What is cold weather?

Every year, as temperatures drop over the winter period, cold weather affects health and wellbeing.

Physical hazards such as snow and ice increase the likelihood of falls and injuries. Exposure to cold temperatures can increase blood pressure, suppress the immune system and make fighting infection more difficult. These factors add up to cold-related deaths being the most significant weather-related source of mortality in England.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), with information from the Met Office, issue a Cold Health Alert when impacts are expected to be seen from low temperatures.

Local Risk Rating

Very high

What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare for cold weather?

We are not able to prevent cold weather, however, through better forecasting and advanced warning we can better plan for when they occur.

Associated Risks

Cold temperatures have an impact on our health, but there are other risks in winter including physical injuries from slips, trips, and falls.

As we get older it becomes harder for our bodies to detect how cold we are, and it takes longer to warm up. For older people particularly, the longer the exposure to the cold, the more risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents at home (associated with loss of strength and dexterity in the hands).

Cold weather can be linked to other risks, such as:

  • Storms
  • Land movement
  • Surface water flooding
  • Water infrastructure failure or loss of drinking water
  • Accident on motorway or major trunk road
Snowy,Winter,Street,Scene,At,Odiham,In,Hampshire,,Uk

How can you prepare?

There are things you can do to prepare yourself and your household for cold weather. Click on the content below to learn more:

1. Before cold weather

Sign up to alerts

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have a Cold-health Alert system that is used between 1 November and 31 March every year. The service is aimed at health and social care professionals and anyone with a role in reducing health impacts caused by extended periods of cold weather. For individuals receiving the service, it also provides situational awareness if health and well-being is at risk, allowing precautions to be taken.

To sign up to receive the UKHSA Weather-Health Alert Alerts click the following link

UKHSA Weather-Health Alert

For more information on the National Severe Weather Warnings click the following link

National Severe Weather Warnings

At home
  • Ensure you have enough insulation around your water tank(s), loft and external water pipes.
  • Check you have de-icer, salt/grit and the necessary tools to keep your home safe and clear of snow and ice.

2. During Cold Weather

At home
  • If you can keep the paths around your property, clear of snow and ice
  • If safe to do so you may wish to consider knocking down any icicles that form to prevent them falling onto someone
  • Check to see if your gutters are being affected by the weight of snow.
  • Put salt or grit on paths and driveways.
  • Consider getting together with neighbours to clear footpaths and community areas.
Travelling

Consider whether you really need to make the journey. If you are travelling when snow or ice is forecast, make sure that you and your car are fully prepared for the trip and that:

If you’re walking

  • If you are going outside, wear several layers to avoid losing heat and cover your head. Keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate.
  • Wear practical footwear that is warm and has good grip for the conditions.
  • Consider using a walking stick to aid balance.

If you’re driving

  • You have warm clothes, food, water, fully charged mobile phone, torch, spade and possibly a reflective jacket.
  • Tell somebody when you expect to arrive and the route you plan to take
  • Make sure there is enough screen wash in the windscreen washers and have some spare to top up if needed.
  • Try to wait for the roads to be treated/gritted before travelling – note it may be that only the major roads are treated.
  • If you must drive, check the Highway Code for advice on driving on ice and snow. The main points are:
    • Slow down
    • Allow extra room – it can take 10 times as long to stop in these conditions.
    • If you start to skid, ease gently off the accelerator and avoid braking. If braking is necessary pump the brakes, don’t slam them on
    • If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to the aerial.