'Amber Alert’ to keep warm and well this winter
Almost a decade of mild winters could leave many unprepared for a cold snap this year, and as a result Warwickshire County Council is reinforcing the Government’s `Keep Warm – Keep Well’ message.
The County Council’s Emergency Planning Unit is responding to a national `Amber Alert’ in preparation for a cold winter ahead and is now working closely with Social Services to ensure that the most vulnerable Warwickshire residents receive support this winter.
Jeremy Lee, Warwickshire’s Emergency Planning Manager, said: ``Severe weather is one of the biggest threats to the efficient day-to-day running of the country, and it’s for this reason Warwickshire has in place regularly tested procedures and means of reducing the impact of this on the community.
``However, the community also has an important role in taking measures to protect themselves.
``Since 1995 winters in the UK have been particularly mild, giving the impression that this is now the norm, so even an average winter could come as a surprise to some. The met office is predicting a `colder than average’ winter, and as a result the `Amber Alert’ has been issued.’’
Work is now underway with Social Services as part of the department’s `Winter Capacity Plan’ to make people aware of what they can do to stay warm this winter. Leaflets are being made available across the county in locations ranging from doctors’ surgeries through to libraries and Social Education Centres. More information is available from Warwickshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Unit’s website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/epu – a copy of the leaflet can be downloaded from this page.
Social Services’ Head of Adult Services John Bull said: ``The Keep Warm, Keep Well’ campaign seeks to offer advice on remaining healthy in cold weather. And includes information on energy efficiency, grants and benefits available for the financially disadvantaged and vulnerable.’’
There are also other handy pieces of advice, such as in severe weather motorists are advised to keep a spade, flask of hot drink, mobile phone, torch and blanket in their car.