Not only does snow and ice make driving conditions hazardous but low temperatures can also affect people in our community.
Impact
- People’s health can deteriorate during spells of cold weather
- Travel disruption in Dorset
- Interruption of electricity and water supplies
- Schools and businesses being closed
Consequences
- Hospitals and GP practices busier due to increase in injuries (fractures, respiratory illness)
- Road traffic accidents increase due to ice and snow
- Planes are grounded, airports closed
- Rail travel disrupted due to ice and snow on railway lines
- Travel and transport networks disrupted due to untreated roads
- Electrical disruption due to the cold weather affecting power lines
- Closure of schools
- Flooding from rapid thawing of snow and ice
What you can do
Plan ahead by taking simple steps can help our families and communities cope during severe weather.
If snow or icy conditions are forecast, only travel if absolutely necessary. If you do, make sure you and your car are fully prepared for the trip.
- Take a blanket to keep warm if you get stuck or breakdown
- Have a warm drink kept warm in an insulated bottle
- Consider using a location app on your phone such as
The following websites provide information to help you prepare:As snow or ice melts, it can result in flooding, learn more:
If your community has a
this can give you prompts for checking on people known to be vulnerable.
