Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

THE Met Office has issued an Amber Weather Warning for Snow and Ice on;- Saturday, 4 January 2025, from:- 6 pm to 12 Noon, on Sunday, 5 January 2025.

Snow and freezing rain will is a good chance of disruption to transport and some other services. In extream cases it could also lead to power cuts, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths might become impassable, and this could result in road closures and longer journey times possible.

Only travel of required to do so. If you are traveling please remember to:-

Plan your route.
Check for delays and road closures.
Leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off.
Check wipers, tyres and screenwash.

Pack essentials in your car:-

Ice scraper and de-icer.
In-car phone charger.
Warm clothes and blankets.
High visibility clothing.
Jump leads.
Empty fuel can.
Food and drink.
Warning triangles.
Sunglasses.

Take a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack. But don't assume you can rely on your smartphone and in-built car technology for maps.

Also the UK a Cold Health Alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office.

An Amber Cold Health Alert has been inplace since:- 2 January 2025, for all Regions of England, from Midday (12 pm - Noon) on:- Wednesday, 8 January 2025.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:- "The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including:- those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures."

Cold weather can put people at greater risk of ill health and even death primarily because it increases the probability of complications from existing disease, and of injury due to falls. If staying at home please remember to keep warm and also please check on any vulnerable people or those with health conditions if you know them.

In all settings, you should reduce the risks associated with exposure to cold weather by:-

Developing, and where necessary implementing, business continuity plans (BCP) for cold weather, and ensuring all staff know how to take action accordingly.
Protecting clients and staff by promoting Covid19 and flu vaccination for them.
Taking simple measures to protect clients and staff from cold, snow and/or ice.

If you work in a setting that provides care in clients’ own homes, you should also:-

Identify who is at higher risk of cold-related illnesses and how to reduce that risk.
Have a plan in place for individuals you are responsible for to keep them warm during the winter and ensure staff know how to raise concerns regarding clients they are working with if necessary.
Ansure staff are aware of main sources of support for housing, energy bills and other needs to signpost clients to, including support for those on low incomes.

Wouter Heuterman, CEO of SpeedComfort, comments:- "With the cost of living crisis continuing to affect so many families across the UK, it’s heartbreaking to see that so many Brits are worried about keeping their families safe and warm at home this winter. The cold has a huge impact on how we feel both physically and emotionally. For families with children and vulnerable people, the impact of cold temperatures is even further exacerbated. So, if you’re worried about the health of your family this winter, it’s well worth considering alternative ways of keeping your home warm when temperatures drop. To help with this, we’ve created a guide for staying warm without increasing energy usage this winter."

Cold-Health Alert (CHA) action cards summarise suggested actions to be taken by different professional bodies and organisations in the event of cold weather:-

Link for Cold-Health Alert action card for commissioners.
Link for Cold-Health Alert action card for health and social care providers.
Link for Cold-Health Alert action card for health and social care providers.

Check the Met Office Website to see the National Severe Weather Warnings currently in place.