The Cold Weather Plan for England
Cold weather is associated with an increase in illnesses and injuries. Cold weather increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung illnesses, influenza and other diseases. People slip and fall in the snow or ice causing serious injuries. Some groups are particularly susceptible to the effects of very cold weather, such as the very young and people with pre-existing medical conditions, this year pregnant women have been added to the vulnerable group list. The plan aims to highlight preventative action to avoid many of the deaths, illnesses and injuries associated with the cold.
Public Health England (PHE) has published the ‘The Cold Weather Plan for England -protecting health and reducing harm from cold weather' since 2011. The plan and national action cards, including specific advice for community and voluntary sector and for individuals, can be found on the following website.
Cold Weather Plan for England: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cold-weather-plan-cwp-for-england
Related Help from the Met Office
The Met Office’s National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) warns organisations and the public about a range of high-impact weather events, including rain, snow, wind, fog and ice. This service operates year round across the UK, and can be found on the Met Office website.
The Cold Weather Alert service is in operation in England from 1st November to 1st March each year. The Cold Weather Alert service comprises four levels of response based on cold weather thresholds. The thresholds have been developed to trigger an alert when severe cold weather is likely to significantly affect people’s health. The alerts take account of temperature along with other winter weather threats such as ice and snow. To receive NSWWS warnings directly, register with hazard manager.
Message from Staffordshire County Council
If there’s ice and snow, in your neighbourhood, who are you gonna call? Ice Busters!
When winter sets in, our dedicated ice busting crews swing into action to help clear paths so people can get to shops, schools and GP surgeries safely.
To find out how your community group could help this winter contact our highways team