Preparing for Bad Weather: hot, cold, snow, wind and flooding

In this section:

• Latest weather warnings
• Preparing for bad weather events:
  • Preparing for flooding
  • Preparing for hot weather
  • Preparing for winter weather
• What to do before bad weather
• Advice for over 65s or those with long-term health conditions
   

Latest weather warnings

You can check the latest weather warnings on the Met Office website.
 

Preparing for bad weather events

The Met Office provides some simple steps you can take to stay safe, healthy and "WeatherReady". You can find more information on being WeatherReady on the Met Office website.

Listen out for national and local weather updates on the radio and TV, and visit the Met Office website for weather warnings and forecasts.

View our advice pages on:

• Preparing for flooding
• Preparing for hot weather
• Preparing for winter weather
   

What you can do before bad weather

Whatever the weather, be prepared and take action accordingly:

• Consider creating an emergency plan for you, your family, community and your business
   
• Ensure any vulnerable people are signed up to utility company priority services registers
   
• Consider your pets and animals and what the weather will do to them
   
• Be prepared for changes in Council services. Updates will be provided on the website, including key information on school closures, changes to bin collections, transport disruption, road closures and other weather-related details. We also make this information available to local radio stations
   
• Be a good neighbour - check on friends and neighbours to make sure they are okay, especially those who are elderly and vulnerable. If they require more help than you can give, take a look at our Adult Social Care Advice
   
• Drive safely - if you do need to drive during periods of bad weather, check the forecast in advance and plan enough time for a trip that may involve delays and dangerous driving conditions
   

Advice for over 65s or those with long-term health conditions during severe weather

If you are over 65 or have a long-term health condition you should remember to:

• keep a supply of medicines, and tinned, frozen and long-life foods so you do not need to go out if it is dangerous to do so
• make a list of emergency contact numbers in case you need help during cold weather
• if you must go out dress appropriately, wear shoes with good grip and take your mobile phone with you
• stay in contact with friends and family

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service provided by suppliers and network operators to customers in need. Being a priority user means you will receive priority support in an emergency, advance notice of planned outages, and much more. 

During severe winter weather, it's important to make sure vulnerable people are safe. Our adult social care team are there to support the council's most vulnerable residents to make sure they are keeping safe and warm. If you have serious concerns, please get in touch with adult social care.