Information and advice on cold weather and snow

Cold weather and snow can have a big impact on day-to-day life, particularly on our transport networks.

What could happen:

What the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum is doing:

providing additional support via health and social services for elderly and vulnerable people
creating plans to manage the effects of severe weather and how this could impact our infrastructure
working with the Met Office which provides advice and severe weather warnings
preparing business continuity plans so that emergency service organisations are still able to function
preparing for winter weather by gritting roads
working with the NHS as it prepares for additional pressure on their resources over winter and working with other emergency services on business continuity plans to enable them to still function

What to do if there is cold weather and snow

check the Met Office website for weather warnings and the weather forecast
prepare yourself and your vehicle with sufficient fuel, screen wash, suitable tyres, a high-visibility jacket, blankets, food, a hot drink and a shovel - find out more on the Met Office website
check local grit bins are well stocked and request top-ups if necessary
make sure your house has sufficient insulation

check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives
dress appropriately with warm clothing and take care when walking or driving on compacted snow or ice
avoid travel if possible, but if necessary take extra time for your journey
accelerate gently and maintain a safe distance between other cars when driving
close your curtains to keep the heat in your house