Snow and Ice

Advice and information in the event of snow or ice hazards.

Before an Emergency

If you have to make a journey by car when snow is forecast, make sure you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade, and let someone know when you expect to arrive and your route. Try to wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling.

Put grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping on compacted snow.

Check vulnerable neighbours are prepared.

During an Emergency

Avoid travel if possible.

If you must drive the advice is to take care around gritters. Don't be tempted to overtake. Slow down, it can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.

Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. If you start to skid, gently ease 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 your aerial.

If you go outside wear several layers of clothing and keep dry to prevent loss of body heat. Watch out for signs of hypothermia - uncontrollable shivering, slow or slurred speech, memory lapse and drowsiness and frostbite - loss of feeling in and pale appearance of fingers, toes, nose and ear lobes. Keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate.

Follow the 'Directgov Snow Code' when clearing pavements and footpaths.