Skirlaugh Village - An East Riding of Yorkshire Village
General Advice (Snow and Ice)
General Advice on Snow and Ice
To keep warm and well during periods of cold weather:
• Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.
• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer).
• Keep as active as possible.
• Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days.
Keep your home at the recommended temperature of 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F). If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.
Icy conditions
Icy pavements and roads can very slippery. Take extra care if you go out and wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles. The Met Office advises putting grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping.
Bear in mind that black ice on pavements or roads might not be clearly visible, and that compacted snow may turn to ice and become slippery.
Look out for others
Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses, so check up on them if you can.
People with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.
Travel Arrangements
In difficult conditions, don’t drive unless you absolutely need to. If you have to travel, there are some precautions you can take.
• Carry a car kit in your vehicle – mobile phone and car charger kit, your personal emergency contact list, first aid kit, warm, waterproof clothes and footwear, blanket, food, water, torch (with spare batteries) and a spade – in case you are stranded in heavy snow.
• Inform a family member or friend of your intended travel arrangements and expected arrival time.
• Check wipers and lights work properly.
• It is better to wear several layers of clothing to maintain body heat, rather than one thick layer.
• Wear a hat - up to half of your body heat is lost through your head.
• Check on older friends and neighbours, ensuring they are warm and safe.
• Watch out for signs of hypothermia – uncontrollable shivering, slow or slurred speech, drowsiness and memory lapse.
If you get stuck in the snow:
• Switch on your hazard warning lights.
• Move slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can.
• Do not leave the vehicle unless you are in sight of a suitable destination.
• Let help come to you.
For information on the effects of this incident on rail travel, call the National Rail Enquiries line on: 08457 484950.
For information on the effects of this incident on buses, call Buscall - 01482 22 22 22 (open 0800 to 2000 hours daily).
Other Key Contacts
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
(01482) 393939
Electricity (24 hour emergency
service and supply failures only)
0845 733 1331
Gas (24 hour emergency service
and gas escapes)
0800 111 999
Yorkshire Water
(24 hour emergency service)
0845 124 24 24
Fire and Rescue
(non emergency)
www.humbersidefire.gov.uk
(01482) 565333
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
www.mcga.gov.uk
(01262) 672317
Police
(non emergency)
www.humbersidepolice.co.uk
101
NHS Direct
0845 4647
