Get Ready For Winter
As the weather gets colder it's time to think about getting ready for winter and Christmas, including making sure you're prepared if you or your family fall ill.
During the cold weather we are all more likely to catch colds or flu, and the risks of a heart attack, stroke or breathing difficulties can increase. This is especially true for older people, people with chronic diseases, or those with a physical disability.
The best way to combat winter is to follow a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthily and taking exercise can make a big difference. It's also vital to keep your home warm and keep yourself warm when you go out.
Be prepared:
Make sure you collect repeat prescriptions in time. Check the opening hours of your surgery - don't forget they may be dosed at weekends and bank holidays.
Make sure you have a supply of basic first aid and remedies, kept out of the reach of children. For example:
- plasters
- Antiseptic cream
- Pain killers
- Paracetamol for children
Tips for road safety
If there is frost and snow, the Council arranges for roads to be salted or gritted or for snow ploughs to clear them.
When frost or snow is forecast some roads in your city, known as our gritting routes, will be salted.
Weather forecasting has improved but sudden weather changes do happen. Sometimes we can salt the roads only for rain to wash it away again. The road can then freeze before we have had chance to repeat the salting.
Hail, heavy snow, fog and rain reduce visibility for drivers. Always adjust your driving to the conditions, use dipped headlights and reduce your speed.
In extremely bad weather, the best advice is to stay off the road. If you must drive, make sure you are prepared for the conditions.
