Top Advice for Winter Weather

What with heavy snowfalls and ice set to continue across Britain, school closures, treacherous driving conditions in one of the worst winters for years.

As temperatures plummet to -15c in some areas, the BBC has published advice to ensure the public’s safety throughout these more extreme weather conditions. From animal care to power cuts and how to drive safely, these tips will see you through the snow with a smile.

Winter Driving
All sources advise against making any unnecessary journeys, but should you really need to venture out make sure you keep both yourself and any passengers’ safe in all eventualities. Carrying a few extra bits and bobs will make all the difference should the weather get the better of you or your vehicle- a charged mobile phone for calling emergency services/tow trucks/ willing friends to help out; an ice-scraper, de-icer, torch, first aid kit, warning triangle, warm clothes and a tow rope. If you do have to make a long journey, give yourself plenty of time and head weather warnings before setting out.

Dicey Ice
Winter driving is synonymous with two things- snow and ice. The latter can be particularly dangerous, with drivers being advised to slow down, steer gently and avoid harsh turns, braking or acceleration and keep a safe distance between themselves and other vehicles.

Pull away using 2nd gear to avoid wheel spin, break from a low gear and use the break pedal gently. Should your car begin to skid it’s best to turn the steering wheel into the skid and ease off the accelerator and brake gently.

Black ice (one of the worst culprits for road accidents at this time of year) will not be visible but rather detected as the steering will feel light and/or the noise created by the tyres on the road will cease – reduce speed by easing off the accelerator rather than braking.

Power Cuts
Power cuts necessitate torches, candles and a keen sense of humour. If you do suffer a power cut, it should only be temporary- Switch off and unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as personal computers, videos, satellite receivers, answering machines etc. Don’t open freezers and fridges more than absolutely necessary and leave just one light on so you know when the power has been restored.

Animal Care
Don’t let man’s best friend down this winter- forward preparation, especially regarding animals kept outside, and the RSPCA/ SSPCA should be contacted if any animals in difficulty are spotted. It makes sense to keep adventurous pets away from frozen lakes and ponds, give outdoor animals extra food, fresh water and shelter. Smaller pets such as guinea pigs or rabbits should be given extra bedding and, if not indoor already, moved to a garage or shed for extra shelter.
Ponds
Ponds are tempting when iced over, but luckily a saucepan of hot water placed on top should gently melt the ice, while pond dwellers will need a hole bored through the ice to ensure air. Fish in outdoor ponds should be fed regularly as body fat reserves will see torpid fish through the winter months.
It’s a Birds Life
Make like Blue Peter and ensure you regularly put out food for garden birds, who struggle in the winter months when access to food and water becomes very difficult. Leave out bits and pieces and you’ll be making a real difference- stale cake leftover from Christmas, moist breadcrumbs, water, biscuits, seeds and raisings and bacon rind will all be welcome additions to the bird table.
Clean tables and feeders regularly with mild disinfectant to reduce the chances of disease, and make sure you leave food well away from bushes and trees as cats love to pounce from these.