Keep safe and well this winter

Winter weather is hitting us again this week.

A Met Office yellow warning for snow and ice is in place for the rest of the working week bringing some more challenging conditions to Rossendale residents.

Please follow Lancashire County Council for gritting updates and we have some good information online  about preparing for the cold snap.

During periods of severe weather, including fog, snow, ice and floods, the Met Office and Highways England are a good source of driving advice and information.

Visit the driving in severe weather page and travelling in heavy snow and ice page and check out Highways England’s website for general information.

The past 7 years has also seen a 3-fold increase in the number of older people admitted to hospital with respiratory illnesses. There are some simple steps we can all take to help keep an older relative, friend or neighbour fit and well this winter.

Make sure they have a well-stocked medicine cabinet, with remedies for high temperatures, coughs, colds, sore-throats and upset stomachs.

They also need to keep warm. Age UK has some useful general information and advice about what to do if you have any concerns.

Make sure that your relative, friend or neighbour stays connected and has regular conversations with other people – even if it’s sometimes by phone.  Isolation can have a negative impact on someone’s emotional and mental health.

If they have an existing lung condition, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, speak to the practice nurse or GP to see if it would be useful for them to have an emergency ‘Rescue Pack’ made up of medication they can take straight away if their condition starts to get worse.

If you are ill don’t visit for a few days until your symptoms have improved – you don’t want to pass on any viruses.

If you have any concerns about an older relative, friend or neighbour, get advice early.  Speak to your pharmacist or GP practice.

Rough sleepers are also especially vulnerable when the temperature plummets. During cold snaps we activate a severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP). The purpose is to provide humanitarian assistance to rough sleepers on occasions when the weather is considered to be severe.

If you are concerned someone who is sleeping rough is at risk, please raise it here.