Help for Vulnerable People During Severe Weather

Severe cold weather can be dangerous for vulnerable groups such as older people and those with serious illnesses. Preventative action taken at this stage can greatly benefit vulnerable groups during the cold weather.

We can provide support, information and advice relating to vulnerable people during severe weather. We can all make a real difference by identifying family or neighbours who may need an extra helping hand during winter. 

We would urge anyone who can to check on those around you, particularly the vulnerable that may need help or assistance.

People who are at risk include:

  • Anyone who is vulnerable and at increased risk as a result of a significant disability or medical condition.
  • People living alone with no-one else to help them and having a significant disability or medical condition.

​Severe Weather Volunteer Service

Staff from across the council, NHS and the voluntary sector have volunteered to make contact with people who need essential provisions or prescriptions picked up or paths cleared. In exceptionally severe weather the council will activate the Severe Weather Volunteer Service to deal solely with enquiries for assistance.  If this service is activated information will be posted here, advised via local media outlets and the council's social media websites.

Careline

Contingency plans are in place to ensure that the Home Safety Service and Careline remains operational.

Contacting the council

In bad weather our phone lines will be very busy. If you already use our services and want to find out if bad weather is affecting them, before phoning our helpline please contact your care provider and if there continues to be an issue contact your named worker and your local office. If you need to contact us call Duty Number 01506 282252 (Adults) or 01506 284700 (Older People) - Monday-Thursday (8:30am-5:00pm), Friday (8.30am-4:00pm) or our emergency out of hours service 01506 281028 or 281029.

Top Tips:  Being prepared and planning ahead for winter conditions can include the following:

  • wrap up well when going outdoors
  • maintain the right temperature in your home (max temp is 18-21°C)
  • wear plenty of thin layers rather than one thick one
  • wear something on your head (most body heat is lost from the head)
  • shut doors to keep heat in the rooms used most
  • use hot water bottles or electric blankets (but never both together) if the bedroom is cold at night
  • eat and drink well - food is a vital source of warmth
  • find out how to get financial help for heating your home through available grants via the advice shop
  • have a flu jab
  • if you are concerned that you or someone else maybe at risk due to age, a chronic or serious illness or mobility problems or living in hard to heat accommodation, please contact the appropriate number shown above.