Lancashire County Council is urging everyone to be ready to keep themselves warm and healthy at home, and safe when making journeys this winter.
Gritters left the depot for the first time earlier this week to treat roads in some parts of the county ahead of forecast frosts, with almost 32,000 tonnes of salt in stock for the season and 1,800 grit bins filled to the brim.
The council is working more closely than ever with parish and district councils, the police, the fire and rescue service and the NHS to deliver a consistent message to the public about what to expect this winter and what they can do to prepare for bad weather.
With new responsibilities for public health, it is urging people to take simple steps to protect elderly! friends and relatives they care for against the cold, and help to reduce the number of deaths due to winter related illnesses.
The council’s website also has a wealth of advice and information on everything from staying healthy during the winter to equipping your car, safely clearing snow from paths, how to check on school closures and gritting routes, and what the council can and can’t do when the worst weather hits.
Leaflets containing all the top tips will also be available at hundreds of locations including garages, petrol stations, high-street shops and council receptions across the county.
County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We’re well prepared for the coming winter but are asking everyone to do their bit to help.
“We always have to focus our gritting resources on treating the main routes, and we’re as ready as we can be for any prolonged severe weather.
“But as the first frosts begin we can all take steps to make sure that when severe weather strikes we are able to manage. Whether it’s checking on elderly and vulnerable neighbours, helping to clear snow from pathways or planning ahead for your journey, together we can keep our county safe and on the move.
“Simple things like making sure your car is serviced and equipped for winter conditions, and checking local travel news before your journey can make a big difference.
“I’d also encourage people to consider looking in on elderly neighbours, and if they want to buy salt from supermarkets or garages to use on their own paths and driveways, to stock up now.
“I’d ask everyone to remember that just because a road has been gritted it may not be clear of ice and to take extra care and prepare ahead for our journeys in freezing weather.”
Lancashire County Council’s website at www.lancashire.gov.uk (search for ‘winter’) contains links to social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. People can check on which roads are gritted in their area and sign up to receive instant updates whenever the gritters go out.
• For all the latest gritting updates, winter weather advice, school closures and more, visit: www.lancashire.gov.uk – search for ‘winter’ www.twitter.com/lancashirecc – share your winter tweets using the #lancswinter hashtag www.facebook.com/lancashirecc
• Share winter photos on the Winter in Lancashire Flickr group: www.flickr.com/lancashirecc
• Find out more about the work of the County Council’s gritting teams: www.youtube.com/lancashirecc