Severe weather advice

Health

Cold weather can worsen some health conditions, particularly for those that are older.

Age UK can provide information on their website about keeping well this winter.

Keep yourself healthy this winter

• get a flu jab if eligible, check the NHS website to find out more about the flu vaccine
• get advice if you feel unwell by visiting your pharmacist (if you need medical advice when your pharmacy is closed call 111)
• tune in to weather forecasts and take this into account when planning your day
• check you have well-gripping shoes to prevent falls in cold weather
• wear several layers of clothes to stay warm
• remain active in your home
• eat well, aiming for at least one hot meal every day as well as warm drinks
• good hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of norovirus
• check the NHS website for guidance on how to stay well in winter

At home

Staying warm in your home is important

• Follow current NHS and UK Health Security Agency advice on keeping warm and well. Heating needs vary according to age, health, the property and individual circumstances.
• if you can’t heat all your rooms make sure you keep your main living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed
• in very cold weather, rather than turn the thermostat up, set the heating to come on earlier, so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up
• have regular meals, including plenty of hot food and drinks, keeping your diet as varied as possible
• Check current NHS and UK Health Security Agency cold-weather guidance for advice suited to your health and circumstances.
• contact your local Age UK for a benefits check if you need help with heating costs

Protecting your home

• check that pipes are adequately lagged and know where your stop tap is located
• check that your heating is serviced and cooking appliances in your home are working correctly
• check your smoke alarm - if you don’t have one, get one for free by signing up to a home fire safety check
• test your carbon monoxide alarms
• when using open fires, make sure you always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers, and make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go to bed
• keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained
• keep heaters away from curtains and furniture, never use them for drying clothes and try to secure them against a wall to stop them falling over
• unplug electric heaters and blankets when you go out or go to bed
• only use gas, or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas
• never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket
• don’t leave electric blankets folded as this damages the internal wiring
• electric blankets should be bought new (not second-hand), tested every three years and replaced when more than 10 years old
• if you have to use candles, or matches always secure them in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains
• put them out completely using a snuffer, or water before leaving the room or going to bed
• discuss with family and neighbours how snow and ice might be cleared from in front of your house if you will be unable to do this yourself

On the roads

Winter driving can be hazardous

• check the weather forecast before setting off, if bad weather is forecast consider whether your journey is absolutely necessary
• top up anti-freeze and screen wash and check for wear and tear on wiper blades
• make sure your batteries are fully charged
• keep tyres at the recommended pressures and check you have at least three millimetres of tread
• wipe dirt and spray off headlamps and make sure all bulbs are working
• keep windows clear of snow, frost, and condensation before setting off on a journey
• clear snow from the top of the car
• keep the fuel tank topped up and make sure you have enough fuel for your journey
• allow extra time for your journey and drive at a sensible speed
• accept your journey will take longer and don't take risks
• take a fully charged mobile telephone with you and carry a mobile charger and some emergency kit in the car (including a map, jump leads for the car battery, torch, warning triangle, ice scraper, de-icer, first-aid kit and warm clothes)
• in severe weather or for a long trip, you may want to add a shovel, a pair of boots, a blanket, any medication, food and a hot drink

Snow and Ice Clearance

When icy conditions are forecast Kent County Council (KCC) will salt the main routes in Kent as a precautionary measure. These are primary salting routes only, as KCC do not treat minor roads and lanes and are not responsible for motorways or trunk roads.

The primary salting routes cover about 30% of roads in Kent, these include:

• all A and B class roads
• busy commuter routes
• other roads that can become hazardous in frosty or icy conditions

If there is prolonged heavy frost, widespread ice or snow, KCC will consider salting more of the road network. These secondary routes, will be treated only after the primary routes.

National Highways is responsible for motorways and major A roads on the strategic road network.

Vulnerable People

Icy roads and snow can often mean that older, or more vulnerable people are not able to get out and about.

If a neighbour or relative may need additional assistance because of their circumstances, please look out for them during winter. They may need practical help with shopping, clearing paths or caring for a pet.

Specifically, if the curtains aren't opened during the day, or there are no lights on in the evening, there may be something wrong. Try knocking on the door to see if there's an answer. If not, contact a relative or friend who you think may have a key.

If you think there are serious grounds for concern, contact the emergency services by dialing 999.

For more general information see Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign.

Winter Weather and Water Supplies

Periods of freezing temperatures followed by a thaw can cause burst water pipes and interruptions to water supplies.

If you experience supply issues, contact your water provider directly.

Most properties in Tunbridge Wells Borough are supplied by South East Water website, which provides updates on service interruptions, bottled water stations and emergency support when required.

Roads and travel

Severe weather can make travelling particularly hazardous.

For the latest traffic disruptions, road closures, public transport updates and travel information, visit Heart Kent Traffic and Travel news.