Island residents are being reminded of key advice for cold weather following a Met Office forecast for icy/cold conditions this week.
The Met Office advise that there is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather until 9am Friday 20th January in the South East of England.
This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable people and disrupt the delivery of services.
Robust and tested cold weather emergency arrangements
Although thankfully not often needed, the Isle of Wight council has robust and tested cold weather emergency arrangements in place. Island Roads monitor the weather accordingly to ensure that key main roads are gritted and kept clear.
In addition, 4×4 arrangements are in place to ensure that key council staff such as those in social care are able to continue to deliver services within the community.
However the best advice is to make sure in adverse weather condition, you only go out if really necessary and keep warm in your homes and check on vulnerable neighbours, such as the ill and the elderly.
Important guidance and tips on preparing for and what to do in cold and also windy weather can be found on the Website.
You can check the latest forecast details on the Met Office Website.
General advice
- Make sure that you stay warm.
- If going outside make sure you dress appropriately.
- If indoors, make sure that you keep your heating to the right temperature; heating your home to at least 18° Celsius in winter poses minimal risk to your health when you are wearing suitable clothing.
- If there is anyone you know who might be at special risk, for example, an older person living on their own, make sure they know what to do to stay warm and are well stocked with food and medications.
- If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111.
- More information can be found at nhs.uk/staywell
Homelessness provision
If you are aware or in contact with someone without somewhere to stay, please encourage them to contact either The IOW Council Housing Team on (day time: 01983 823040 or out of hours: 01983 821105) or The Salvation Army (01982 812743).
Individuals 16 years + with no place to stay can also contact The IOW Housing Team.
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, you can also send an alert to Streetlink by visiting the Website, via the mobile app, available for Apple and Android devices, or by calling 0300 500 0914 – this will connect them to local services and support.
If you suspect someone is in immediate risk, harm or danger from sleeping rough, please telephone the Police on 999.
Further advice and information is here
Frozen or burst pipes
You can prepare your home for icy conditions by following the advice from Southern Water on the Website.
Southern Water also maintains a register of priority customers who may be vulnerable due to illness or age. You can make sure yourself or a relative or neighbour is added to this by calling 0800 027 0800 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
You can report a leak on Southern Water’s 24-hour leak line: 0330 030 0146.
Power cuts
If you have a power cut, call 105 to get up-to-date information.
Further advice is available on the Website.
Travel advice
The roads and pavements can be dangerous when icy. Avoid travelling in very bad conditions, if possible, but if you have to travel, check the latest weather and travel advice.
- Check MET Office weather warnings
- Check live road updates by following Island Roads on twitter (@IslandRoads) or listening to local radio.
- You can find out which routes are gritted at on the Website
- Plan your route using the AA route planner
- Check live travel updates
- Check live Southern Vectis bus travel or via twitter (@SouthernVectis)
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: osman rana under CC BY 2.0
