Party-goers should always consider wearing warm clothing when out on the town, particularly during cold weather. They should also wear sensible footwear to minimise the risk of slipping on icy pavements.