Cold weather, ice and snow

Find advice about winter weather, plus information about travel in cold weather and gritting when it snows.

Stay updated by following us on Twitter.

For more information about the weather visit the Met Office website.

Rough sleepers

If you're concerned about someone who you think is sleeping rough, you can log their location on the StreetLink website.

StreetLink website

Street gritting

During the winter season, we spread a mixture of grit and salt onto the roads which improves your grip and stops ice from forming. In severe weather, when snow falls and settles, we begin to grit the pavements too.

We'll update our twitter page with weather alerts. Please take precautions when travelling in cold weather as some untreated surfaces may be icy.

If you have any questions about gritting or snow clearance, please email highwaysgeneral@lbhf.gov.uk.

Travel

Only travel in bad weather if your journey is absolutely necessary. If there is snow or ice on the ground we advise you to stay indoors until we have been able to grit the roads and pavements.

If you're driving in cold weather, please take care on untreated surfaces which may be icy. 

Please see the advice from the MET Office: Travelling in severe weather.

For more advice on winter weather and travelling, please visit the Met Office website.

Older and vulnerable people

  • Stay tuned to the weather forecast. Ensure you are stocked with food and medications in advance (have deliveries or ask a friend to help).
  • Take the weather into account when planning your activity over the following days.
  • Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold-related illness or falls.
  • Check room temperatures If you or someone else is likely to be restricted to one room during the winter period or during a cold spell, make sure that it can be kept at or above 21°C during the day and 18°C during the night.
  • Discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from the front of your house and public walkways nearby, if you are unable to do this yourself.
  • If you have to go out, make sure you dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes. Also tell someone where you are going and let them know when you get back. If you have a mobile phone, keep it charged and on you at all times.
  • Keep active.
  • Dress warmly, eat warm food and take warm drinks regularly.
  • Visit the NHS’s ‘Keep Warm, Keep Well’ page for more information on how to keep yourself warm and healthy.

Schools

Schools may sometimes close during very bad weather. Your child's school will text you if it is going to be closed. If you are unsure, check directly with the school before you travel.

H&F schools contact details

Advice on staying warm 

To help support residents during the winter, we’re supporting warm welcomes across the borough where anyone looking for somewhere to sit down and relax is welcome.

You’ll receive a hot drink, biscuits, and the chance to chat to members of your community or to take part in different activities. Find out more on our Warm Welcomes webpage.

The Met Office web page ‘Get Ready for Winter’ also has information on how to keep warm, healthy and safe during cold weather.

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