Winter weather
You can find out if there any severe weather warnings in place on the Met Office website.
You can also register for their severe weather warning updates.
Get ready for winter
WeatherReady is a national campaign run by the Met Office in partnership with the Cabinet Office.
WeatherReady has a number of partners across the UK who provide useful advice on preparing for and getting through the winter.
You can find more information on the WeatherReady webpage.
Cold weather at home
Cold weather can occur at any time of the year, but is most likely in the winter. You shouldn’t wait until the bad weather arrives to get ready to deal with it.
You can:
- sign up for email updates on our services so you know if the bad weather is affecting them
- register for recycling and refuse text message reminders
- follow us on Twitter
- sign up to our facebook page
- follow @PreparedinEssex on Twitter
- use our Community transport pages to find help to get out and about in bad weather [link to Community transport page]
- get guidance from the NHS on the flu jab and staying healthy this winter
- get advice from Livewell Essex on how you can look after yourself and others this winter
If you or someone you know relies on prescription medication, make sure you:
- keep your prescriptions up to date
- have enough medication to last you at least a week
Prepare a winter car kit
If bad weather is forecast, you should only travel if your journey is essential.
If you do have to travel, your journey can take longer than you expect. You can prepare for this by packing a few essential items in your car including:
- torch and spare batteries
- ice scraper and de-icer
- warm clothes and boots
- waterproof jacket
- sleeping bag and a pillow
- some food and water such crisps, cereal bars and so on
- flask with a hot drink
- shovel
Snow Clearance
There is no law stopping you from taking action to clear your local pavements and pathways. But you must take a careful and common sense approach.
When clearing snow and ice make sure you are not putting yourself or anyone else at risk. Do not use water under any circumstances as it may replace snow with dangerous black ice.