Staying well in extreme weather
Contents
Cold weather
Some people are more vulnerable to the health effects of the cold, especially:
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older adults
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those with long-term health conditions
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households on low incomes
They are also more likely to get injured from slips and falls.
Higher energy and other living costs mean that more people will be vulnerable to the health impacts of cold.
Making preparations for winter can help you minimise any disruption during bad weather and help you prevent colds, flu and other health problems.
Useful links
The Met Office provides tips on getting ready for winter.
Age UK has produced a winter wrapped-up information guide with information on keeping warm, health issues to look out for in winter, and where to get help.
The Southwark Cost of Living webpage contains information on support and advice available to Southwark residents.
The NHS has advice on keeping healthy this winter.
Visit Southwark warm spaces this winter for free activities, hot drinks and snacks in a cosy environment.
Get Information on vaccinations.
Citizens Advice Southwark for advice on what benefits people you work with are entitled to, and other generalist advice.
Find out about help for rough sleepers
Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital provide advice on preventing slips and falls
Parks
Take extra care in our parks and open spaces during periods of very cold weather. Hard surfaces may be slippery. We lay salt (grit) where ice or snow is visible during the day. Most hard surfaces within parks remain untreated. Consider the risks of slipping over and consider taking an alternative safer route.
Transport
Review your travel plans before setting off on your journey and always consider alternative means of transport. Check the Transport for London website.
Schools
Contact your child’s school directly if winter weather has caused disruption.
Bin collection
It is rare for services to be affected by bad weather but if your bin collection is delayed due to snow, it will be rescheduled when conditions are safer. We would only operate vehicles in snowy conditions where we are sure it is safe to do so. This is because we would not wish to increase the risk of accident, injury or obstruction when travel conditions could already be challenging.