Emergency Planning Group – Getting Ready for Winter

In August 2024 a small group of Councillors from Great Torrington Town Council plus local representatives from Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon & Somerset Fire Service met to discuss Emergency Planning for the town. As part of this discussion, it was suggested that it would be useful to produce information each season to address common concerns that effect local people.

There are many useful online resources offering advice about getting ready for the colder months ahead. However, we understand that not everyone can access online resources confidently, so if you need help accessing further information do get in touch (01805 626135) we can provide printed copies of information where needed. It is also possible to obtain information and IT support from your local library. If you have specific concerns relating to your health during the cold weather speak with your GP and other healthcare providers.

Examples of useful online resources:

•  Winter advice for the elderly – Age UK
• Winter vaccinations – NHS.gov.uk
• Things to do now to prepare for winter – Met Office.
• Financial advice – for those experiencing financial difficulty in later life – independentage.org

The Met Office recommends these ten steps:

(Metoffice.gov.uk)

1. Be prepared for power cuts and internet outage due to stormy weather. Have a battery pack or separate batteries, keep a list of important contact numbers somewhere easy to find (near the phone) e.g. family members, GP practice, the power cut helpline number – 105, plumber, electrician etc.
2. Check your heating – Cold weather can be a risk to your health, particularly if you are over 65 or have health conditions. Ideally your home (and those of elderly relatives and neighbours) should be heated to at least 18°C. Keeping your home warm this winter – Met Office
3. Weatherproof your home & garden – pack away items that may be vulnerable to high winds, consider checking for loose branches, fence panels or slates. Anything that may become dangerous in high winds.
4. Check your plumbing – Do you know where your stop tap is?
5. Make plans – think ahead, consider how you will get to work, can you work from home, how will childcare be managed if the schools are closed?
6. Have basic supplies to hand – make up a handy supply of essential items.
7. Check your car is winter ready – Prepare a winter kit for your car – Met Office

Keep a warm blanket, torch, high visibility jacket, and some food in your car for emergencies. For the full winter car kit visit the Met Office website.

1. Think about vulnerable neighbours – if you know you have a family member or neighbour who may find it difficult to access the information or resources they need, could you offer to help?
2. Keep up to date with recommended seasonal vaccinations. (www.nhs.uk)
3. Find out how the community can prepare for seasonal changes and emergencies, have a look at the below webpages for further information on being prepared and resilient as a community :

• campaign.gov.uk
• gov.uk – community resilience

One of the most common issues people contact Great Torrington Town Council about during winter, particularly if we experience snow and ice, is the location of salt bins. So please do get in touch if you need information about your nearest salt bin. Guidance on how the salt should be used can be found online – grit/salt should be used sparingly and is provided primarily for use on the roads.

The Bickford in South Street is a great place to pop in for a cup of tea and some company, plus you can access useful information.

Look out for other local services offering a warm space throughout the winter.