Here are some suggestions from West Sussex County Council for the simple things you can do to help you and your family keep warm, healthy and safe through the cold weather – as well as saving money.

Protecting your home – Find out more on how to protect your home in advance of the winter weather:

• Order winter fuel
• Check pipes are lagged to prevent them bursting and know where to turn your water off
• Find out about the Warm Front Scheme
• Prepare an emergency bag in case you or your family have to move elsewhere at short notice due to weather
• Floods happen. Be prepared. Check if you are at risk from flooding and sign up for free flood warnings

Health and wellbeing – Steps you can take to protect your health this winter:

• Fight the flu this winter – get a flu jab
• Check NHS Choices for health guidance on winter ailments (flu, winter vomiting, cold temperatures)
• Wash your hands to prevent viruses spreading
• Check you have had your heating and cooking appliances serviced by an approved trader – carbon monoxide is a killer
• Have sufficient supplies including food, see WSCC Meals on Wheels service

Winter travel – Hints and tips on travelling safely during severe weather:

• Ensure you have shoes with good grip
• Follow GOV.UK’s advice about driving in adverse weather conditions
• Follow WSCC winter driving advice
• Check out the routes that will be gritted by West Sussex County Council and plan your route if you have to travel
• Keep up to date with the latest travel information around the county or around the UK
• Sign up for notifications of disruption to train services (email alerts are free and can be set for up to 12 weeks)

Helping your community – This guidance challenges misconceptions about health and safety laws getting in the way of action and volunteering.  We need the Big Society most in times of adversity, when communities have to pull together.  This guidance sets out how you can survive the ice and snow and help your neighbours to do the same:

• Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the cold weather. If you’re worried about them, contact WSCC
• Check you know who might need help in your community by speaking to your local Parish Clerk.
• Sign up for UK weather warnings from the Met Office
• Help your community by volunteering