Everything you need to know during the cold weather
As you may have noticed, the weather has been extremely cold this week with temperatures set to drop again tonight with more ice forecast into the weekend and beyond.
An AMBER Cold-Health Alert has also been put in place by the UK Health Security Agency, running until next Tuesday.
In this email you'll find everything you need to know about staying safe and well in this weather, from gritting routes to health advice.
Gritters and Gritting Routes
Our gritters have used over 1,200 tonnes of rock salt since Friday 3 January, but are still well stocked at our North Bridge and satellite depots.
Our teams carry out planned gritting throughout the day and night, as well as being on standby, and provide 190 grit bins near roads / paths.
Rock salt is effective to a point, but if the temperatures are too low, or if there is intense rainfall or lots of surface water, its effect is limited, so please take extra care when travelling in these conditions.
Our ‘Get Ready for Winter’ page contains lots of information, advice and guidance for cold weather. On here you can find links to:
- Road closures
- Gritting – and how to request a grit bin refill
- Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)
- A reminder of our Winter Charter
Our gritting teams have completed 18 gritting runs since Friday, and treated well over 5,000 miles.
Details of all of our winter gritting routes can also be found here:
We will continue to grit again tonight through until the morning - please park sensibly to allow gritters, ploughs, and emergency services vehicles past.
Driving in Cold and Icy Conditions
Travelling conditions will remain difficult for the next few days so please take extra care - especially on untreated surfaces - and plan your journeys in advance. We would also remind everyone leave yourself some extra time to defrost the car and for any potential delays due to the conditions.
Further details on driving in these conditions and ensuring your vehicle is ready for winter can be found here:
A reminder too that there is still some surface water on the roads due to flooding earlier this week, so please not drive through flood waters. We have seen some examples of this over the last few days and it is extremely unsafe, especially as there may be unforeseen dangers.
Where road closures are in place, drivers may be liable to prosecution for moving cones and signs or driving through a closure point.
In addition, routes that have been closed will not have been treated with salt and will be potentially hazardous given that road surface temperatures drop overnight.
Staying Warm and Well
With the AMBER Cold-Health Alert which has been put in place by the UK Health Security Agency, running until next Tuesday, it's important to stay warm and well.
Make sure you’re looking out for elderly and family members and neighbours, whilst also looking after yourself. Keeping your home heated to 18 degrees if you’re able to, and wearing extra layers, can help you stay well.
Wait times for NHS services can be longer than usual at this time of year, especially given the recent weather. If you do become poorly, this guide can help you find the best service for your illness or injury.
Further details and information with specialist advice on financial support, health guidance, as well as information on staying warm through the winter months can be found on our Winter webpage here:
Support this Winter
We know how important it is to feel safe and well this winter, and there is lots of support available to you across Doncaster.
There are lots of grants and support available to you this winter. From national support such as the warm homes discount, and Energy Company Obligation, to local schemes including the Boiler on Prescription schemes. Further details can be found here.
If you are finding it hard to heat your home over the winter period, Welcoming Spaces are available throughout Doncaster to support you. Welcoming Spaces across Doncaster provide a warm, safe, local space for anybody who may need it over the winter period without the expectation of having to spend money. You can find details of your local Welcoming Space here:
Choose Kindness this Winter
If you're concerned about a vulnerable neighbour or family member this winter, it's easy to choose kindness:
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Say Hello: There is no easier way to make someone's day
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Ask: Not everyone will ask for help, but that doesn't mean they don't need it. Always ask if there is anything you can do to help.
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Keep them informed: Not everyone is online, if you see important information you think may be useful, post them a note through the door or you can even print out this webpage!
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Shopping: If you're going to the shops or pharmacy, ask if they need anything collecting.
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Spot the signs: Know the signs that they may need help. Not seen a neighbour for a while? Are their curtains always drawn? Remember, if the weather is bad, they may not be able to get out and about easily.
Current Flooding and Road Closure Situation
Whilst the situation is improving with regards to flood warnings and alerts, it's been a week of extreme weather conditions and we're still seeing some of the impacts of that.
A number of road closures remain in place due to flood waters, you can find details of them here:
Don't forget you can also sign up to get flood warnings if your home or business in England is at risk of flooding. The service is free.
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