Government advice for winter

by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

Now that British Summer Time has ended, and winter is seriously knocking at the door, the government says that now is a good time to think about what winter weather preparations you, your family and community may need to make.

A dedicated web page gives suggestions for the simple things members of the public can do to help themselves and their family keep warm, healthy and safe through the cold weather – as well as saving money. Links to specific information and advice are listed in the 'Useful sources of help' panel. These come under the headings:

- protecting your home

- health and well-being

- travelling

- communities

Go to the dedicated web page. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Features/DG_WP199639

It can just be hoped that people will actually head any advice given on the website (and elsewhere). The problem, all too often, is, however, that they all think that it can never happen to them.

How many people have enough food and such at home to be able to get through a power outage, for instance, on through sinply being snowed in for a day or two? Most don't.

Far too many rely on being able to get to the stores as and when they want to get things. But that does not always work and also stores, in case of severe weather, might and will run out of supplies, and that simply because of the fact that they work like many people; on a “on demand” basis.

When it comes to travelling the advice must be: of you don't have to in severe weather then don't and even if you, theoretically, should and need to be at work, if the weather is bad don't travel, at least not by car.

Use common sense and you and everyone will get through any such eventualities...

© 2011