Get prepared - that’s the plea from council chiefs as more snow is forecast throughout the county in the next few days.
Derbyshire County Council’s gritter drivers will be out helping to keep the county’s roads clear working alongside a team of farmers and other contractors drafted in to help cover extra roads where needed.
District and borough councils will be clearing pavements in town centres. And volunteer snow wardens from more than 60 town and parish councils will also be out helping to keep pavements and public spaces clear in their communities.
Council chiefs are also offering the following advice to residents to ensure they stay safe and well during the cold snap too:
* Make sure you’ve stocked up with any medication you may need and other supplies such as food and baby milk if needed.
* Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active at home if you can.
* Keep your home warm. Your main living room should be between around 18-21C (65-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F).
* Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.
* Be a ‘snow buddy’. Check on older neighbours and relatives to make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, with plenty of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out.
* Keep a list of contacts you may need such as a plumber if pipes burst, an electrician and other useful numbers. To find legitimate traders visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/trustedtrader
* Keep an eye out for bogus officials who may call door-to-door without an appointment claiming to be from heating supply or other companies checking for problems caused by the cold weather. Always check the identity of callers to your home and if in doubt call the police.
* If you’re using a portable heater, make sure it has a safety guard and it’s placed away from furniture, beds or curtains.
Cabinet Member for public health Cllr Carol Hart said: “We want to make sure everyone stays safe and well this winter.
“By taking a few simple steps to prepare, we can all help keep disruption to a minimum.
“Take care on the roads – only drive if you really have to.
“Keep an eye on elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
“And don’t forget there’s no law against clearing snow from the pavement in front of your property – there’s no health and safety reason not to.
“Please feel free to use the grit in grit bins around the county to keep pavements and public spaces clear – but please don’t use it on your private property. You could be prosecuted.”
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