COLD WEATHER ADVICE FOR BRIGG PEOPLE TO STAY SAFE & WELL

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

With the cold snap we’re experiencing, North Lincolnshire Council is urging people to be extra careful when out and about in the bad weather.
The gritting crews are on stand-by and have been out and about salting the many roads in North Lincolnshire and will continue to do so when needed. In addition they will also clear pedestrianised areas and other heavily-used footpaths.
Besides the work the council does in helping keep the roads and footpaths clear and accessible, there are simple steps people can take themselves to help reduce their chance of a slip, strip or fall this winter:
Keep yourself up-to-date with the weather forecasts. Preparation in bad weather is key 
When icy or wet weather is forecast, act to prevent icy build-up in well used areas such as your driveway, garden path etc. by putting salt down in affected areas 
If possible, avoid areas that are sloped or constantly in the wet or in the shade as these areas will be a slip or fall risk 
If you need to go out in the bad weather, consider buying some ice and/or snow treads that attach to the bottom of your shoes. These are a cost effective way of being able to walk on icy or snowy walkways and enjoy the outdoors without fear of falling. 
If you have one, wear your personal alarm at all times, either round your neck or on your wrist. If you don’t have one and are at risk of falling and causing serious injury, consider buying a personal alarm, especially if you live on your own. For more details, call the council’s Care Call team on 01724 849768 or visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/carecall 
And don’t forget to check on your elderly neighbours, friends and relatives to ensure they are OK and have everything they need during the bad weather 
There is often confusion around whether or not you should clear snow from your property. However, clearing snow and ice from pavements can make moving around much safer and easier. 
Gov.uk has provided the following advice on how to clear snow and ice safely for you and others this winter. If you clear snow and ice from your pavement carefully, it is unlikely that you’ll be sued or held accountable if someone is injured.

When to clear snow and ice:
Do it early in the day – it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow 
Don’t use water – it might refreeze and turn to black ice 
Use salt if possible – it will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight (but don’t use the salt from salting bins as this is used to keep roads clear) 
You can use ash and sand if you don’t have enough salt – it will provide grip underfoot 
Pay extra attention when clearing steps and steep pathways – using more salt may help 

When should I use grit?
Gritting is a quick way to de-ice surfaces during the winter. Rock salt is the most common used grit that we often see being spread on public roads and walkways 
Gritting should be carried out when frost, ice or snow is forecast or if walkways are likely to be damp or wet. The most effective time to grit is early evening, before the frost and/or early in the morning before pedestrians or employees make use of the surface 
Important to note: salt does not work instantly, it needs time to dissolve into the moisture on the ground, so please bear this in mind if and when you are applying salt in your own areas 
Do not grit when it is raining heavily. Doing so will cause the grit to be washed away or will have no impact on preventing slips, trips and falls, and may cause a problem if the rain turns to snow 
Grit is not effective when compacted snow turns into ice. Other methods such as shovelling the snow (take care not to block the way for others) and then applying grit, will be more effective.

If you’re thinking of driving:
Ask yourself if your journey is really necessary – will it wait until the weather improves? 
If you have to travel, give yourself extra time for the journey – don’t put pressure on yourself by rushing If your journey is taking longer than you thought, don’t worry: it’s better to arrive late than not at all. Slow down and take extra care. It is your responsibility to drive to the prevailing road and weather conditions. If you get into trouble, especially in snow, stay with your vehicle until help arrives 
For more useful tips, refer to the ‘Let's get ready for Winter’ leaflet http://www.heps.gov.uk/news/get-ready-for-the-winter/
For details of which roads and pavements the council salts, call 01724 297000 or visit www.northlincs.gov.uk
For more details on how to keep safe, well and warm during the winter months, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/winterhealth

Frances Cunning, Director, Public Health at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The council constantly monitors the weather for any changes in temperature and as soon as it drops to below freezing, the crews are out gritting the roads and footpaths helping keep them open and accessible for motorists and pedestrians.
“The conditions can at times be treacherous, so it is important that people, especially the elderly are extra careful. They should only go out if absolutely necessary and take extra precautions such as wear snow shoes or boots with good grips on the soles. If at all possible, ask a friend or relative to do your errands for you, to save you having to go out. 
“Having said that, we don’t want people to be cooped up inside all winter. It is important that we get some fresh air and exercise, even if it is just a short stroll to the shops. But please be very careful and when the weather gets really bad, only go out is absolutely necessary.”