PR1495/BT/MF
11 November 2011
With weather forecasters predicting another cold winter, Mid Sussex District Council is encouraging residents to be prepared for snow and ice again this year.
The Government’s Chief Scientific Officer suggests that severe wintery weather is likely to become more common in the future and is advising residents to ‘Get Ready for Winter’. The Government has launched a new website www.direct.gov.uk/getreadyforwinter to provide practical advice about how to plan for winter and how residents can help themselves and the wider community when severe weather arrives.
The Government provides practical advice about clearing snow and ice from around properties such as:
• If possible, clear snow when it’s fresh as it’s easier to move
• Do not use hot water on snow or ice, as it can re-freeze making conditions more hazardous
• Apply salt sparingly – as little as a tablespoonful can treat as much as a square metre of ice
• Sand, grit or ash can be used but it will not melt snow or ice, it will simply provide more grip.
Residents may also wish to stock up with fuel oil as well as with non-perishable foods in case of emergency and it is wise to secure all loose objects outside the home and regularly check the roofing. When snow arrives, only travel by car when it is absolutely necessary but if the journey is unavoidable, then take warm clothes, food, boots, a torch and spade. Try to wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling and let someone know your route and when you’re expected to arrive.
In icy and snowy conditions, West Sussex County Council is the local authority responsible for gritting the roads and Mid Sussex District Council is working closely with the Town and Parish Councils to ensure the areas’ needs are recognised by the County Council. The District Council treats its key car parks and footpaths in highly used areas to make them as safe as possible for the community.
“When heavy snow falls it is inevitable that there will be some disruption, but as residents we can do our best to keep it to a minimum by being prepared and helping each other,” said Councillor Christopher Snowling, Cabinet Member for Health and Community. “There is no law to stop us from clearing snow and ice from the pavement outside our property, pathways to our houses or other public spaces.
“As long as residents use common sense and are careful not to make the surface more dangerous than it was before then they are free and encouraged to help out. Clearing the snow at the front of your house may seem like a small step, but if we all do it then together we can quickly get our communities moving again after heavy snow.”
To find out more about being prepared and planning for emergencies, please visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/emergencies to read the Council’s ‘Guidance for Severe Weather’ and the ‘Emergency Plan’.
In the event of severe weather, Mid Sussex District Council will provide up to date messages on the www.midsussex.gov.uk website, or residents can visit the www.direct.gov.uk/getreadyforwinter pages for more information.
ENDS
