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With colder weather forecast, households are reminded to take simple steps now to stay safe, warm, and well. Cold conditions can increase the risk of illness, accidents, and disruption, particularly for older people and those with existing health conditions.
Residents are encouraged to:
- ensure heating systems are working properly and used safely
- keep homes well-insulated and close curtains at night to retain warmth
- check pipes and outdoor taps to help prevent freezing
- stock up on essential supplies such as food, medication and batteries.
Dressing in layers, staying active indoors, and enjoying warm meals and drinks can also help maintain body temperature on colder days.
Cold weather can worsen existing health conditions. People are advised to:
- wash hands regularly to reduce the spread of winter illnesses
- stay indoors during extreme cold where possible
- take extra care on icy paths and driveways to prevent slips and falls.
Cllr Jenna Ho Marris, Cabinet Member for Homes and Health at North Somerset Council said: “It’s forecast to get colder over the next week and it’s important we all take care of ourselves and each other.
“Older adults are particularly vulnerable in cold weather, and community support can play an important role. If you can, please do check in regularly on elderly relatives, friends, and neighbours. Make sure they have adequate heating and warm clothing, enough food, medication, and access to medical care and offer to help with errands or household tasks if conditions are icy. A quick phone call, message, or knock on the door can make a significant difference.”
Community Living Rooms continue to remain open across North Somerset providing a warm, safe and welcoming space for residents to come together. For the latest list of locations and opening times, please view https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/north-somerset-together/community-living-rooms-north-somerset.
North Somerset Council also activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) yesterday (Tuesday 30 December) to help people who are sleeping rough stay safe and access shelter as temperatures are forecast to drop.
Working in partnership with the YMCA Rough Sleeper Outreach team, additional outreach walks are being carried out to make sure people who are currently sleeping rough are aware that SWEP has been activated, and to offer accommodation and support.
If you’re worried about someone sleeping rough, please:
- send an alert to the outreach team by using the Streetlink website at https://orlo.uk/streetlink_iPZAW
- call the YMCA Outreach Service on 01934 629 787 during office hours.
If you need to speak to the emergency duty team outside of usual office hours (after 5pm during the week, on a weekend or bank holiday) please call 01454 615 165.
North Somerset Council’s team of gritters will salt and grit the most heavily used roads based on road temperature. For more information, including gritting and salting routes, please visit https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/parking-travel-roads/roads-streets/winter-maintenance/salting-roads.
For further advice on winter preparedness, visit https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/community-safety-crime/emergency-management/be-weather-ready/preparing-winter or follow local updates and weather warnings.