It is important to think about how cold weather this winter may affect you, your family and your home. As temperatures drop, you need to keep warm and well.
Cold weather can lead to serious health problems and can be fatal. People who have suffered from heart attacks, strokes or pneumonia; those who are 65 or over; or people with chronic health conditions, are particularly at risk.
Looking out for yourself and others is essential to keeping healthy. Check weather forecasts and plan the day around them. Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over.
- Protect your home from high winds
- Look after your pipes
- Please look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours during cold weather
- Think about purchasing:
- a supply of grit for your property's drive and walkways
- long life food to reduce the number of journeys required during wintry weather.
Driving
Snow and wintry weather can create adverse driving conditions.
If you have to travel, ensure that your car is in full working order, check:
- engine oil and water are at recommended levels
- tyres and brakes are in a suitable condition.
Check you have the correct emergency equipment in your car and check the advice on preparations for winter driving.
Road gritting
The council maintains local roads in priority order.
Check road gritting procedure and routes
Burst pipes
Thames Water has asked customers who spot a leaking or burst pipe on a street or pavement to report a leak to Thames Water online, or contact their 24-hour leak line on freephone 0800 714 614.
Report a leak to Thames Water
Recovery
- When snow and wintry weather is subsiding, the risk of ice on roads is increased due to the refreezing of surface water overnight. Take extra precautions whilst driving in these conditions, treating the roads as if there is snow on them to ensure your own safety and other road users as well.
- Although the likelihood is low, when the snow melts, depending on how fast it melts, flooding may occur.
Check the river and sea levels in your area.