Snow and Ice

Venturing out on foot

• Put on sturdy footwear to avoid slips and trips – be particularly careful going up and down steps and pavements.
• Wear several layers of clothing and keep dry to prevent loss of body heat.
• Keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate.
• Take a mobile phone with you in case you get into difficulties.

Venturing out by car

• Avoid travel if possible – try to wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling, and keep an eye on weather warnings.
• If you must travel, follow the AA’s advice on the items you should have in your car.
• Extreme weather conditions and icy roads make driving more difficult – by following Government advice you can help to make your journey safer and reduce delays for everyone.
• See the winter driving advice from the RAC.

Getting trapped or stranded in your car

• Wrap up warm and put a hat on – use newspapers, maps, and even removable car mats for added insulation.
• Put on as many layers of clothing as possible – multiple layers are better at keeping you insulated than a couple of thick layers.
• Keep your circulation going by clapping your hands and moving your arms and legs occasionally.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Stay in the car and do not leave it to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards – you could become disoriented and lost in drifting snow.
• Display a ‘trouble’ sign by hanging a brightly coloured cloth on the radio antenna and raising the bonnet.
• Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour so you can use the heater and turn on the car’s light.
• Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping the exhaust pipe clear of snow and opening a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
• Take turns sleeping if more than one person is in the car – huddle together for warmth.

There’s no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It’s unlikely you’ll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully.

• Check the Government advice on clearing snow.
• Put grit, sharp sand or salt on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping on compacted snow.
• Bulk bags of salt will be left by us in key areas that have been identified by your parish council, with the expectation that the salt will be used before snow falls. This salt can be used by the community to assist in clearing public places.

• Latest weather forecast from the Met Office.
• Latest severe weather warnings from the Met Office.
• Information on road closures, roadworks and other incidents
• AA traffic news
• National Rail Enquiries