JERRY'S BLOG: Media News : Snow & Cold Weather Advice

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Snow & Cold Weather Advice

Updated 9/1/10

AS THE WEATHER CONTINUES TO GET EVEN COLDER, PLEASE DO MAKE SURE OUR ELDERLY , DISABLED, AND THOSE RESIDENTS WHO ARE ILL HAVE PLENTY OF WARMING FOOD AND DRINK, AND THAT THEIR HOMES ARE WELL HEATED.

Keep warm, keep well

The Department of Health recommends the following practical steps to minimise the risks during cold weather:

have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day – if possible, eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up during winter
wear several light layers of warm clothes
keep as active as possible
remember to wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days

Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health (South East Coast) said: “Remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential. In particular, they need to keep their home at the right temperature - between 18 and 21 degrees Centigrade or 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit -, and if they can’t heat all the rooms they use, they should heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before they go to sleep. The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather.”

County's road salt order diverted:

An order for 4,000 tonnes of road salt for Northamptonshire has been cancelled on the orders of the government.

Heather Smith, in charge of highways, said the county could face running short of grit after the government took control of national supplies.

Stocks destined for the county have been diverted to areas considered to be in greater need.

Minister for the East Barbera Follett said the government was doing what was best for everyone.

Ms Smith said she would love to tell central government Northamptonshire did not want to be part of the national scheme.

Grit bins are for paths' warning:

People in Northamptonshire have been urged not to take salt from pavement bins for private use.

MGWSP, the highways service provider for the county council, said its 1,729 salt bins may take a week to replenish.

Police warned of the dangers of walking on frozen lakes and rivers after youngsters were seen playing at Drayton reservoir and Daventry Country Park.

Battling bills - what help is there?

Cold weather has put the issue of energy bills back in the spotlight - and a boiler scrappage scheme in England has brought more assistance for some households.

But with average household energy bills now totalling more than £1,000 a year, many families may be worried about paying their fuel bills this winter. This guide outlines what help is available.

KEY NUMBERS
Government helpline: 0800 512 012
Home Heat helpline
0800 33 66 99
Energywatch helpline
08459 06 07 08

As well as the general help listed here, suppliers often offer grants, special tariffs and other measures on a case-by-case basis.

If you are having trouble paying your bill you should check with your supplier to find out what help is available from them.