Be winter ready
Winter always brings the potential for severe weather, which can leave public services stretched.
Cold and damp weather can also make it more difficult to stay well.
Make sure you're prepared to manage whatever the winter brings by thinking ahead and making some basic preparations.
Keep warm, stay well
There are lots of things you can do to keep warm and well when it's cold. Give yourself the best chance to stay well by taking advantage of free health checks and vaccinations. Get out for a walk, or take part in a social activity, to keep the winter blues away. Our libraries and family hubs have lots going on and are a good place to go to keep warm and find support.
Prepare for severe weather and emergencies
Severe weather can make life difficult for everyone. It's worth taking some simple steps to make sure you're prepared. Consider visiting a DIY store to stock up on salt/grit for the paths around your home, and make sure you've got a snow shovel, torch, batteries and a first aid kit handy. The UK Government website contains a few simple and effective steps to help you be ready for emergencies.
You or someone you know may be eligible for extra support in the event of interruptions to power, gas or water supplies - sign up to the Priority Services Register.
Find a reputable tradesperson
Our Trading Standards team often get complaints following winter storms when people have agreed to have repairs carried out by a cold caller, and the work turns out to be poor quality.
Whether you're making some home improvements or need repairs to your property you can find reputable tradespeople with our Safe Trader scheme.
Travel safely
Out and about
During the winter we all need to give a little extra thought to stay safe during the darker nights and be ready for whatever the weather will bring.
Make sure you can be seen at night by wearing bright or reflective clothing – most serious incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists happen in 30mph zones. If you're a driver take extra time to look before moving off, reversing or pulling out from junctions.
Pavements can become extremely slippery in freezing temperatures. Walk carefully, wear footwear with good grip, and take slow, short steps on icy surfaces.
If you or someone you know needs some extra help with mobility, consider the range of equipment and technology available to help you live independently at home and get out and about.
On the roads
One of the county council's biggest priorities during winter is to keep Lancashire's roads as clear and safe as possible. Please do your bit to help by parking carefully so the gritters can get past. Just use a sprinkle from grit bins – one tablespoon can cover a square metre. Find out more about our gritting operations and stay informed with our live gritter map.
It's worth making sure your vehicle is prepared, and carrying some winter essentials in case you need them. There's some good advice on the National Highways website.