Big freeze advice

Members of the public should follow this advice during the cold weather:

Fires and heaters

• Ensure that your electric heaters are properly maintained and in full working order
• Always use a fire guard to protect an open fire against flying sparks and hot embers and make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go out or go to bed
• Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. Always unplug electric heaters when you go out and go to bed

Electric blankets

• Electric blankets can help you keep warm during the cold nights, but fires can be devastating
• Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off
• Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use
• Don’t leave electric blankets folded as this damages the internal wiring. Store them flat or rolled up instead
  

Candles

Candles may also be used more to lighten up the dark evenings. As with open fires, a naked flame brings risks if not treated carefully. You should make sure that candles are secured in a proper holder, and away from materials that may catch fire, like curtains. It’s also very important that candles are put out completely when you leave the room or go to bed

Road safety

• By slowing down and driving to the weather conditions collisions and incidents can be avoided
• Take extra care on untreated roads. Black ice is impossible to see and can cause serious injuries
• Is your journey really necessary? If you have to make the journey, go prepared with an emergency kit and warm clothing. Check the weather forecast before you travel
  

Frozen waterways

• People should take extra care around ponds, lakes and waterways. Although a brisk walk along a stretch of Britain’s 2,2000mile network of canals and rivers can seem attractive, towpaths, bridges and locksides can be particularly slippery at this time of year
• Walkers should NEVER be tempted to stray onto frozen water to play, feed birds or even rescue stranded pets. Children should never play by the waterside
• You would put your own life at risk trying to rescue the animal and the lives of firefighters called to rescue them. Ensure dogs are kept on leads at all times
• There is no such thing as safe ice

 

Police Ask Public Not to Call About Gritting (West Yorkshire Police press release)